Marhaba (The Lebanese Hello)

Lebanon has always been a special country. Despite the recent years of strife that we all are trying to forget, Lebanon's long history, natural beauty and the spirit of its people give it a place in the hearts of all who have been there, whether in the halcyon years, or during the crisis. With its legendary hospitality, natural and touristic sites and its delicious food, today more than ever, Lebanon is a unique place to visit.
As a republic since 1943, it is a compact country of 10,450 square Kilometers with a population of 3.11 millions (est. 1996).

Lebanon is located at the meeting point of three continents, and over the centuries it has been the crossroads of many civilizations whose traces may still be seen today. Its countryside is a place of rocks, cedar trees, pine forests and magnificent ruins that looks down from the mountains to the sea. In winter, the high peaks are covered with snow and in summer their limestone slopes glimmer white in the distance. Two rocky ranges traverse Lebanon parallel to the sea coast, separated by the high plateau of the Bekaa valley.
On the coast are the five famous cities of Beirut, Byblos, Sidon, Tripoli and Tyre, the names of ancient Phoenicia.

PASSPORT AND VISAS

Foreigners who wish to visit Lebanon must have a valid passport and a Lebanese visa. Visas are delivered by Lebanese diplomatic missions abroad.

CUSTOMS

All ordinary personal effects are exempt from customs duty. Tourists are allowed two bottles of alcoholic beverage for personal use and 500 grams of tobacco(400 cigarettes or 20 cigars)

TRANSPORTATION

Automobiles rental companies provide self-driven cars or cars with a chauffeur. Lebanese taxis are reasonably priced. It is suggested to agree on the fare before setting off.
The service-taxi which allows one to share the cost of a trip with other passengers. Those cars circulate on popular lines in and outside the city and pick up passengers along. In Beirut, they are very convenient and the fare around the city is 1,000LL (about 0.60 $US).
Bus service is also available to many destinations. Example fare: Beirut-Tripoli, 3000LL.

LOCAL TIME

Lebanese time GMT +2 hours in winter and +3 hours in summer. Summer time goes into effect the last Sunday of March and ends the last Sunday in September at 12 midnight.

LEBANESE CURRENCY AND 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 one of the numerous money exchange shops. The monetary unit is the Lebanese Lira (LL) and currency is issued in
LL250, LL500, LL1,000, LL5,000, LL10,000,
LL25,000, LL50,000 and LL100,000 notes.
Banking is a major industry in Lebanon with strict secrecy one of its important features. Eighty banks operate in the country and transactions are performed efficiently and at low cost.

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELERS CHECKS

Visitors will find many credit cards are readily accepted in larger establishments. Master Card, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are among those in common use. In addition, local credit cards, Cashless Card and Link Card are accepted . It is best not to count on cashing travelers checks since they require s few days to clear.

ECONOMY

Lebanon capitalizes on the initiative of its people and its key geographical location to make up for the lack of natural resources. Its trading facilities, banking and financial services as well as its free economy made Lebanon the region's commercial center before the war. With peace and speedy reconstruction, Lebanon is again regaining its former position as the hub of the Middle East.

GOVERNMENT

Lebanon is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government and a cabinet headed by a prime minister. Its constitution is based on the separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers, with a president elected for a six-year term.

WORKING HOURS

• Government offices:8 am - 2 pm
• Banks:8 am - 12:30 pm
• Shops and other business: 8 am - 5 pm
  (Hours vary)

COMMUNICATIONS AND LANGUAGES

International calls can be made at many locations. The most economical way to call outside the country is through the government's PTT offices in different areas and neighborhoods. The tourist should not have any language problem since most Lebanese spesk at least French or English in addition to Arabic. Internationa newspapers and magazines are found at almost every bookshop in Beirut and other major cities. American, British , Italian and French publications are more popular than others.

ELECTRIC CURRENT

110 or 220 volts. It's best to check.

CLIMATE

Lebanon enjoys an essentially Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and longer warm summers. The country is rain free between June and October. Visitors can count on 300 sunny days every year. In higher elevations, summers are very pleasant and dry. However, the mountains are cold and snowy in winter. Average annual rainfall is about 1,000 mm in Beirut, with higher reading in the mountains.

SPORTS

Every sport can be enjoyed in Lebanon including water skiing, snow skiing, yachting, kayaking, wind surfing, etc. Clubs are open to tourists for golf, tennis, karate, riding, etc. The Birut race course, set in its pine woods, is a favorite with race goers. Active people can find Lebanon filled with outdoor activities in a perfect weather and a beautiful setting.

TOURIST POLICE

Lebanon is still considered a safe place for the tourist. Random violence is rare. In the event of difficulty or problem, visitors may contact the Tourist Police at the following numbers:
(01) 350 901, (01) 343 504, (01) 343 286