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 Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 12:13 pm Post subject: LEBANON TRAVEL TIPS (Traveling to Lebanon essentials) |
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LEBANON TRAVEL TIPS (Traveling to Lebanon essentials)
Time zones
GMT + two hours in the winter season.
GMT + three hours in the summer season
Languages
Although Arabic is the official language, Lebanese are fluent in English and French. A small percentage of the population (around 5%) speaks Armenian.
Currency
The official currency is the Lebanese pound (called lira). It is equivalent to US$1,507.5 (as of September 2003).
- Paper denominations are as follows: 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 liras
- Coin denominations are as follows: 50, 100, 250 and 500 liras
The Lebanese economy is highly dollarized and both the Lebanese pound the US dollar are widely used. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, restaurants and retail outlets.
Security
Lebanon is a safe country. The war has been over for more than a decade.
Banks
Around 55 banks are operating in Lebanon, with around 790 branches located throughout the country. All banks provide fast cash services, where Automated Cash Machines (ATM) are operating 24 hours a day for withdrawal and foreign exchange. You can use travelers’ checks in Lebanon. Banks change them easily.
Most Banks are open from 8:30am till 17:00pm weekdays and from 8:30am till 13:00pm on Saturday’s. The tellers in almost all banks close at 14:00pm with the exception of Saturday where they close at 12:30 pm.
Electricity
The power supply is much more reliable than it used to be few years back; however power cuts still occur from time to time, particularly during heavy rain and thunderstorms. Many buildings have generators, which cost according to the number of amps supplied.
Within Beirut and most suburbs and villages, the supply has been converted to 220 volts, although some areas of the city still have supplies of 110 volts. Adaptors are usually required for most appliances purchased from the US and Europe. A transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas which operates on a different voltage.
The cost of electricity is US$35 for the first 100 kW and up to US$125 for power consumption exceeding the 200 kW per month. The bills are issued by the Electricité du Liban (EdL), and are delivered by a representative from EdL to your doorstep. Arrangements with commercial banks could also be made payment of bills.
Gas
Bottled gas is generally used in households (ovens and heaters) and it costs around US$9 for a refill.
Water
Water shortages are rare but may occur in October. Water is charged yearly and according to consumption. One cubic meter of water cost around LBP224,000 (US$148). Homes have two water taps, one for domestic use and one for drinking water. However, it is advisable to drink spring water.
Telephone
Lebanon has a modern telephone system. Fixed line service is much more reliable than it used to be few years back and much easier to have it installed. Many private households now also have internet access. The process of obtaining a phone line requires 72 hours. The installation of a local line will cost an initial fee of LL212,000 (US$140) for both residential and corporate clients whereas the set up cost of an international line amounts to LL312,000 (US$206) for residential use and LL512,000 (US$339) for corporate.
Telephone kiosks are rare, but many shops and grocery stores have phones. Post offices have public phones.
Mobile Phone
Mobile phones are very popular and can be purchased from a number of retailers. There are normal lines, which cost around US$75 as connection fee in addition to the monthly bills; or pre-paid cards to be periodically refilled and which cost between US$50 and US$75 as an initial payment plus recharge fees depending on the usage.
For more information, please visit the two mobile operators LibanCell and Cellis.
Internet Connection
Internet connection is available in Lebanon in houses, offices and internet cafés. Several Internet Service Providers are selling pre-paid connection card with unlimited access against a tariff ranging between US$16 to US$22 monthly. Four-digit internet access lines were recently installed by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, giving access to relatively cheap phone connection, varying with the number of connection hours per month (on average 50-100 hours of connection would cost US$32).
Postal Services
Letters, magazines and small parcels are delivered to your door by a postman. Letterboxes are starting to spread in the cities but letters can be mailed from any LibanPost office.
Transport
The road network has remarkably improved since the end of the war in view of the investment which was made during the past nine years on road infrastructure. Public buses assure reliable transportation in Beirut and its suburbs, with fares set at LL500 (US$0.33). Taxicabs and service (collective taxi) operate in all major cities and towns. You will find taxi ranks at the airport, main hotels or shopping centers. Fares range from LL1,000 (US$0.66) for a service to LL5,000 (US$3.3) and LL10,000 (US$6.3) to taxicabs depending on the distance within Beirut. However, outside Beirut, the fares will differ. Taxi drivers at the airport will ask for US$25 to take you into Beirut.
Travel to and from Lebanon is easy. Most international airlines operate frequent connections to Beirut International Airport from Europe, Africa and the rest of the Middle East. The national carrier, the Middle East Airline, operates frequent flights – sometime daily – to all destinations in the Middle East and Europe.
Car Rentals
There are numerous car hire firms including some of the internationally known ones. Daily rates vary between US$18 to US$40 for small cars to US$40 to US$75 for medium sized cars or US$75 to US$120 for luxury cars.
Drivers' License
A valid national license from any country can be endorsed for use in Lebanon for six months (twice only). Alternatively, you can drive using an international driving license.
Recreation & Lifestyle
Lebanese hospitality is known for being genuine and warm. Visitors from many parts of the world are attracted by Lebanon spectacular natural environment and the distinctive personality and friendliness of the Lebanese people. When you visit Lebanon you will discover:
- Casual lifestyle
- Sporting and recreational events
- Blend of Middle Eastern and European lifestyles
- Vibrant nightlife
- Theatres
- Galleries
- Exhibitions
- World-class shopping facilities
Lebanon is excellent for sun lovers, with six months of guaranteed sunshine and a variety of beach resorts spread along the coastline, offering all sorts of water sports. In addition, several water theme park projects have developed over the last few years.
In view of the richness of Lebanon's nature, many eco-tourism activities and outdoor sports can be practiced. You can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, caving, camping, mountain climbing, paragliding, etc.
The mountains areas in Lebanon provide a large skiing domain, a rarity among Middle East countries. Ski resorts follow high standards of quality and offer modern equipment, a wide variety of altitudes and natural settings. The season lasts from mid-December to the end of March. Faraya, Laqlouq, the Cedars and Faqra club are the main resorts. Ski passes cost between US$15 and US$35 a day, depending on the resort and the equipment, which are hired.
Culture & Art
Lebanon is the home to many civilizations; each left its cultural legacy on the architecture, the art and over all every part of today's civilization.
Lebanon boasts several museums, some of which are:
- The National Museum (Beirut)
- Children's Science Museum (Beirut)
- Nicolas Sursock Museum (Beirut)
- Gibran Museum (Bsharreh)
Lebanese contemporary arts reflect a diverse and multicultural society. Musicals, opera, ballet and concerts fill out the cultural scene in Lebanon. Renowned festivals like Baalbeck , Beiteddine , Al-Bustan , Byblos and Tyre are attracting performers and visitors from a far.
Telephone Codes
Country Code 961
Beirut (01)
Mobile (03)
Metn (04)
Shouf (05)
North (06)
South (07)
Bekaa (0
Kesrewan (09)
Useful Numbers
International Telephone Operator 100
Information 120
Ambulance 125
Red Cross 140
(01) 581 099/ 445 000/ 441 703/ 447 125/ 441 704
Police 112(01) 425 250/ 392 750
Fire 175(01) 310 105/ 445 000
Public Utilities
Water (01) 317 335/312 951
Electricity (01) 442 720-6
Climate
Lebanon enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. Due to the diverse topography of the country, the weather varies from one region to another. The winters are mild on the coast and snowy in the mountains, while the summer months are hot on the coast and mild in the mountains. The Bekaa valley has hot and dry summers and cold and dry winters.
Source: idal.com.lb |
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