Lebanon is known for his Mediterranean climate,
hot and dry summers and cool, rainy winters.
With 300 days of sunshine every year, summer has
high humidity with daytime temperatures
averaging 26°C while nights are enjoyably fresh.
Winter daytime temperatures average 15°C. In the
mountains, winters are cold with snow at the
higher levels of Faraya, and the Cedars where
excellent ski resorts are open from December
through April.
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In case of any urgency
don't hesitate to call these numbers from any
phone line, and the operator will answer giving
you all the help needed.
The Red Cross: 140 - Civil protection: 112
The Fireman: 125 - Directory Inquiry: 120
Police: 160
Hospitals
As a key destination for health tourism in the
region, Lebanon has a professional and private
healthcare system. Located mainly in Beirut ,
key hospitals include:
AUH (American University Hospital), Hamra area:
+961-1-344704
Hotel Dieu de France, Ashrafieh area:
+961-1-386791
Rizik Hospital, Ashrafieh area: +961-1-200800
Mont Liban Hospital, Hazmieh area: +961-1-955444
Sacré Coeur Hospital, Hazmieh area:
+961-1-451704 | |
The Lebanese Cuisine is
a cuisine of the nature. It is the epitome of
the Mediterranean diet. It includes an
abundance of starches, fruits, vegetables,
fresh fish and seafood; animal fats are
consumed sparingly. Its colors reflect the
richness of sunny landscapes and its diversity
reflects the goodness and the hospitality of
the Lebanese people. Poultry is eaten more
often than red meat, and when red meat is
eaten it is usually lamb.
The "Mezza" is a mixture of Lebanese
appetizers, such a selection of salads such as
tabboule and fattouch, hummos, mutabbal,
patties, stuffed grape leaves and kibbeh.
A meal usually starts with a "Mezza", the main
course is generally grilled meat, chicken or
fish served with rice or bread. In fact the "Mezza"
are appetizers that can make a whole meal.
Arak is the main alcoholic drink, it represent
the national drink of Lebanon. Usually drank
before it matures, it is a fiery rough liquor
made for tough palates. Never drank by itself,
Arak is always served with the "Mezza".
Deserts may include many different variations
of oriental sweets such as baklawa, knefeh,
maamoul, karabige as well as dried fruits and
nuts.
At the end of the meal, black coffee or Tea
are generally offered.
Come and taste the freshness of variety and
flavor of the celebration of life.
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Traffic drives on the right in Lebanon. Road
signs are international, seat belts are
compulsory and drivers are forbidden to use
mobile phones while driving. Most Lebanese are
oblivious to traffic lights, one way streets
and speed restrictions with queue jumping, and
honking cars, driving in Lebanon can be, at
first, an intimidating experience. Watch your
mirrors and don't be afraid to use the horn
frequently!
Roads:
The country's recent reconstruction means that
roads and highways across Lebanon are in good
condition. However, navigating the climbing,
winding roads in mountainous areas can be
rather challenging.
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“Telephone
kiosks can be found along most streets. Phone
cards, for both international and local calls,
can be purchased from local phone offices.
Cell phones have
become indispensable to the Lebanese. The
country has excellent phone coverage through
the two networks, Mtctouch & Alpha, but
tariffs are one of the highest in the region.
Together, the networks have a total of just
800,000 cell phone lines. Although it is
possible to hire a phone, it is expensive. If
you plan to use your own phone when visiting,
request an international roaming facility from
your local provider which will have an
agreement with one of the networks.
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Visa Information
Visitors from
most countries can obtain a tourist visa at
passport control upon arrival at Beirut
International Airport. Simply state your
country of origin and pay the required fee at
the counter. It is advisable to contact your
local Lebanese embassy before traveling to
Lebanon, to obtain up-to-date advice on visa
compliance.
Please note that visitors carrying passports
with an Israeli stamp will be refused entry
into Lebanon. For further information, here is
the official web site of the general security
where you can find all the details related to
your visit to Lebanon
www.general-security.gov.lb
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Money
The local currency is
Lebanese pounds (LL), known locally as the
Lira. American Dollars are also accepted as a
second currency, as well as most credits
cards. ATM machines can be found across the
country.
One American Dollar is
equivalent to 1500 Lebanese Pounds.
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Shopping
We advise you to allow
time during your visit for shopping. Beirut
and the larger cities offer a multitude of
shops and markets selling everything, from
designer clothes to object darts. Locally
produced Artisana conserve traditional methods
of making foodstuffs, soaps, pottery, blown
glass, crafts, ornaments, jewelry, and
furniture.
The area of Burj Hammoud
is known for its gold & jewelry at affordable
prices. While Hamra, Achrafieh, Verdun, Furn
el Chuback, Zalka, Jdeideh (in Beirut), are
known for its shopping malls and boutiques,
selling items from Italy to Taiwan.
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