Homs, Syria 🇸🇾
#682
34.725541, 36.707388
Nomad Score:
37%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Homs is the third-largest city in Syria, located in the western part of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1,200 SYP. Local banks include Bank of Syria and Overseas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is available at 220V/50Hz with Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include Syriatel and MTN Syria. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some places, but cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local rentals are available; standard prices about 300,000 SYP/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options range from 20,000 to 50,000 SYP per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Several small hotels and guesthouses available at 10,000-20,000 SYP per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces; consider cafes for working. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafes like 'Cafe M' offer comfortable setups for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited events; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community connections can be made through local expatriate networks online. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; ride-hailing services are limited. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bicycle rental services available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Palmyra Beach, approximately 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Syrair for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Middle Eastern Airlines like MEA for flights to the region. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Homs to Damascus and Aleppo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Homs is served by a central bus station with connections to larger cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local transport is generally pay-as-you-go. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby cities like Damascus and Tartus. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Assad Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; private studios may offer classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Few gyms available, with basic facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats offer cleaning services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery apps; local restaurant takeout recommended. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kibbeh' - a popular traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants offering vegetarian options are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakers sell traditional sweets, especially baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer affordable groceries and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mostly local businesses operate; international shipping is limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; manual shopping is more common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nightlife is limited; social cafes and restaurants are common. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries are not common; traditional drinks like Arak are popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few options exist for wine tasting; local shops offer basic selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer shawarma and traditional snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Few international options; local cuisine predominates. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Old City of Homs, and the Crusader Castle of Krak des Chevaliers. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Homs Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Many ancient ruins in the region, including the Roman ruins at Palmyra. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Homs has various mosques and the Church of St. George. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Annual cultural festivals celebrating local traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the old souks for traditional crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host occasional performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souks in the old city offer a vibrant shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events take place during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; most often found in community projects. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Small local classes may offer insight into Syrian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Very few galleries; local cafes may showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Citadel and various historical houses. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Homs has a rich mosaic of cultures and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Orontes River offers scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby parks include the Al-Mahra Nature Reserve. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited dedicated paths; urban walking is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hills surrounding Homs provide beautiful views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Some area reserves are suitable for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Informal areas near parks are popular for gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services handle deliveries within the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Few community centers may have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer basic Arabic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; some mosques have reading rooms. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers periodically host events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few options exist for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is generally not part of the culture. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $42,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $68,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $52,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is approximately 22.5%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum income tax rate is approximately 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are limited. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value; rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% on property transfers. |