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Practical information about Lebanon
Updated: May 2023
Your trip
The best time to travel to Lebanon is in the fall (September to November) and in the spring (March to May). Then you have the most pleasant temperature and the landscape is lush and green. Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. In the mountains of Lebanon, the climate is cold and rainy (or snowy) in winter and warm and sunny in summer. You can travel to Lebanon most of the year.
Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for Lebanon. Whether Lebanon is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In most cases this will not be a problem. At CultureRoad we recommend: IATI Travel Insurance, a reliable company that has different insurance options that fits your personal needs. Book now to get a 5% discount!
Around 80 countries are eligible for a visa on arrival for Lebanon, this includes most Western countries. The visa on arrival means just a stamp in your passport after arrival in Beirut.
Lebanon uses the time zone UCT +2.
Lebanon has a difference of +2 in the winter months and +3 in the summer time.
Lebanese pay across the country with the Lebanese Pound (LBP). Always make sure to bring enough physical cash with you on the trip. ATMs are not always working in Lebanon and will give you a very bad rate.
It is best to change money with the guide. They knows where the good, reliable exchange offices are and helps you with a good exchange rate. It is wise to bring Euros or American Dollars. These are accepted everywhere and can easily be changed. For the most recent exchange rate, visit www.xchange.com.
Of course, it mainly depends on yourself how much you actually spend in Lebanon but as a guideline we advise around € 40 to € 50 per day. You should be able to make it with that amount. If you like to buy souvenirs, you better bring something extra. Soft drinks are usually around € 1 and a meal between € 5 and € 10. Tipping local guides is always encouraged. They don’t earn much in this part of the world and it often makes a big difference to them. Of course this is according to your own preference.
We are always available to advise you when booking a flight. However, most customers prefer to book the flight themselves. Often this is cheaper in terms of price and you can pick your own preferences.
Practical information
The complete electricity supply of Lebanon is 220 Volt / 50 Hz. Lebanon therefore uses sometimes the same plugs and sockets as in most of Western Europe. However, we suggest to bring a universal plug. There are regular power outages, so make sure to charge everything as soon as there is power in your hotel.
Internet is available at most accommodations (if it works). However, don’t expect a fast and steady connection. In general everywhere in Lebanon is mobile coverage. You can also choose to purchase a local SIM card. Your local guide will be happy to help you with this.
Local culture
Lebanon is a secular country, many Christians and Muslims are living together. However, the Islam is widely practiced, but in general it is not a conservative country. But, there are regions and districts where more conservatives live. Keep this in mind during your trip through Lebanon. There are also neighborhoods with Christians and other believers. A few rules to keep in mind:
– Don’t drink alcohol in public.
– Always take off your shoes when entering a mosque or house. Never show your shoe sole when you sit down.
– Don’t pass by someone who is praying.
Lebanon is known as a quiet and safe country. Should the situation change during your trip then we will change the itinerary accordingly. The local guide always has the final say. A few things to keep in mind;
– If we have a long day to go, we start on time. If we have a car breakdown, we don’t want to get stranded after dark.
– If you want, you can register at your local embassy. If you have problems on the spot, it is much easier to get in touch with the embassy on site.
In general, you can freely take pictures in Lebanon. However, there are a few points to keep in mind.
– Do you want to take a picture of someone? Always ask permission from the person in question. Don’t just take pictures of women or praying people.
– Do not take photos of military personnel, military installations, police officers and government buildings. Are you in doubt? Ask your guide.
The Lebanese cuisine is one of the most acclaimed kitchens in the Middle East. Dishes are small but shared in large groups, famous dishes from Lebanon (and often Syria) are shawarma, falafel, baba ganoush, humus, muhammara and lahmajoen. Not all of them originate from Lebanon. In terms of meat, you can expect sheep, lamb, beef and chicken. For vegetarians is Lebanon a perfect destination. Often many vegetable dishes are served with rice or bread. It is not possible to drink water from the tap in Lebanon. This is due to a bad filter system for bacteria. Alcohol is available in Lebanon.
Lebanon is a secular country. We recommend to wear long pants / skirt with t-shirt. It is not mandatory to wear a headscarf, except at religious places. In most hotels in the big cities you will be able to do laundry.
Lebanon is a developing country. Healthcare is therefore limited. Also in terms of hygiene, the standard is much lower than in the Western world. Make sure you have enough disinfection gel, sunscreen and insect repellent.
We advise you always to the last (health) risk programs for the region where you’re going to visit. Check with your own government for the latest info about your destination.