Visas
Foreigners who wish to visit Lebanon must have a valid passport and a Lebanese Visa, the latter is issued by the Lebanese Consulates abroad, or by the Directorate General of Security at the Lebanese border.
Language
Many people in Lebanon speak some French or English in addition to Arabic. Foreign newspapers and magazines are available and the prolific local press publishes in French and English as well as Arabic.
Time
Local time is GMT +2 hours in winter and +3 hours in summer.
Climate
Lebanon enjoys an essentially Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and long warm summers. It almost never rains between June and October and visitors can count on 300 sunny days every year. In winter, however, higher elevations can be cold and snowy. Average annual rainfall is 893 mm in Beirut, mostly occurring in winter.
Currency
Lebanese Pound (LBP)=100 piastres.
1 US Dollar = 1,500 LBP
Travellers cheques have limited acceptance. There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign or local currency.
Banking hours are:
- 08.30-12.30 Monday to Friday
- 08.30-12.00 Saturday
Credit Cards
Visitors will find many credit cards are readily accepted in larger establishments. Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club International and Visa International are among those in common use .
In addition, local credit cards such as Investment Credit Card, Cashless Card and Link Card are accepted.
Electrical Voltage
110 or 220 volts
Emergency Services
- Lebanese Red Cross Dial 140
- Police in Emergency Dial 112
In the event of any difficulty or problem, visitors may contact the tourist police at telephone (01) 343 209.
Religion
About 60% of Lebanon's population is Muslim and 40% is Christian.
Public Holidays
- January 1st - New Year Day
- January 6th - Armenian Christmas
- January 21st Al Adha Day (Two Days)
- February 9th - St. Maroun’s Day
- February 10th New Hegirian Year
- February 19th Achoura Day
- March 25th - Good Friday (West Church)
- March 28th - Easter Monday (West Church)
- April 21st - Prophet's Birthday
- April 29th - Good Friday (East Church)
- May 1st - Labour Day
- May 2nd - Easter Monday (East Church)
- May 25th - Resistance Day
- August 15th - Assumption Day
- November 1st - All Saints' Day
- November 3rd Al Fitr Day (Two Days)
- November 22nd - Independence Day
- December 25th - Christmas Day
Tourism
In the last four years, Beirut has undergone a metamorphosis. In the years before the war, the epicenter of night-life was in the Northern suburbs of Jounieh, Kaslik and Maameltain. But as the city picked up, so the hustle and bustle returned. Going out in Beirut is fun. It may not be as cheap as you expect for this part of the World, but it certainly is value for money. The drink servings are generous - especially the spirits - and the food is fairly priced.
A word of advice for those who are sticklers for service etiquette: even though a service charge may be added to your bill, it is expected that you leave an extra tip on the table. Lebanon is a country that runs on tips and favors; try to join in the game.
Food
In Beirut there is every kind of restaurant: French, Italian, German, Austrian, Scandinavian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, American, Indian, Malaysian, Spanish and Filipino. Excellent Lebanese food is available everywhere.
A dish unique to Lebanon is Kibbe, made of lamb or fish pounded to a fine paste, with burghol or cracked wheat, and served raw or baked in flat trays or rolled into balls and fried. Also recommended is the traditional Lebanese Mezza, a range of up to 40 small dishes served as hors d'oeuvres with Arak.
Main courses are likely to include Lebanese ingredients of vegetables, rice and lamb. Lahm Mishwi (pieces of mutton with onions, peppers and tomato) is popular. Other typical dishes are Tabbouli, Hommos and Moutabbal. Lebanese palates also favour pastries with local varieties of baked dough flavoured with nuts, cream and syrup.
A meal is always concluded with a wide range of fruits including melon, apples, oranges, persimmon, tangerines, cactus fruit, grapes and figs.
Tipping
It is customary to leave a tip for the waiter, the sum would average 10-15% of the bill total.
Drink
Bars have table and /or counter service. Alcohol is not prohibited.
