Latakia, Syria 🇸🇾
#683
35.520018, 35.778104
Nomad Score:
37%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Latakia is a coastal city located in northwestern Syria, known for its port and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 400,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 5-10 Mbps, with higher speeds available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Syrian Pound (SYP). 1 USD is approximately 10,000 SYP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is typically 220V, 50Hz, and Type C sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | MTN Syria and Syriatel are the main providers offering mobile services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited international banks; cash is preferred. Local banks accept debit/credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available through Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels. Monthly rents average around $300 for 1-bedroom apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available with prices ranging from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels range from $10 to $30 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces are limited; check local community centers for shared workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Moka is popular among locals and offers free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local universities sometimes host networking events; social media platforms may have offers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for expatriate groups on Facebook for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem operates in Latakia for on-demand rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike rental options; local shops may offer cycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Corniche Beach is the most popular; accessible by public transport. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Syrian Air is the main domestic airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Turkish Airlines offers regional connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Latakia is connected to major highways leading to Damascus and Aleppo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Latakia Train Station connects to other cities, although service may be sporadic. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly buses; no specific passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate between Latakia and major cities like Tartus and Homs. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Mawassy Hospital is one of the best medical facilities in Latakia. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered at local gyms and community centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Palace offers gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; service prices vary. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in some areas for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood dishes, especially grilled fish at local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local vegetarian dishes include falafel and hummus; some places on the Corniche offer vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Al-Raef offers traditional Syrian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Souq Al-Hal come alive with fresh produce and spices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online platforms like Souq.com offer products, but options are limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may offer delivery services for frequent shoppers. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Corniche has cafes and restaurants open late for entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcoholic beverages can be found at select bars, but no local breweries exist. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine is available at select restaurants along the coast. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell shawarma and other local specialties at affordable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants offer Italian, Turkish, and Chinese options in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The ancient fortress of Qal'at al-Madiq and the Albustan Souq. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Latakia Museum showcases local artifacts and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ruins of Ugarit nearby, known for its ancient cuneiform tablets. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque of Latakia is a prominent landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals are held during summer, celebrating music and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Latakia has a mix of modern and classic architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters occasionally host performances and plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al-Hal is a vibrant market for local goods and spices. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in cafes and restaurants, particularly during summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Artists occasionally showcase their works in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary classes offer lessons in traditional Syrian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries display works by local artists, particularly along the Corniche. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many Ottoman-era buildings can be found in the old town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is rich in maritime history, reflected in local museums and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The coastal areas offer opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al-Shakkur Natural Reserve is a nearby park with lush landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche offers scenic paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hilltop views above Latakia provide stunning sunsets over the Mediterranean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Appropriate spots for birdwatching can be found in Al-Shakkur Natural Reserve. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services offer domestic and limited international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide repairs for common devices in town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers offer recreational sports including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries provide quiet study areas, mainly at universities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | These centers host various cultural activities and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming lounges are available, primarily focusing on console gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not widely accepted or available in Latakia. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is approximately 14%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Approximately 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum income tax rate is around 22%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax (VAT) is approximately 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations, but enforcement is limited. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | There is a nominal fee for property tax assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax is approximately 2%. |