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Plan Your Lebanon Holiday: Best of Lebanon

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Lebanon travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Bus Stations and Directions

According to forum posts, for travelers looking to head south from Beirut, including destinations like Tyre, the Cola intersection is a common departure point. Buses and vans typically gather here, and passengers can find shared taxis and buses to various parts of Lebanon, including the south. There is no actual station building; vehicles are parked along the curb.

Beirut to North Lebanon

Travelers have indicated that for northern destinations like Tripoli, the starting points have varied since the Charles Helou station closure. Some users suggest buses might depart from downtown Beirut areas like Martyrs Square, while others have successfully found transport at the Cola intersection, contrary to some claims that buses only go south from there. It's noted that there is no fixed schedule, and vehicles leave when full.

Additional Transport Information

For detailed bus schedules and routes within and outside Beirut, some travelers recommended using online resources like the Connexion bus service or the bus map available on certain websites linked in forum discussions. These can provide more specific information on intercity transport options.

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Itinerary Basics

According to forum posts, a typical itinerary for Beirut includes spending the first day exploring the city's main streets and tourist attractions such as the National Museum and Sursock Museum.

Day Trips and Surrounding Areas

Travelers have suggested making day trips to nearby sites like the Jeita Grotto, Byblos, and Harissa, using Beirut as a home base. These locations offer a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

Additional Recommendations

For those interested in a broader exploration, some users recommended extending trips to include destinations like Baalbek for its Roman ruins and the wineries in the Bekaa Valley. This can be done using public transport or hired cars for convenience.

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Availability and Locations

According to forum posts, SIM cards can be purchased at Class Cellulars in Beirut; specifically recommended is the branch at the ABC mall in Achrafieh Sassine Square. Additionally, Alfa and Touch stores across Lebanon also sell SIM cards.

Price Considerations

Some travelers mentioned that SIM cards are quite expensive due to limited availability and high demand. Prices can vary significantly, with some reports of costs around $30 to $40 at the airport and even higher prices at other locations due to the economic crisis affecting pricing stability.

Advice on Purchase

Travelers have called out that it's better to buy SIM cards away from the airport to avoid high prices. It's advisable to shop around at various authorized dealers or mobile phone shops for better deals.

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Historical and Cultural Sites

According to forum posts, key attractions in Beirut include the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, which is noted for its beautiful interior. The area around the mosque, once the downtown of Beirut, is mostly abandoned but offers a glimpse into the city's past.

Shopping and Leisure Areas

Travelers have highlighted the Beirut Souks as a notable point of interest, despite being mostly deserted due to recent events. This area once thrived as a shopping center and still hosts a few open shops, like Nike and Starbucks.

Natural and Scenic Locations

Pigeon Rocks in Raouche is frequently mentioned as a must-visit for its iconic rock formations and scenic coastal views. The area is popular for photos and has nearby cafes, although visitors should be cautious of beggars.

Modern Urban Life

For a taste of modern Beirut life, Gemmayzeh Street, described as Beirut’s “SoHo” or “Greenwich Village,” offers a variety of shops and restaurants and is good for a leisurely stroll.

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General Visa Requirements

According to forum posts, travelers need to apply for a Lebanese visa at the nearest embassy if they do not qualify for a visa on arrival. Specific requirements, such as a local contact, may be necessary depending on the applicant's nationality. For instance, Pakistani passport holders must have a local contact to apply for the visa.

Visa on Arrival

Some travelers mentioned that certain nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in Lebanon. This visa is typically valid for one month. Requirements for this include a passport and, previously, a COVID certificate, though this is no longer mandatory. Additionally, returning from trips to nearby countries like Syria necessitates obtaining a new visa upon re-entry.

Special Cases

For GCC residents with specific professions listed on their Iqama, such as doctors or engineers, a visa on arrival is possible. However, professions like computer programmers might not qualify, necessitating a check with the Lebanese embassy prior to travel. Moreover, Iranian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival regardless of whether they arrive directly from Iran or from a third country like Turkey.

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Currency Exchange Practices

Some travelers have noted that while USD is widely accepted, exchanging currency on the black market can provide better rates than official exchanges. It's advised to carry USD, as it is easier to exchange and more widely accepted for transactions in Lebanon.

Exchange Locations

According to forum posts, currency can be exchanged at shops on Hamra Street or at the ABC Mall in Achrafieh Sassine Square. These locations offer services to convert foreign currencies into Lebanese pounds (LBP).

Handling Various Currencies

Travelers have mentioned that while euros can be exchanged, they are typically converted to USD first, potentially resulting in a loss due to double conversion. This makes bringing USD more straightforward and economical for handling transactions in Lebanon.

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