Sidon, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1111
33.561409, 35.375089
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sidon, also known as Saida, is a coastal city in Lebanon with a rich history and beautiful Mediterranean scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Lebanese Pound (LBP). Exchange rates can vary greatly, currently around 1 USD ≈ 24,000 LBP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not generally considered drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, frequency 50Hz. Common plug types are C and G. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include touch and Alfa, offering prepaid SIM cards available in stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Main banks include Fransabank and Bank of Beirut; international cards are generally accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guest houses, Airbnbs, and serviced apartments in Sidon. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, though cash is still more widely used. Some businesses accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer several short-term rental options in Sidon. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodgings can be found at hostels and local guesthouses such as The Cedars Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Generally, there are few coworking spaces; try local cafes with free Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Dardachat is popular for its atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local community centers often host cultural events and networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Following expat groups on Facebook can provide information on meetups and community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the Careem app for reliable local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available but limited; biking along the coast is scenic. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The beach in Tyre, approximately 30 minutes' drive, is beautiful and well-kept. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights are served by MEA and Air France. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is accessible via the coastal highway leading to Beirut and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sidon does not have a train station; buses are the common mode of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily by shared taxis and buses with no specific passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and service taxis frequently connect Sidon to nearby cities like Tyre and Beirut. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Resurrection Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in Sidon. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Local wellness centers offer yoga and fitness classes, such as Yoga and Life. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Academy Sidon provides gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats such as Sidon Clean offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use Zomato for food deliveries in Sidon. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Kibbeh and fresh seafood dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Fattoush offer vegan and vegetarian menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Rain Man Sweets is famous for its traditional Lebanese pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit local markets like Souk Al-Sabaa for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local services like Lebonshop provide online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local supermarkets offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Although quieter than major cities, places like Al Fanar offer nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Try local beers available at various restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine options are available at most restaurants, with some dedicated wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer delicious local fare, notably near Sidon Castle. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants offer international dishes, particularly Italian and Asian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sidon Castle, the Sea Castle, and the old souks are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sidon Sea Museum provides insights into the city's maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the ancient city of Sidon are an intriguing visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Khan El Franj and several beautiful mosques like the Mosque of Ali. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals are held annually, celebrating local heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old city offers a rich cultural experience with its traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Various community theaters host performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sidon souk is vibrant, offering crafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes often feature live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban art can be found in various areas, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Look for cooking classes at local culinary schools for hands-on experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit works from both established and up-and-coming artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The ancient city walls and various temples provide a glimpse into Sidon's past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Sidon has a rich Phoenician heritage, evident in its archaeological finds. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby hills and Mount Lebanon offer stunning views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Qaraoun Lake area is a beautiful escape approximately one hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are coastal paths perfect for walking and cycling, especially near the beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The views from Sidon Castle provide stunning seascape vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The coastal areas are great for spotting various bird species, especially during migration. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Outdoor areas near the beach allow bonfires in designated zones. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Lebanon Post and various courier services offer parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer electronics repairs throughout the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like CIEL offer Arabic and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries and community centers can be used for study purposes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local centers engage in cultural and educational activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are a few gaming centers around Sidon catering to local gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Lebanon; thus, there are no casinos. |
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. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 17%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Lebanon operates a progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 11%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Lebanon has minimal CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax varies based on the municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transactions incur a 5% tax on the purchase price. |