Sidon, Lebanon 🇱🇧
#1111
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Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sidon, also known as Sayda, is a historic coastal city located in southern Lebanon. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 15-30 Mbps, varies by provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Lebanese Pound (LBP); exchange rates fluctuate, 1 USD ≈ 23,000 LBP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets; frequent power cuts may occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTV and Alfa are the main providers with 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Lebanon has several banks like Fransabank and Bank of Beirut that offer services to expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and long-term rentals. Prices for a 1-bedroom start around $300/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; while some places accept cards, cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local platforms, averaging $50/night for decent accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Sidon Hostel, with dorms starting at $15/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old City is ideal for its proximity to historical sites and scenic views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near Sidon Port, offering cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sidon Coworking Space, offering monthly memberships for approximately $150. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Paris, known for its reliable Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional local meetups via Facebook groups such as 'Sidon Expats.' |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community gatherings are organized through local Facebook groups for social activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is a popular ride-hailing app in Sidon. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Currently, there are no widespread rental services; walking or local taxis are common. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The public beach near Sidon, offering scenic views and local vendors. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) for flights to the regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates flights to Europe and beyond. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The coastal highway provides access to Beirut and Tyre. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Sidon does not have a train station, buses are the primary mode of longer travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available for intercity travel, generally ticket prices range from $1 to $5 depending on the destination. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and service taxis connect Sidon to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Governmental Hospital of Sidon is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Space Sidon offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Time gym offers modern facilities and flexible memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, costing around $10 for a load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Zomato and local delivery options are available for various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood dishes, notably grilled fish from local vendors, are highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Al-Ezz offers a range of vegetarian Lebanese dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tawlet Sidon for traditional Lebanese sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Sidon's Souks provide a variety of local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lebanese e-commerce platforms like Jumia for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services like Al-Hayat offer local product delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Sidon has a few bars and cafes near the port for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Karam Brewery, known for local Lebanese beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Chateau Ksara wines are popular in local wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Falafel and shawarma stalls are prevalent in the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta options available at Ristorante Maria. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Sidon Sea Castle and the Crusader Castle are historic sites worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sidon Museum showcases the city's rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient ruins scattered around the city, including Roman baths. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Great Mosque of Sidon, historically significant. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sidon's annual cultural and food festival occurs in summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old City is a hub for cultural heritage and artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances at various local halls; check local listings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sidon souk is lively with local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Small live music venues and cafés that feature local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Views of wall murals in the Old City add a local artistic flair. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer short courses in traditional Lebanese cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Emerging local artists display work in pop-up galleries across the city. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old houses in the historic district reflect the rich architectural history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's souk and traditional crafts represent local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nature reserves such as the Qaraoun Lake within reachable distance. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chouf Biosphere Reserve is about 90 min drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal pathway along the beach is pleasant for walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Overlooks at the cliffs near Sidon provide stunning sea views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The marshes and wetlands near Sidon are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops like MobileFix offer smartphone repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local centers or community gyms offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language centers in Sidon offer Arabic and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library in Sidon is a great spot for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers offer classes and activities; check local listings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges are available; check social media for meetups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While Sidon lacks casinos, neighboring cities offer options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 17% on profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Lebanon has a progressive income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 11% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules, fairly relaxed. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes exist but are relatively low compared to global standards. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 5% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Lebanon does not impose taxes on foreign income for non-residents. |