| Lebanese Currency | Beirut Weather | Emergency Numbers | ||||||||||||||||
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Useful Links
| • | Government Portal for Information and Forms |
| • | CIA - The World Factbook: Lebanon |
| • | Lebanese Traffic Tickets System |
| • | Lebanese General Security |
| • | The Complete Index to World Film |
Useful Tips
| • | Local Time: Lebanon local daylight savings time is GMT +03 hours in summer (approximately April to October); standard time is GMT +02 hours in winter. As elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, summer days are longer, lasting from 5 AM until 8 PM. Daylight hours in winter are from 6 AM to 5 PM. |  |
| • | Passport and Visas: All visitors must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Visas are required of all non-Lebanese travellers. Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan are granted visas on arrival at the airport valid for three months. Same for nationals of European Union, Commonwealth and Former Soviet Union countries, as well as China, Japan, South Korea, North America and many from the Caribbean and South America. Nationals of non-GCC Arab countries (Algeria, Comoros Island, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen) are provided a visa at the airport only if they possess the following:
 a roundtrip ticket, 
a hotel reservation or residence address, and 
US$2000 in cash or check form from a recognised bank. All others must contact their Lebanese Embassy or Consulate for information about how/where to get a visa. Tourism visas for one month are granted free of charge, renewable for up to three months. Note: The Lebanese government refuses entry to holders of Israeli passports, holders of passports containing a visa for Israel, valid or expired, used or unused and passports with entry stamps to Israel. |  |
| • | Transportation and Driving: Self-drive cars and cars with drivers can be hired from car rental companies. Taxis are also a reasonably priced choice (between 1,000 and 2,000 liras) for shorter trips. Buses run between various destinations, but are neither prompt nor reliable. Mzaar can be reached from the Zouk Mosbeh bus stop about 12 kilometres north of Beirut. From there, a public bus travels up to the villages of Faraya or other Kfardebiane villages, from which a taxi can cover the rest of the distance. Driving is definitely the most convenient way to get around the country. However with massive post-war reconstruction of the road network and roads saturated with cars (one for every three people), expect delays! Traffic jams are now the norm in and around Beirut. Beware of drivers who disregard signs and traffic lights! In the mountains, though, everything is different. Fewer cars, fresh air and wonderful scenery make for relaxing and fun motoring. |  |
| • | Tipping: Adding small a small financial bonus for work well done is customary in Lebanon. In restaurants, it’s good practice to leave an additional 10% of the value of the bill. At hotels, think of thanking the concierge with an extra 5,000-10,000 Lebanese liras. Good guides deserve 15,000/30,000 liras from the whole group for a half/full day. For a taxi, you can also leave 5000 to 10000 liras depending on the trip length. |  |
| • | Working Hours: - Government offices: 8 AM - 2 PM 
 - Banks: 8 AM - 3 PM
 - Shops and other business: 9 AM - 5 PM or later for shopping malls |  |
| • | Electric Current: The electrical current is predominantly 220 volts. Lebanese plugs also vary, divided between the UK-style three square pegs and mainland Europe’s two round pegs. It is wise to bring adaptors with you. |  |
News & Events
| • | Paragliding Tandems with Exit to Nature 2015-06-27Every Monday to Saturday from 01:00 pm until 05:00 pm, Jun 27 2015 to Dec 31 2015 Every Sunday from 09:00 am until 05:00 pm, Jun 27 2015 to Dec 31 2015 Ghosta - Jounieh Sports & Outdoor www.lebanonparagliding.com Paragliding Tandems - Parapente Flight time is 10 to 15 minutes depending on the weather conditions (If the weather conditions permit it we stay more) Reservation is required 48 hours prior to your requested date of flight. What to wear : Jeans or tracksuits Running shoes A sweatshirt is recommended if the weather is chilly A jacket is necessary in winter ***Bring your cameras to immortalize the experience or ask for our HD DVD option*** Want to gift your loved ones an unforgettable experience? Gift vouchers are available for all occasions Tel: 03 559 992 |  |
| • | Souk El Akel - Lebanon's Street Food Market 2015-06-27Souk El Akel - Lebanon's Street Food Market Every Thursday in Downtown Beirut | Youssef Rami Street – behind the Municipality of Beirut. - During the month of Ramadan join for an Iftar starting 7 pm, every Thursday Souk El Akel is a Food Celebration showcasing Lebanon’s vibrant culinary world of foods including Lebanese, Middle Eastern and International bites. In collaboration of Souk El Tayeb, NoGarlicNoOnions, Chef Wael Lazkani, Solidere and Beirut Souks. For information, please call 01.448.129 info@soukeltayeb.com | info@nogarlicnoonions.com |  |
| • | Jounieh International Festival 2015 2015-07-02Thursday Jul 02 2015 from 10:30 pm until 12:00 am Saturday Jul 04 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Monday Jul 06 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Wednesday Jul 08 2015 until Thursday Jul 09 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Friday Jul 10 2015 until Sunday Jul 12 2015 from 10:00 am until 07:00 pm Wednesday Jul 15 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Address: Fouad Chehab Stadium, Jounieh, Lebanon Jounieh International Festival 2015 - Thursday July 2 | 10:30 pm : Fireworks & Opening Ceremony • Night Boat Gathering, Special Boat Event, VIP Boat for Opening Ceremony & VIP Dinner • 7 Minutes of Synchronized Fireworks along the coastal of Jounieh bay • Photography Contest Best Fireworks Photo - Saturday July 4: Magida El Roumi Concert at Fouad Chehab Stadium - Monday July 6: The Voice Tour Concert at Fouad Chehab Stadium - Wednesday July 8: Jamel Debbouze Stand Up Comedy Show at Fouad Chehab Stadium - Thursday July 9: Johnny Hallyday Concert at Fouad Chehab Stadium - Friday July 10, Saturday July 11 & Sunday July 12: Kids & Family Day • Street Show Parade, kids playground and special entertainment, bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, for all the family and youth along the coastal area of the city - Wednesday July 15: Jessy J Concert at Fouad Chehab Stadium Tickets available at Virgin Ticketing Box Offices all branches. For more details: http://www.jouniehinternationalfestival.com/ |  |
| • | Full Moon Party Lebanon 2.0 2015-07-04Saturday Jul 04 2015 from 07:00 pm until 07:00 am Address: Praia Resort, Zouk , Lebanon After last year's huge success, Maillon The Club is proud to bring the legendary Full Moon Party back to Lebanon for a second year in a row. Celebrate the Full Moon with us on, Alcohol Buckets, Glow in the Dark Neon, Body Painting, The best international and local lineup of Electro-house DJs, courtesy of Maillon the Club. What happens on a Full Moon Night? The biggest ever Beach Party in Lebanon. Tickets on sales in Virgin Box office. For more information: T. 70 662200 |  |
| • | Living Dinosaurs in Lebanon 2015-07-11Every day from 01:00 pm until 09:00 pm, Jul 11 2015 to Jul 22 2015 Address: Platea, Jounieh, Lebanon “Living Dinosaurs†are coming to Lebanon!! Come face to face with the gigantic world of dinosaurs. A LIVE experience. Taking you hundreds of millions of years back in time. A world class, highly entertaining event & an educational exhibition. Featuring 25 life-size dinosaurs, a life-size skeleton replica, a Dino 3D Theater, and a children’s interactive area!! Each dinosaur features life-like movements, colors, textures and sounds. A “real life†encounter for all ages The Epic journey will begin on Saturday July 11th thru Sunday July 19th at Platea – Jounieh Admission Tickets $25.00 On Sale at all Virgin Ticketing Box-Office Open Daily with Various Showcase Times For more info call +961 76 797 888. www.productioneight.com |  |
| • | Byblos Festival 2015 2015-07-13Monday Jul 13 2015 until Tuesday Jul 14 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Wednesday Jul 22 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Sunday Jul 26 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Tuesday Jul 28 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Thursday Jul 30 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Friday Aug 07 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Wednesday Aug 12 2015 until Thursday Aug 13 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Tuesday Aug 18 2015 from 08:30 pm until 12:00 am Address: Byblos, Lebanon Event Category: Arts & Culture, Music, Nightlife Byblos Festival 2015 - Full Program Once again, Byblos International Festival is true to the heritage of Jbeil, a crossroads where all cultures feel at home. - 13 July: John Legend - 14 July: The Script - 22 July: Michael Schenker - 26 July: Rodrigo Y Gabriela - 28 July: Gregory Porter - 30 July: Mireille Mathieu - 7 August: Hiba Tawaji - 12-13 August: Sacre Profane - 18 August: Alt-J Tickets available at Virgin TicketingBox office, all branches. For more details: http://www.byblosfestival.org/ |  |
| • | Notre Dame de Paris- Lebanon 2015 2015-07-13Friday Jul 10 2015 until Monday Jul 13 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Address: Forum De Beyrouth, Beirut, Lebanon NOTRE DAME DE PARIS au Liban! Notre Dame de Paris, the Original French Musical, has seen the light again in 2015 with a fresh all-star cast. This world tour started in Asia and will be arriving first to Lebanon in July 2015 before hitting Europe and North America afterwards. Tickets available at Virgin Ticketing Box-Office all branches. |  |
| • | BEIRUT HOLIDAYS 2015 2015-07-18Saturday Jul 18 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Monday Jul 20 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Wednesday Jul 22 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Saturday Jul 25 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Monday Jul 27 2015 until Tuesday Jul 28 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Saturday Aug 01 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Tuesday Aug 04 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Thursday Aug 06 2015 from 09:00 pm until 11:30 pm Address: BIEL Center (Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center), Beirut, Lebanon Program: - 18 Jul 2015 | 09:00 PM: WAEL KFOURY - 20 Jul 2015 | 09:00 PM: ADEL KARAM - 22 Jul 2015 | 09:00 PM: THE PIANO DUEL: Raoul Di Blasio & Michel Fadel Concert - 25 Jul 2015 | 09:00 PM: Najwa Karam - 27 Jul 2015 | 09:00 PM: ALESSANDRO SAFFINA - 28 Jul 2015 | 09:00 PM: ANGUS & JULIA STONE - 01 Aug 2015 | 09:00 PM: NRJ MUSIC TOUR - 04 Aug 2015 | 09:00 PM: ORIENTAL NIGHT - 06 Aug 2015 | 09:00 PM: MASHROU' LEILA Tickets available at Virgin Ticketing Box Office - All Branches. |  |
| • | Zouk International Festival 2015 2015-07-23Thursday Jul 23 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Saturday Jul 25 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Tuesday Jul 28 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Address: Zouk Mikael, Lebanon Zouk International Festival 2015 Program: - 23 Jul 2015 | 08:30 PM: Ziad Rahbani - 25 Jul 2015 | 08:30 PM: Tribute to ''OUM KOULTHOUM'' Concert - Tuesday July 28th 2015 | 08:30 PM: ONE NIGHT ON BROADWAY Tickets available at Virgin Ticketing Box Office - All Branches. For more details: http://www.zoukmikaelfestival.org/ |  |
| • | Ehdeniyat 2015: Ehden International Festival 2015 2015-07-25Saturday Jul 25 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Thursday Jul 30 2015 until Friday Jul 31 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Friday Aug 07 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Saturday Aug 15 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Thursday Aug 20 2015 until Saturday Aug 22 2015 from 08:30 pm until 11:30 pm Address: Ehden, Lebanon Ehdeniyat 2015 - Ehden International Festival 2015 Program: - 25 Jul 2015 | 08:30 PM: The Royal Moscow Ballet - 30 Jul 2015 | 08:30 PM: Ziad Rahbani Concert - 31 Jul 2015 | 08:30 PM: GLORIA GAYNOR Concert - 07 Aug 2015 | 08:30 PM: Mots D'Amour / Claude Barzotti & Jeane Manson Concert - 15 Aug 2015 | 08:30 PM : Jason Derulo Concert - 20 Aug 2015 : Enrique Iglesias - 21 & 22 Aug 2015 | 08:30 PM: Kadim al Sahir Concert Tickets available at Virgin Ticketing Box Offices - all branches. |  |
| • | Festival of Colours Beirut - Lebanon 2015-07-25Saturday Jul 25 2015 from 04:00 pm until 04:00 am Address: Praia Beach Resort, Jounieh, Lebanon Holi Festival of Colours Beirut - Lebanon For the first time in Lebanon this year in 2015! The official and most SPECTACULAR FESTIVAL in the WORLD is landing in BEIRUT summer 2015!! Get ready Lebanon! The Holi Festival of Colours inspired by the ancient Indian festival and fascinated by the values behind, has been adjusted to the European and worldwide market as a celebration of Life & colours, Equality, Mutual Tolerance and Respect More than 600,000 guests danced with us last year at the Festival Of Colours Worldtour NOW FINALLY IN BEIRUT! . Let's colour our world Beirut! Tickets on sale at all Virgin ticketing branches. Save the date Beirut & get ready for more than 12 hours of continuous partying! An extraordinary line-up of local and international DJS to be revealed very soon! www.holifestival.com |  |
| • | Baalbeck International Festival 2015 2015-07-31Friday Jul 31 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Sunday Aug 09 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Sunday Aug 16 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Friday Aug 21 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Saturday Aug 29 2015 until Sunday Aug 30 2015 from 08:00 pm until 11:30 pm Address: Steps of Bacchus Temple, Baalbeck, Lebanon Baalbeck International Festival 2015 - Full Program - 31 Jul 2015 | 08:00 PM: ILIK YA BAALBECK Concert - 09 Aug 2015 | 08:00 PM: Hindi Zahra Concert - 16 Aug 2015 | 08:00 PM: Richard Bona - Jazz Concert - 21 Aug 2015 | 08:00 PM: Mayada El-Hennawy - Oriental Concert - 29 Aug 2015 | 08:00 PM: The Earth Wind & Fire Experience-Disco Funk Concert - 30 Aug 2015 | 08:00 PM Quatuor Modigliani - Classical Concert Tickets available at Virgin Ticketing Box Offices - All branches. For more details: www.baalbeck.org.lb/ |  |
| • | Batroun International Festival 2015 2015-08-01Saturday Aug 01 2015 from 09:00 pm until 12:00 am Saturday Aug 08 2015 from 09:00 pm until 12:00 am Saturday Aug 22 2015 from 09:00 pm until 12:00 am Saturday Aug 29 2015 from 09:00 pm until 12:00 am Address: Batroun, Lebanon Batroun International Festival 2015 - Full Program - 01 Aug 2015 | 09:00 PM: Charles Aznavour - 08 Aug 2015 | 09:00 PM: Zade & Orchestra - 22 Aug 2015 | 09:00 PM: Music Hall ''Bil Arabi'' - 29 Aug 2015 | 09:00 PM: DJ RODGE IN DECADANCE |  |
| • | Lebanon Latin Festival 2015 2015-09-03Thursday Sep 03 2015 until Sunday Sep 06 2015 from 10:00 am until 11:45 pm Address: Byblos - Jbeil, Lebanon Lebanon LATIN Festival 2015 will be held in the most luxurious resort Edde Sands, Byblos, Lebanon, bringing you in September 3-4-5-6 of 2015 more then 70+ confirmed artists, 12+ DJs,100+ workshops, 2 arenas to party, REAL beach and pool parties and more Surprises Tickets available: 1. Online at http://bit.ly/1C8gjza 2. From Virgin Megastore 3. From your dance academies 4. Or by calling at 71-230949 For more details: www.lebanonlatinfestival.com CONTACT : 00961 70-230979 |  |
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