Suggested Length of Stay
A good length of stay in Lebanon is 5-10 days to get a good overall highlight of the country.
Modes of transport
Roads
Beirut’s traffic is often heavy, and road signs (where there are any at all) can be cryptic or misleading. In addition to being generally cautious, remember to stop at military checkpoints and have your passport and car-hire papers ready for inspection.
Public transport
Minibuses travel between Beirut and all of Lebanon’s major towns; the only route that has large, Pullman-style buses is Beirut–Tripoli.
Trains
There are no train services in Lebanon.
Taxis
Most routes around Lebanese towns and cities are covered by service, or shared, taxis, which are usually elderly Mercedes with red license plates and a taxi sign on the roof.
Flying
No air services are operating within Lebanon.
Health Precautions
Health risks for travellers to Lebanon are not excessive. Update routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, chickenpox vaccine, and polio vaccine, as well as flu shots.
Food and Drink
Lebanese cuisine is one of the world’s finest; eating is a highlight of any trip here. Most meals start with a choice of mezze (small dishes) and are a godsend for vegetarians. Seafood and grilled meats often feature as mains, and decadently sweet pastries follow.
Money
The official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), which is divided into 100 piastres. The Lebanese Pound is locally known as the Lira. ATM machines are widely available in Lebanon except in isolated towns and cash can be withdrawn from banks during business hours. Credits cards are widely used.
Time Zone
GMT +2 (GMT +3 Apr – Oct)
Visas
Most nationalities, including Australians, can get tourist visas for Lebanon on arrival.
Australian Embassy & Consulate contacts in Lebanon
Australian Embassy, Lebanon
Embassy Complex
Serail Hill
Downtown Beirut
Ph: +961-1-960600
Lebanon Embassy & Consulate contacts in Australia
Embassy of Lebanon
4/26 Dalman Crescent, O’Malley, ACT 2606
Email: Canberra.leb@foreign.gov.lb
Ph: +61 02 6295 7378
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. The European round two-pin plug is standard (type C), but a variety of other plugs are used.
Getting there (stopovers)
Most Middle Eastern Carriers fly between Australian cities and Beirut
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Lebanon and service staff are usually tipped around 10 to 15 percent of the bill. Porters, hotel staff, valets, and doormen usually receive a nominal fee, depending on the area, service, and establishment.
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