ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
There are no domestic flights.
On the way by car / bus
Right-hand traffic. Good brakes, horns and quick reactions are important in road traffic. Road signs and direction signs, if they exist, are in Arabic. Traffic lights and speed limits are not always observed by the locals. Drivers should always read the latest travel and safety information before their trip.
Bus: Intercity buses from private companies are inexpensive and efficient. Hotels often offer their guests a minibus service or similar. at.
Taxi:Prices should be agreed prior to departure. Shared taxis, which are sometimes victims of robbery, are available in Beirut and throughout Lebanon. Official taxis (recommended) have red license plates and official fares. After 10 p.m., a surcharge of 50% is required. Taxis are also the usual mode of transport for overland trips. Taxis can also be hired for a full day.
Rental cars are available, but chauffeured car hire is recommended. Gasoline prices are high.
Documents: Green insurance card and international driver’s license are required.
Traveling in the city
Public bus transport in Beirut. Buses depart from the Cola roundabout and the Charles Helo stop in Beirut. In Beirut, public transport is rather limited, so city traffic is particularly chaotic during the rush hours of 7.30am-9.30am and 4.30pm-7pm. However, shared taxis are still the most popular means of transport.
On the go by train
Currently no passenger traffic.
On the way by ship
Ferry ships operate on the coast between the port cities. More from the embassy.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
According to directoryaah, the following articles can be imported into Lebanon duty-free (people aged 18 and over who are not resident in Lebanon):
800 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 1 kg of tobacco;
4 liters of wine or beer or 2 liters of champagne, whiskey or cognac;
100 g of perfume and 1 liter of eau de toilette.
Medicines for personal use;
Personal items not for commercial use valued at up to L £ 2,000,000 (approx. € 1170).
Export restrictions
A permit is required for the export of antiques.
Prohibited imports
Pornographic material.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
The country code is 00961. Public card phones can be used for local and international calls, phone cards are available from post offices and kiosks. Telephones are also available in many hotels. However, overall public telephones are few and international calls are expensive. Mobile communications, on the other hand, are widespread in Lebanon.
Faxes can also be sent from Centrales (state telephone offices) in larger cities. Emergency numbers are: Fire Brigade 175, Civil Defense 125, Tourist Police (at the Beirut Ministry of Tourism) (01) 75 24 28. The international directory assistance is: 100.
Cellphone
GSM 900 and 3G 2100. Network operator is among others Libancell (Internet: www.libancell.com.lb). Roaming contracts exist with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others. Cell phones can also be rented in Lebanon. Prepaid SIM cards are sold at kiosks. The cellular network covers the whole country.
Internet
The main providers are Cyberia (Internet: www.thisiscyberia.com) and IDM (Internet: www.idm.net.lb). There are internet cafes in Beirut, Tripoli and most of the cities.
Post Office
With the recently privatized postal service LibanPost, letters and postcards are en route to Central Europe for around 2-4 days. Post office opening times: Mon-Thu 8 am-2pm, Fri 8 am-11am Since there are no mailboxes, mail should be posted directly at the post office or hotel.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Pottery and glassware, cutlery made of hardened steel, brass and copper articles, wooden articles with mother-of-pearl inlay, linen, silk and wool caftans, abbayas (embroidered, long-sleeved overgarments), handmade gold and silver goods and tablecloths. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 8 am-7pm.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
There are several night and music clubs in the mountain resorts and in Beirut. Many cinemas show the latest international films. The internationally known Casino du Liban is located in Maameltein on the Bay of Jounieh (22 km north of Beirut). In addition to magnificent arcades, it offers exclusive restaurants and a variety show.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are hotels of all price ranges in Beirut and other major cities. Bookings should be made through a travel agent specializing in Lebanon and confirmed prior to departure. Due to the still volatile situation, room prices are subject to strong fluctuations. Hotel prices are usually given in US dollars and credit cards are usually only accepted in hotels with room prices above 50 US $.
Categories: 1-4 stars with graduation in A and B quality in each class and Luxury Class. Further information from Hotel Owners Syndicate and Association, Sodeco Street, PO Box 166011, LB-Beirut (Tel: (01) 20 20 59, 32 90 95/96) or from the Ministry of Tourism (see addresses).
Camping
The Youth Center (a department of the National Tourist Office, see addresses) provides information on campsites, cheap accommodation, youth hostels and camps where you can work.
