Lebanon - Líbano

Introduction

Lebanon (in Arabic: لبنان Lubnān), officially the Republic of lebanon (الجمهوريّة اللبنانيّة Al-Ŷumhūriyya Al-Lubnāniyya), is a country of middle East, which limits to the south with Israel, to the north and east with Syria, and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea to West.

Regions

Lebanon is divided into eight governorates:

  • Akkar
  • Baalbeck-Hermel
  • Beirut the capital of Lebanon.
  • Beqaa: The area surrounding the city of Baalbek near the eastern border of Lebanon (with Syria).
  • Lebanon-North: On the north coast of Lebanon; its largest city is Tripoli.
  • Lebanon-South: An area of ​​Lebanon bordering Israel and containing the cities of Tire and Sidon.
  • Mount lebanon: A densely mountainous area that includes the cities of Byblos and Jounieh.
  • Nabatiye

Cities

Many cities in Lebanon have English names that are significantly different from their Arabic names; Roman versions of Arabic names are given in parentheses below.

  • Beirut - Capital and largest and largest city.
  • Byblos (Joubeil). Another city with many remains, castles and museums
  • Sidon (Saida) many medieval remains
  • Tripoli (Trablus) still untouched by mass tourism
  • Threw (Bitter) has a number of ancient sites, including its Roman Hippodrome, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Baalbek - a Phoenician and Roman archaeological site
  • Jounieh- Known for its seaside resorts and nightclubs
  • Zahle - capital of the Bekaa valley
  • Jezzine - main summer resort and tourist destination in southern Lebanon

Other destinations

  • Kadisha Valley - You can visit the home of the Lebanese poet (now deceased) Khalil Gibran.
  • Deir el Qamar - Traditional village in the Chouf district.

Understand

Geography

The country is marked by two mountain ranges that run parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The mountain range of Mount Lebanon is close to the sea and is crossed from north to south by valleys and transverse canyons. The landscape is mostly mountainous and at times very rugged, with steep cliffs and slopes. Streams are frequent and provide ample resources for cultivation and natural vegetation.

Anti-Lebanon runs parallel to the east of the Mount Lebanon range and forms part of the border with Syria.

The Bekaa Valley, with wide plains crossed by the Orontes (Nahr al-Aasi) and Litani rivers, runs between the two mountain ranges.

History

Lebanon has a long and complex history since the Neolithic. The most important Phoenician cities (Byblos and Tire, among others) were founded here and have prospered ever since. The area was under the sphere of influence of the ancient Egyptian, Mesopotomic, and Persian civilizations. Lebanon has a rich heritage of Hellenistic and Roman monuments, including but not limited to the temples of Baalbek and Tire. After Byzantine and Umayyad rule (which left the ruins of Anjar), the area of ​​present-day Lebanon was conquered by the Crusaders and Mamluks, with many important monuments (fortresses and places of worship) scattered throughout the country, and especially in Tripoli. . .

Four centuries of Ottoman rule (1516-1918) with significant degrees of self-government ended with the creation of the French Mandate after the First World War. Lebanon became independent in 1943.

Three decades of growth were paralyzed by a long civil war (1975-1990), which ended with a power-sharing agreement and a complicated process of reconciliation and reconstruction.

Political tensions and regional conflicts with Hezbollah (such as the July 2006 war and the ongoing civil war in Syria) have affected the country, which remains resilient.

People

The people of Lebanon engage a great variety of religious groups, being almost divided between 70% Muslim (Shi’a and Sunni) and 30% Christian (Maronites, Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholic…). There are large numbers of Palestinian refugees in the country.One of the rare things that most Lebanese political and religious leaders will agree on is avoiding a new general census, fearing that it could trigger a new round of conflict. denominational. The last official census was conducted in 1932, when Christians were the majority in Lebanon. Today's estimates are academic and unofficial, due to this sensitivity.

The population increases dramatically in summer (from June to September), due to the large number of tourists from other Middle Eastern countries and the temporary return of a large number of Lebanese in the diaspora. People are generally very calm and welcoming. Many people are multilingual and highly educated, especially in Beirut and its suburban areas. Attitudes and behaviors tend to be more conservative in the Bekaa Valley and rural areas to the north and south.

Weather

Lebanon has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters.

Summer is generally considered the best time to visit, as there is generally no rain between June and August, and temperatures are between 20-30 ° C (68-86 ° F). At this time it is very humid on the coast, but dry in the mountains.

Fall and spring are also good times to visit, with some rain but without the busy tourists in summer.

Much of the snow falls in winter in the mountain regions that are a large portion of the country, and there are numerous ski resorts. However, the coast remains relatively smooth, with highs rarely dropping below 13 ° C (55 ° F).

Holidays

Lebanon has a number of Christian and Islamic holidays. Holidays observed by the Lebanese Government are indicated in bold font.

  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Armenian Epiphany and Christmas (January 6th)
  • San Marún's Day (February 9)
  • Prophet Muhammad's birthday (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Feast of the Annunciation (March 25th)
  • Holy Friday (Catholic) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Easter Sunday (Catholic) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Holy Friday (orthodox) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Easter Sunday (orthodox) (variable according to the lunar calendar)
  • Labor Day (May 1)
  • Liberation Day (May 25) (anniversary of the liberation of the South from Israeli occupation in 2000)
  • Saint Elias Day (July 20)
  • Day of the Assumption of Mary (August 15th)
  • Ramadan (variable) (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Eid al-Fitr (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Eid al-Adha (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Ashura (variable according to the Islamic calendar)
  • Independence Day (November 22th)
  • Eid il-Burbara or Santa Barbara Day (December 4)
  • Christmas day (December 25th)
  • New Years Eve (December 31)

Watch

Lebanon is a country rich in natural landscapes, from beautiful beaches to mountains and valleys. The Lebanese are proud that Lebanon is one of the few countries that gives you the opportunity to go skiing in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon (although it is impossible to do so due to traffic). This is only possible for a few days a year, usually on the few days when winter turns into spring and / or summer turns into autumn.

  • Downtown Beirut: Visitors from all over are in awe of the beautiful city center. On the Place de l'Etoile, tourists can enjoy a delicious meal or a cup of coffee in the outdoor cafes. In addition to these, the capital offers other restaurants and meeting places that people of all ages can enjoy. There are also many nightclubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, catering to a wide variety of styles and budgets.
  • The Roman temples of Baalbeck: in the city are the largest and most beautiful Roman ruins.
  • Al Bass archaeological site in Tire: a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world. The site is made up of a massive necropolis, a massive monumental arch leading to a Roman road, along with an excellent example of an aqueduct, as well as the largest and best-preserved Roman hippodrome found to date.
  • The Jeita Grotto: is a compound of crystallized caves in Lebanon, 20 km north of Beirut, in the Nahr al-Kalb valley (Dog River). This grotto is made up of two limestone caves, upper galleries and a lower cave through which a 6230 m long river runs. Geologically, the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground river. In this cave and galleries, the action of the water on the limestone has created cathedral-like vaults filled with various sizes, colors and shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, majestic curtains and fantastic rock formations. The total length of the cave is over 9000m, and there is one of the largest stalactites in the world hanging 8.2m. The grotto houses a huge hall with a distance of 108 m from the ceiling to the water level.
  • Beiteddin: One of the most authentic Arab architectural jewels is the Beiteddine Palace. This historical monument comprises two large courtyards: the "midane", a vast rectangular place for visitors and a smaller one for the royal private apartments, with a magnificent fountain in the center.
  • Qadisha Valley (Sacred Valley): Located in northern Lebanon, the "Sacred Valley" stretches from Bcharreh to the coast. Classified under the UNESCO world heritage, it is full of countless caves, chapels and monasteries.
  • Byblos: It is an ancient Phoenician city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its tourist attractions include a medieval castle and Roman amphitheater, as well as many seaside cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood.
  • Anjar: is a town in the Beqaa valley with many local restaurants where you can enjoy unique Lebanese cuisine. The city is home to the unique ruins of an 8th century Umayyad city.

To get

Visas

Non-nationals must obtain a visa to enter Lebanon. Three-month visas are free to people from the Gulf Arab States Cooperation Council (GCC). People from other countries can get a 15-day visa for LL25,000 (US $ 17), or a three-month visa for LL50,000 (US $ 35). These visas are for entry only; People from other countries can also obtain multiple-entry visas (which cost more). 48-hour transit visas (valid for three days) are free.

Visas can be obtained from Lebanese embassies and consulates in other countries, or when arriving at Beirut airport and other entry points.

The entry of people with used or disabled, expired or valid visas to enter Israel, or have any Israeli stamp endorsed in the passport is refused.

Spanish and French citizens do not need a VISA to enter Lebanon. Only a valid passport of more than 6 months of validity. Consult for other EU countries.

By plane

[2] offers daily services to Abidjan, Abu Dhabi, Accra, Amman, Athens, Cairo, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul IST, Jeddah, Kano, Kuwait, Lagos, Larnaca, London -Heathrow, Milan -Malpensa, Nice, Paris -Charles de Gaulle, Riyadh and Rome -Fiumicino, Warsaw -Okęcie.

Also, the airport is served by foreign airlines.

Middle East ( Arabian countries )
  1. Air Algérie (Algiers)
  2. Air Arabia [3] (Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Alexandria -Borg Al Arab)
  3. EgyptAir (Cairo, Alexandria -El Nohza)
  4. Emirates Airline (Dubai)
  5. Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi)
  6. FlyDubai [4] (Dubai)
  7. Gulf Air (Bahrain)
  8. Iran Air (Tehran- Imam Khomeini)
  9. Jazeera Airways (Dubai, Kuwait)
  10. Kuwait Airways (Kuwait)
  11. Oman Air (Dubai, Muscat)
  12. Qatar Airways [5] (Doha)
  13. Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca)
  14. Royal Jordanian (Amman)
  15. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Jeddah, Riyadh)
  16. Tunisair (Tunisia)
  17. Yemenia (Amman, Sanaa)
Europe
  1. Aeroflot (Moscow -Sheremetyevo)
  2. airBaltic ([Riga])
  3. Air France [6] (Paris- Charles de Gaulle, Marseille)
  4. Alitalia (Rome -Fiumicino)
  5. Belavia (Minsk)
  6. Bulgaria Air (Sofia)
  7. Cyprus Airways [7] (Larnaca)
  8. Czech Airlines [8] (Prague)
  9. Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
  10. Olympic Airlines (Athens)
  11. Pegasus Airlines (Istanbul -Sabiha Gökçen)
  12. Tarom (Bucharest -Otopeni)
  13. Turkish Airlines [9] (Istanbul IST)
  14. UM Airlines (Kiev- Boryspil)
  15. Viking Airlines (Stockholm- Arlanda)
  16. ChAir Airlines (Zurich)

Asia

  1. Malaysia Airlines (Dubai, Kuala Lumpur)

Africa

  1. Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa)

For flights from the UK, try Turkish Airlines [10], Cyprus Airways [11] or Czech Airlines [12]. These three airlines are often cheaper even than MEA direct from Heathrow. Czech airlines are consistently the cheapest bet from Manchester.

Boat

Getting to Lebanon by ferry is quite a challenge, the only regular passenger ferry is a twice weekly service from Tasucu, outside Mersin, Turkey, to the northern city of Tripoli by the Lebanese company MedStar. Other than that single passenger ferry, the only way to get to Lebanon by sea is on a cruise ship or, for the more adventurous traveler, on a freighter.

By car

By car you can travel through Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria and then Lebanon.

Or by car to Italy, Greece or Turkey, and then by ferry.

By bus

Buses leave Damascus every hour and normally cost 400-500 SYP. The journey is normally 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic at the border. When leaving Syria, you have to pay an exit fee of 550 SYP and have to acquire a Lebanese visa on the other side of the border (48-hour transit visa is free, 15-day transit visa costs LL25,000 ( US $ 17), single entry. 30-day tourist visa costs LL50,000 (US $ 34), payable in Lebanese pounds only. Money changers can exchange currency, usually with an exchange fee of $ 1).

By train

There are no railways in the country.

Travel

Lebanon is a small country and it is possible to drive from north to south in less than 3 hours. The main means of transport are service, bus and car taxis.

By plane

There are no internal flights.

In taxi

Most travelers use service taxis to get from one place to another. "Service" taxis often operate as buses on established routes between towns and cities, although they can be hired to visit other locations with some negotiation. Depending on the type of vehicle, each taxi carries between 4 (within metropolitan areas) and 6 (longer distances) passengers, who share the fare with each other. The fare is LL2000 for short distances of a couple of kilometers / miles, and it increases based on the distance to be traveled, the traffic on that specific road, and of course, like everything in Lebanon, persuasion / negotiation skills. A private taxi ride, without having to share it with other passengers, is similar to a "service" taxi, in that the same prior negotiation is required to determine the fare and, as a general rule, costs a minimum of LL10,000. Never get into a taxi or "service" without first agreeing on the fare.

Taxis and service taxis are basically the same, and the mode of operation depends on the availability of the passengers and their demands. Most of the service taxis in Lebanon are 1975 Mercedes cars that roam the streets looking for passengers with their horns. Newer car models that function primarily as "service" taxis are appearing on Lebanese streets at the same price as their older sisters.

All types of public transport vehicles in Lebanon - taxis, buses, minivans, and even trucks - can be recognized by their red license plates.

Beirut has Uber, which offers competitive prices and has no problem negotiating a price with taxi drivers. Both the passenger and the driver get a fair price. However, requesting Uber requires an internet connection and it can be expensive to roam internationally. In this case, international chains like Starbucks or McDonalds offer free Wi-Fi in their stores so you can book Uber.

By car

Car rental is relatively expensive in Lebanon compared to the rest of the region. However, reasonable, if not exactly cheap, rates can be found with perseverance and negotiation, and once you have your rental, fuel is easy to come by. Fuel is not cheap and fuel prices are among the hardest hit by inflation.

Lebanese roads are generally in very poor condition and Lebanese drivers are not known for their caution. Be very careful when driving in Lebanon. Even in central Beirut, even in areas not damaged by the Israeli assault, there can be huge potholes on busy multi-lane roads.

Driving in Lebanon should be considered an extreme activity for Western drivers used to safe driving. The names of the streets are practically non-existent. Driving in the mountains is particularly dangerous, as it often involves one-car roads on two-way streets. Traffic, especially in major cities like Beirut and Tripoli, and on the Beirut to Kaslik highway, can be extremely busy and time-consuming, turning a normally 20-minute drive into more than an hour during rush hours.

By bus

There are inexpensive city shuttle bus routes available. Most buses to the north of Lebanon depart from Charles Helou Station (east of the center), while most buses to the southern or southeastern regions of Beirut (including Damascus and Baalbek) depart from "Station "Cola (which is actually an intersection adjacent to the Cola bridge / flyover).

By train

There has been no passenger train service in Lebanon since before the Civil War.

Doing autostop

Some mountain towns do not have public transport connections between them, so hitchhiking is one way to get around. The distances between the villages are not great, so one could start walking down the road and signal the cars to get off if one approaches. The fewer cars that pass, the more chance there is that someone will stop.

The concept of hitchhiking is well understood among the people and the locals are eager to pick up travelers even if they don't speak any foreign languages. Wait times are low, typically less than 10 minutes or if traffic is low than the first few cars would pick you up.

No contribution for the trip or any other payment is expected, the locals would not even take cash if you hand it over.

Talk

The official language of Lebanon is Arabic. The Lebanese Arabic dialect is very different from some other dialects, particularly from the Gulf countries; however, Lebanese will understand most other Arabic dialects.

French is widely spoken and understood, due to the period of French-mandated Lebanon after the First World War. English is increasingly used, especially in cities, and among the youngest. Most young people will understand French, English, and Arabic.

To buy

Money

Lebanese Pound Exchange Rates

As of January 2020:

  • US $ 1 ≈ LL1500 (fixed rate)
  • € 1 ≈ LL1700
  • UK £ 1 ≈ LL2000

Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available on XE.com

The Lebanese currency is the lebanese pound , indicated by the symbol " ل.ل. "or" LL "(ISO code: LBP). Its value was stable relative to the US dollar for decades, at a value of LL1,500 to US $ 1, but it has been in free fall since October 2019. The use of credit cards and ATMs is charged at the official rate so be careful and bring cash to change at money stores!

Lebanese pounds and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and it is common to pay in dollars but receive change in pounds (in which case, make sure you don't fall short). As of October 2019, banks were running out of US dollars and a black market with rates that have deviated significantly from the official (fixed) exchange rate. The currency continued to fall in value, and as of July 3, 2020, the exchange rate was as high as LL10,000 per US $ 1.

The invoices used are LL1000, LL5000, LL10,000, LL20,000, LL50,000 and LL100,000. You can find two forms of LL1000 and both are accepted.

The unused invoices are LL1, LL5, LL10, LL25, LL50, LL100, LL250, LL500.

There are LL250 and LL500 coins. The LL25, LL50 and LL100 coins are practically never used.

Shopping

Masbahas (Muslim rosaries), handicrafts, jewelry.

To eat

Lebanon encourages exquisite cuisine that ranges from a mezza of vegetarian dishes like tabouleh, fattoush Y waraq ainab even delicious sauces like hommos Y moutabal.

Must-sees include Lebanese barbecue such as shish tawouq (grilled chicken), which is usually consumed with garlic, lahm mashwiye (grilled meat) and kafta (ground meat seasoned on the grill).

A full meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as £ 22,500 depending on where you go, although more expensive options can also be found.

Lebanese "fast food" is also available as sandwiches from roadside shops, such as shawarma (known in other countries as doner or gyros in Greece). Shawarma it is rolled in fine Lebanese bread. Various grilled meat sandwiches are also available, and even things like lamb or chicken spleen, brains, lamb bone marrow, or lamb testicles can be served as sandwiches.

Breakfast generally consists of manaeesh that looks like a folded pizza, the most common ingredients are zaatar (a mixture of thyme, olive oil, sesame seeds), jebneh (cheese) or ground beef (this version is more appropriately known as lahm bi ajin).

Another traditional breakfast food is knefeh, a special type of breaded cheese served with a thick syrup on sesame seed bread. It is also served as a dessert.

Lebanon is also very famous for its Arabic sweets that can be found in the main restaurants. The city of Tripoli, however, is considered "the" city of Lebanese sweets and is sometimes even referred to as the "Sweet Capital" of Lebanon.

International food chains are widespread throughout the country. Italian, French, Chinese and Japanese cuisines, as well as chain coffee shops (such as Starbucks, Dunkin 'Donuts, etc.), are particularly popular across the country, with a greater concentration in Beirut and urban sprawl north of the capital.

Drink and go out

To drink

The wines of Lebanon are internationally famous. Grapes have been cultivated since ancient times and vineyards, mainly in the Bekaa Valley, produce the base wine for distillation in the Arak national spirit, which, like Ouzo, is flavored with anise and turns cloudy when diluted with water. . Arak is the traditional accompaniment to Meze.

But grapes have also historically been used to make wine. This used to be predominantly white and sweet, but the soldiers and administrators who came to administer the French mandate after World War I created a demand for red wine, and large tracts were planted especially with Cinsault grapes. Over the past 20 years, these have been complemented by the most popular international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

The wineries usually offer wine tastings and are very welcoming. The highly individual and old-fashioned Chateau Musar is based in Ghazir, 25 km (15 miles) north of Beirut, and transports the Bekaa grapes. In Bekaa itself, wineries include the great Kefraya, Ksara, the oldest winery of all, Massaya, a new fashion producer in Tanail, and Nakad in Jdeita, which like Musar has remained with an idiosyncratic approach to winemaking. ancient. Kefraya, in the West Bekaa region, also has a nice restaurant attached and the region is beautiful to pass by.

Sleep

Lebanon is full of hotels, ranging in price and quality from USD10 / night to many hundreds of dollars a night, and the quality also varies. Many international chains, such as Intercontinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza, can be found here, as well as local and "mommy and daddy" style boutique hotels, as well as low-end budget hotels.

The best way to save money if you are staying for an extended visit is furnished apartments or suite hotels, as they come with cleaning and other services.

Learn

Lebanon is a country rich in natural landscapes, from beautiful beaches to mountains and valleys. The Lebanese are proud that Lebanon is one of the few countries that gives you the opportunity to go skiing in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon (although it is impossible to do so due to traffic). This is only possible for a few days in the year, usually on the few days when winter changes to spring and / or summer to fall.

A handful of private schools, like the Lycée Français (several branches in the country), the Collège Protestant Français, the Collège Saint Joseph Antoura, the Lycée Abdel Kader, the Collège Notre-Dameby Jamhour and the Collège Elysée, among others, follow the official French curriculum. The official French baccalaureate exams can be taken in Lebanon.

Some schools (like ACS) teach English as a first language and follow the English curriculum.

Beirut is also home to one of the most prestigious schools in the region, the International College (IC), which teaches French and English as first languages, among many others. In addition, IC offers a variety of baccalaureate programs, such as French, Lebanese, Baccalaureate, and International Baccalaureate (IB).

The American University of Beirut - AUB it is considered the best American university in the Middle East. The language of instruction is English. Other English-speaking private universities are: Antonine University - UPA | University of Notre Dame - NDU | Lebanese American University - LAU ...

Some private universities have French as the main language of instruction. Université St. Joseph - USJ is one of them, it is an old and respected institution in Lebanon, and it probably offers the best price / quality ratio among the private universities in the country. It is the private university that has enrolled the majority of students from Lebanon, as well as foreign students from other countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Other French-speaking private universities are USEK and Balamand.

The Lebanese University It is the public or state-owned university and is the largest institution of learning in the country. It offers practically free tertiary education.

Work

Security

The vast majority of Lebanese are friendly and most tourists experience no problems. However, tensions with neighboring Israel and Syria sometimes flare up (but are generally limited to southern Lebanon) and therefore travelers must follow the independent press while in the country.

As in any country, it is preferable to be accompanied when visiting certain places. In general, the borders with Syria and Israel and any Palestinian refugee camps should be avoided. Try to avoid talking about politics or religion.

Some areas of Lebanon are likely to be dangerous for tourists, such as Erssal or Aarsal in northern Bekaa, known for kidnapping expatriates for ransom.

Visitors should always register with their respective embassies once they enter Lebanon and stay up-to-date on Lebanon-related travel advisories.

Useful phone numbers:

  • Police: 112 or 911 or 999 (it is common that if you call them for small-scale infractions, for example, theft or sexual harassment, they do not come).
  • Fire brigade: 175 (only in the Beirut metropolitan area)
  • Civil defense: 125 (outside Beirut)
  • The Red Cross (Medical Response): 140
  • Information: 1515

Health

Lebanon has a professional and a private healthcare system. As a key destination for health tourism in the region, Lebanon has a professional and private healthcare system. Located primarily in Beirut, key hospitals include:

  • AUH (American University Hospital), Hamra area: 961-1-344704.
  • RHUH (Rafic Hariri University Hospital), Bir Hassan area: 961-1-830000.
  • 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.
  • Saint George Hospital, Ashrafieh area: 961-1-441000.
  • Tel Shiha - Zahle, Beqaa
  • Nini Hospital - Tripoli, North Lebanon: 961-6-431400.
  • Hopital Albert Haykel - Koura, North Lebanon: 961-6-411111.
  • Sahel Hospital - Airport Ave Area: 961-1-858333
  • Jabal Amel Hospital - Jal Al Baher Area, Tire: 961-7-740343, 07-740198, 07-343852, 03-280580
  • Labib Medical Center - Abou Zahr Street, Sidon Area: 961-7-723444, 07-750715 / 6
  • Bahman Hospital - Beirut, Haret Hreik Area: 961-1-544000 or 961-3-544000

It is extremely important that you obtain travel insurance before your departure to Lebanon. Hospitals in the country can be very expensive and, with the lack of insurance, cash payments can be expected in advance.

It is recommended to drink bottled water instead of tap water.

Respect

Lebanon is a country of many different religious sects, so it is prudent to respect the religious differences of the Lebanese population. Modest clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites (churches, mosques, etc.) and when visiting rural towns and villages.

Even in Beirut, some areas are more conservative than others, so visitors should keep this in mind when exploring the city. In general though, clothing considered 'western' is generally acceptable, so to hedge your bets, keep your dress modest. Keep in mind, however, that as open and western as Beirut is, this is not Europe; "Topless" on any beach, whether private or public, is not recommended at all.

In Tripoli, especially in the old city, it is recommended that women dress conservatively. The same applies to most of the traditional "souks" in the country. En general, los libaneses están acostumbrados a estilos de vida diferentes y algunos no se ofenden fácilmente, sobre todo en cuestiones relacionadas con la vestimenta. Los libaneses son personas acostumbradas a la diversidad y, por lo tanto, aceptan con mayor rapidez estilos de vida diferentes, aunque no todos los libaneses son tan abiertos.

Debido a las tensiones políticas y el conflicto con Israel y la tensión con Siria, evite hablar de política, especialmente con respecto a estos dos países.

Keep in touch

MTC Touch [13] El operador de telefonía móvil ofrece una tarjeta GSM por US $ 15, incluido un crédito de $ 10 (el plan START). El acceso a Internet comienza en $ 10 por hasta 100 MByte en un mes. Alfa [14] es otro operador de telefonía móvil que ofrece varios planes prepagos que van desde $ 10 a $ 68. Al igual que MTC Touch, el acceso a Internet comienza en $ 10 por un paquete de 500 MByte por mes.

Surroundings

external links

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