Lebanon

Size - 10,452 square kilometres. 180km north to south; 25 - 90km west to east. Four main regions, running more or less parallel to each other from north to south. The four regions from west to east are: the coastal plan, the Mt Lebanon range the Bekaa Valley (main agricultural area), the Anti Lebanon range.

Language - Arabic is the official language but French is spoken
throughout the country. English is spoken in major tourist centres and hotels. Road checkpoints are fairly common, particularly in the Baaka Valley, so keep all documents with you at all times.

The Australian Embassy in Beirut
Embassy Complex, Serail Hill, Beirut
Tel: 01 974 030

Passport & entry – A visa is necessary and best obtained in Australia before travel. Do not have an Israeli stamp in the passport as this will prohibit entry.

Banking Hours – 0800-1230 Mon-Fri; 0800-1200 Sat. Some banks stay open till 1700. All major credit cards are accepted. ATM’s are available in Beirut and some other cities. Traveller’s Cheque acceptance is limited and they are not recommended.

Currency - Lebanese pound (or lira) Coins in L50, 100, 250 and 500. Notes in 100, 250, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50,000 and 100,000. US currency presents no problems and Syrian currency can be used in Baalbek. Travellers cheques and major credit cards may be used in larger locations.

Climate - hot and dry in summer, cool and rainy in the winter. About 300 days of the year are sunny. Humidity very high along the coast in summer, and day time temperatures average 30C with night temperatures not much lower. Winter is mild with daily temperatures averaging 15C. In the mountains, summer days are only moderately hot, 26C on average, and nights pleasantly cool. Winters are cold and it snows above 1300 metres.
Phone and Post – Lebanon has a reliable phone service. Both Telstra and Vodafone mobile systems work here. Mobile phones can be rented in major towns. The postal system is reliable.

Transport - Emirates flies daily from Australia via Dubai to Beirut. Daily flights operate between Beirut and most European cities. Middle East Airlines, Royal Jordanian Airlines (in conjunction with Qantas) and Malaysian Airlines are other options from Australia. Until recently, a commercial catamaran operated a tourist service between Larnaca (Cyprus) and Beirut. This can be booked in Australia and is expected to resume in due course.

The fledgling tourism industry has been set back by recent events. We recommend that all arrangements for passengers touring in this area are booked and confirmed with a reliable wholesaler/tour operator prior to their departure.

Accommodation – Wide choice in Beirut. Elsewhere, good quality 3-star hotels are widely available.

Major attractions - Beirut, Jouniel (Jounea), Byblos, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre (Sour), Bcharre & the Cedars, Baalbek.

Food and Drink – Lebanese food is excellent and tasty. Tabbouleh is popular along with mezze, kebabs and the full range of ‘oriental’ dishes. International (French/Italian) is also available in Beirut. Lebanon produces the best wine in the Middle East; try Ksara, the most widely available brand.

Voltage and plugs - 150/220v. 50Hz.

Dress – In the cities and along the coast normal ‘European’ dress standards apply. In the Bekaa Valley and other rural areas, dress is more conservative.

Tipping - Tipping is expected throughout the country.

Health - Your general practitioner or travel health specialist can advise you on appropriate inoculations.

Public Holidays 2008–