Jounieh, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1108
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Jounieh is a coastal city located north of Beirut, renowned for its stunning bay, vibrant nightlife, and historical sites. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 40,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 25 Mbps with options for fiber connections in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Lebanese Pound (LBP) approximately 1 USD = 50,000 LBP. Local banks include Fransabank, Bank of Beirut. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity operates on 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Touch and Alfa, offering prepaid plans suitable for tourists. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to luxurious seaside resorts like the Le Royal Hotel and local Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are increasingly accepted, but carrying cash is advisable. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property listings can be found, averaging $30-100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include the Senses Hotel, rates starting around $20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Jounieh Bay area is preferred due to its proximity to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Jounieh city center offers a good mix of cafes, coworking spaces, and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sabil Co-Working Space offers reliable internet and a collaborative atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moka is a popular spot with good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | MeetUps and local expat groups are often hosted at Cafe Younes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expat Meetup Group on Facebook organizes regular events which are great for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is widely used for rideshare services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Ongoing initiatives for bike sharing are developing; however, renting scooters is more common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jounieh Beach is popular and easily accessible, with amenities and water sports options. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) services regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines like Middle East Airlines and Air France operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access via the Beirut-Jounieh highway (M2). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains, but buses and services run frequently to and from Beirut. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily via shared taxis and buses without monthly passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses are available frequently to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lebanon Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in Jounieh. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Kadam offers classes in a tranquil setting. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Zone is a popular local gym with various amenities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries like Clean Wave provide wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and Talabat are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss trying the Kibbeh and Tabbouleh. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like Em Sherif offer fantastic vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tochka serves a variety of local sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souk Jounieh has fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanon's version of Amazon is Jumia, offering various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery via apps like Trolley is available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Casino du Liban area is famous for its nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lebanon offers various options, such as Brew Society. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Chateau Kefraya is a local winery that offers tasting tours. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around Jounieh offer Shawarma and Manakish. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta e Fagioli offers great Italian meals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Our Lady of Lebanon statue in Harissa provides breathtaking views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Jounieh Maritime Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old souk in Jounieh offers historical architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Saydet El Nouriyye Church is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Jounieh International Festival occurs every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town of Jounieh is rich with local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Al-Madina Theater shows various local productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local markets near the waterfront offer excellent shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is often found in many beach clubs along the coast. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found near the seafront area, celebrating local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a cooking class at the Local Culinary School for authentic Lebanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Balamand University Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many Ottoman-era buildings can be seen throughout the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Jounieh's coastline and cultural blend are significant parts of Lebanese heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Kfardebian area is great for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Cedars of Lebanon is a short drive and offers stunning natural scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal walking path offers scenic views and fresh air. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Harissa provides breathtaking panoramic views of the bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas are great for spotting local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach allow bonfires after sunset. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like FixIt provide tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often set up tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Arabic language classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Balamand University library is open to visitors. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Jounieh Cultural Center hosts various events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes provide equipment for esports enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino du Liban offers gaming activities and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is around 15%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate stands at 10% for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Lebanon has a territorial taxation system, tax on local income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules but they are generally lenient. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, annual property taxes exist but relatively low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Global income is not taxed in Lebanon, favorable for digital nomads. |