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TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS CLIMATE Lebanon enjoys an essential Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters, long warm summers, and wonderful springs and falls. It almost never rains between June and October and visitors can count on 300 sunny days every year. In summer Lebanese like to escape the heat and humidity of the coast by going to the mountains. In winter, however, higher elevations can be cold and snow usually falls at elevations above 1000m. LANGUAGE Lebanon has one of the best educational levels in the Middle East region. Arabic is the official language in Lebanon, French and English are widely spoken. Foreign newspapers and magazines are available and the prolific local press publishes in French and English as well as Arabic. Communication is definitely not a problem! ACCOMODATION Lebanon has a good hotel capacity, including a number of outstanding luxury establishments. In Beirut, there are also many small, well-run hostelries. Several of the older large hotels have refurbished their premises and once again offer an elegant and convenient place to stay. Hotel space in the mountains is abundant, generally open in the summer season. There are some grand hostels in the mountains as well, open year-round. Furnished apartments, which offer self-service facilities, are found throughout Greater Beirut and in other populated centers. COMMUNICATIONS The domestic telephone service in Lebanon has been improved enormously. International calls can now be made from domestic telephones. Most hotels have international lines. Internet, Telex and fax services are widely available. Cellular phones are widely used and can be rented by visitors. CREDIT CARDS Many major credit cards are now accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diner's Club International are recognized, along with local credit cards such as Investment Credit Card, Cashless Card and Link. TRANSPORTATION Automobile rental companies provide self-driven cars or cars with a chauffeur. Lebanese taxis are comfortable and reasonably priced. Even cheaper is the "service-taxi" which allows one to share the cost of a trip with other passengers. Bus service is also available to certain destinations. HEALTH No vaccinations are required for entry into Lebanon. Lebanon's medical services are very modern, with most doctors speaking French or English. The private hospitals are generally the best, but more expensive, so insurance should be taken out by all visitors. CUSTOMS The Duty Free allowance for entry into Lebanon is two bottles of alcohol and 500g of tobacco (400 cigarettes or 20 cigars). No duty is payable on personal possessions, and there are no restrictions on bringing foreign or local currency into or out of the country. PASSPORTS & VISAS A valid passport and a visa are required from foreigners who wish to enter Lebanon. Visas are delivered by Lebanese diplomatic missions abroad. LOCAL TIME Lebanese time is GMT + 2 hours in winter and 3 hours in summer. TOURIST POLICE In the event of any difficulty or problem, visitors may contact the Tourist Police at telephone: (01)343 209. LEBANESE CURRENCY & BANKING Movement of currency into and out of the country and all exchange transactions are completely free of any kind of control. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or at money exchangers found in main business areas. Travelers checks are accepted. The monetary unit is the Lebanese Pound (Lira). The Lebanese have always been famous for their banking industry, of which strict banking secrecy is a major feature. Currently, over 80 banks operate in the country and transactions are performed efficiently and at low cost. 1 US Dollar = 1,507.50 L.L. (Sept. 2000) WHAT TO BRING Everything that you might require during your stay can be bought in Lebanon at reasonable prices. In summer, light cotton clothing, a hat and sunglasses are essential. Visitors during winter months will require warm clothing as well as wind and waterproof jacket. WORKING HOURS Government Offices 8.00am - 2.00pm Banks 8.00am - 12.30pm Shops 8.00am - 5.00pm (with many open 24 hours) Private Offices 8.00am - 5.00pm INFORMATION SERVICES IN LEBANON Tourist information can be acquired from Embassies of Lebanon or form the Ministry of Tourism in Beirut. The addresses are: Embassy of Lebanon in Seoul + + + Embassy of Lebanon 310-49, Dongbinggo-dong, Yongsan-ku, Seoul Ministry of Tourism in Beirut 550 Central Bank Street, P.O.Box: 11-5344, Beirut - Lebanon Tel: (01)340940 /4 Fax: (01)343279 |
