Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Homs is the third largest city in Syria, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 750,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 5-10 Mbps, suitable for basic browsing but may not support heavy remote work requirements. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,500 SYP; cash is preferred, but some places may accept cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is inconsistent; 220V, 50Hz, with Type C plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers such as Syriatel and MTN; prepaid options are common. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited options for expats; international banking services may be restricted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local rentals, and some hotels; Airbnb is limited. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless payment options; cash is preferred in most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options available, though limited due to regional conditions. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable local hotels, like Al Zera Hotel; rates start from $25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Al-Hamra area is recommended for its central location and local amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al-Hamra is also suitable for longer-term stays with more amenities and potential coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, dedicated coworking spaces are limited; cafes with Wi-Fi may serve as alternatives. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Nader is popular among locals and has Wi-Fi available. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking opportunities are sporadic; local business meetups occur occasionally. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community activities are limited; online platforms may host gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in the region, providing ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Some local shops offer bicycle rentals; however, options are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is around 90 km away in Tartus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Syrian Airlines operates flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Limited international flights available; connections through Beirut may be necessary. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Homs to Damascus and Aleppo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Homs train station offers limited services, primarily regional. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses operate on fixed routes; daily passes are not common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses connect Homs to other cities; it’s best to check local services. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Assad Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in Homs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Availability of such centers is limited; local gyms may offer fitness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Fitness Time are available for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and cleaning services are available, with prices around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat offers food delivery services from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kibbeh and Tabbouleh at local restaurants for authentic Syrian flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes like Falafel and Fattoush. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | El-Farouq has some of the best traditional sweets in Homs. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and snacks at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce options due to regional restrictions. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local stores may offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | There are few nightlife options; local cafes may stay open late. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brews can be found in some areas, but options are limited. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine is served in restaurants but specific wine bars are uncommon. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is available around the city center, popular for kebabs and sweets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some international fast food chains are present, but local cuisine is more prevalent. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Crusader Castle and the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Homs Museum offers insights into the local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Roman ruins are scattered around the city, reflecting its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Various mosques and churches, including St. George's Church, are notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals may occur around local holidays; check local calendars. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old City offers a glimpse into traditional Syrian life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters occasionally host performances, check local listings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al-Homsi is a vibrant market to explore local handicrafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes host live music occasionally. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas feature murals that depict local stories and history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Not widely available; some locals may offer informal cooking lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries showcase local artists; check local community centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many buildings reflect ancient architecture and history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Homs has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Qalamoun Mountains provide scenic landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al-Badia National Park offers unique ecosystems and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; local parks may offer walking trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints in the city offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rural areas surrounding Homs are suitable for birdwatching; check local guides. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some areas in the countryside are suitable for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services available; international deliveries may vary. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited repair shops; basic services are available locally. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited options for language learning; private tutors may be available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries available, but study spots are limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The City Hall may host community events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming venues; some local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is largely prohibited in Syria. |
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. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system on personal income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax can reach up to 22%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations exist for foreign companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Mostly based on agreement terms; varies widely. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 2% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific benefits for digital nomads; taxation can be complex. |