Lebanon
Business people usually wear a jacket and tie for meetings. Handshakes are customary for both men and women, and close friends often embrace. Small talk before business talk is the norm, as in many Arabic. Titles, when known, should be used appropriately and consistently; many local business people speak English and normal courtesies are observed. Appointments and business cards are used. Office hours are 0800-1800 for private offices and 0800-1400 for government offices - Monday to Saturday.
While the crime rate in Lebanon is moderate, the incidence of both car thefts and house break-ins is on the increase. The presence of drugs is also prevalent. Officials have noted escalation in the circulation of forged currencies throughout the country. Police assistance is generally good. Visitors should avoid travel alone, especially at night and in these areas: the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, especially Baalbeck, sections of Tripoli, and the area of the Ain El-Hilwi Camp near Sidon. Armed Islamic resistance members are most commonly found close to the Israeli border and the Security Zone. Anti-American sentiment still exists among the resistance members.
There are 304 hotels in Lebanon, with over 60 pct located in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. There are several international and four-star hotels, including the Marriott (US$ 165 for a deluxe room; US$ 225 for an executive room (bed/breakfast) -- both rates apply to single or double-occupancy, excluding tax), and the Vendome-Intercontinental (US$ 245 for a single room and US$ 265 for double-occupancy -breakfast included, but excluding tax). All hotel rates are subject to a 21 percent surcharge. Special corporate rates can be negotiated and seasonal rates are available. Furnished apartments are also available, especially in the capital. Apartments for lease are not easily available, and rents are very expensive.
Telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 961 and the outgoing international code is 00. International calls are possible. The domestic public phone network is mostly reliable (and still improving). Various private cellular telephone and fax facilities exist, and cellular phones may be rented for the duration of a visit. Full global internet service is available at an average monthly subscription fee of US$15, and Internet access is available to visitors at many hotels and several "internet cafes". Post offices are open Monday to Friday: 0800-1100, and Saturday: 0800-1400.
Electricity is 110/220 volts AC, 50Hz.
230 volts AC, 50Hz.
C,D,G
Lebanese cuisine is widely acknowledged to be the finest in the Middle East. The country’s gastronomic tradition is characterized by the use of an extremely wide variety of locally-produced, and therefore extremely fresh, vegetables served in all forms and shapes with an abundance of fresh herbs (mostly coriander, parsley and mint). A meal is always concluded with a wide range of fresh fruit, including melon, apples, oranges, persimmon, tangerines, cactus fruit, grapes and figs, which are all grown locally. Excellent Lebanese food is available everywhere. Beirut also offers a large choice
of international restaurants which offer dishes from all over the world. Bars have table and/or counter service. Alcohol is not prohibited.National specialties:
• Kebbeh, made of lamb pounded to a fine paste, with burghul or cracked wheat, and served raw or baked in flat trays or rolled into balls and fried.
• Mezza, a range of up to 40 small dishes served as hors d’oeuvres with arak.
• Main courses are likely to include Lebanese staple ingredients of vegetables, rice and mutton.
• Lahm mishwi (pieces of mutton with onions, peppers and tomato) is popular.
• Tabbouli.
• Houmos.
• Mtabbal.
• Lebanese palates also favor pastries with local varieties of baked doughs flavored with nuts, cream and syrup.National drinks:
• Arak, a wine traditionally produced and aged for five to 10 years before being redistilled with anis seeds. Tipping:
In hotels and restaurants, a tip of between 5 and 10 per cent of the bill is expected. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers.Nightlife
Nightclubs spice up the evenings in Beirut and mountain resorts. Entertainment ranges from solo guitarists to orchestras and floor shows. Some British-style pubs can be found in Beirut. There are many cinemas presenting the latest films from all over the world. The internationally renowned Casino du Liban in Maameltain (22km/14 miles north of Beirut) is equipped with lavish gambling halls, luxurious restaurants and a cabaret.
