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Lebanon Local time: 04:25 PM

Business Travel

Business Customs

Arabic is the official language in Lebanon. French and English are widely spoken. Business cards are commonly used. Dress code is formal in most business and official settings.

Lebanon uses the metric system of weights and measures, and the monetary unit is the Lebanese pound (LL), also called the Lira. There are no exchange controls, and U.S. dollars circulate freely. Cash is the most common method of payment in Lebanon. Payment by check or credit card is possible nearly everywhere. Bank ATM machines are widespread and cash may be withdrawn in Lebanese pounds or U.S. dollars.

Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State advises all U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Lebanon and recommends that Americans exercise caution while traveling there. For more information, please visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings_consular.html

Visa Information

Visas are required for entry into Lebanon and may be obtained at Lebanese embassies (http://www.lebanonembassyus.org ) and consulates, or upon arrival at Beirut International Airport (only for holders of American, Canadian and Western European passports). Travelers whose passports contain Israeli stamps or visas are routinely refused entry at the airport. If holders of Arab passports contain Israeli stamps or visas, they may be subject to arrest and imprisonment. Persons, including dual national Lebanese, suspected of having traveled via Israel during the 1982-2000 Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, may also be subject to interrogation or detention.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security options are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links:

Telecommunications

International calls are easy but expensive. The domestic public phone network is generally reliable. Various private cellular telephone and fax facilities exist. Prepaid cellular cards are widely available. Cellular phones may be rented for the duration of a visit. Internet service is available starting at a monthly subscription fee of about $10 for unlimited access and is accessible to visitors at many hotels and a multitude of Internet cafes. Western Union has over 170 branches (many open 24 hours and on weekends) to facilitate wire transfers. DSL internet connection was recently introduced in Lebanon in 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.ogero.gov.lb .

Transportation

Lebanon lacks adequate public transportation, but private, un-metered taxis and shared cabs are plentiful in and around the capital. Rental cars are readily available at a daily cost of $20 and up, depending on the type and model of the car.

Although many international airlines serve Beirut, a 1984 U.S. Presidential Determination prohibits direct air links between the U.S. and Lebanon.

Language

Arabic is the official language. French and English are widely spoken.

Health

Most pharmaceuticals and health-related products are readily available in the local market. Private hospitals in Beirut and surrounding areas provide modern care. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services if health insurance is not available.

Lebanon offers visitors a wide variety of foods and restaurants offer a variety of cuisines. The Lebanese take pride in their internationally renowned culinary talents and restaurant quality is considered to be outstanding.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Local time is GMT plus two in the winter, and GMT plus three in the summer. Government offices hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday; 8:00 AM -11:00 PM on Friday; and 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Saturday. Bank counters: Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (some bank counters remain open until 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM); Saturday 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Private office hours vary and some exceed the 40-hour workweek.

The following dates are considered holidays in Lebanon:

New Year’s Day (Jan. 1); St. Maroun's Day (Feb. 9); Feast of Ramadan (Variable); Good Friday and Easter Monday, Western Rite (Variable); Labor Day (May 1); Friday and Easter Monday, Eastern Rite (Variable); Martyr's Day (May 6); Feast of Al-Adha (Variable); Ashura (Variable); Islamic New Year (Variable); Assumption Day (Aug. 15); Prophet's Birthday (Variable); Independence Day (Nov. 22); and Christmas (Dec. 25). In the case of Lebanese holidays which fall on Saturday or Sunday, Lebanese Government regulations prohibit the granting of an alternate day of holiday, except for Labor Day.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

There are no restrictions on the temporary entry of laptops and software. Temporary entry of exhibit materials requires a Temporary Admission (ATA) carnet, which can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce. Video and audio disks and tapes may be subject to search and seizure.

Web Resources

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