Tips for Business Travellers - Lebanon

Travelling to Lebanon

Visas

Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Lebanon. Holders of Canadian passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of the expected departure from Lebanon) can obtain visa either from the Lebanese Embassy in Ottawa or at the port of entries in Lebanon.
However, it is recommended to obtain the visa prior to your arrival. Visa is free of charge for one month.
To note, travelers with Israeli stamps or visas in their passports and/or exit stamps from Jordan and Egypt (into Israel) will be refused entry into Lebanon.

Language

Arabic is the official language. French and English are widely spoken. Although usually not needed, translators are available at a cost.  Business cards are commonly used.  Dress code is formal in most business and official settings.

Business Hours

The work week is Monday to Friday although some businesses and ministries work on Saturday mornings.  Ministries also tend to close, or at least be unreachable, after 2 pm during the week.  Some companies may have shorter working hours during Ramadan or Christmas.

Climate

Lebanon's climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Currency & Tipping

Local currency is the Lebanese pound (LBP) sometimes referred to as lira.  The US dollar is accepted everywhere (approximately US$1 = LBP1500 and CAN$1 = LBP1504 approximately).  It is common to pay in US dollars and receive change in pounds. Keep smaller bank notes (LBP1000) for tips. Tips are never included in prices; normally 10% is adequate. In restaurants, the service tax is not a tip. A surcharge of 16% is added to the accounts in hotels and restaurants, in addition to a surcharge of 10% of government taxes (VAT).

Religion

Lebanon is synonymous with ethnic and religious diversity, and is home to 17 officially recognized religious communities.  Muslim majority, split between Sunni, Shia (largest) and Druze groups.  Christian, split between Maronites (largest), Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholics, Armenian Catholics, Armenian Orthodox, Chaldeans, Syrian Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Melkite Catholics, Copts and Protestants.

Transportation

Major international airlines serve Beirut. Middle East Airlines (MEA), the official national airline, has daily flights to many cities in Europe, Arab countries and some African countries. Traffic in Beirut is chaotic, and driving can be an adventure. For most visitors, getting around is easiest by cab. Lebanon lacks adequate public transportation, but private, unmetered taxis (indicated by red licence plates) and shared cabs (also known as service) are plentiful in and around the capital. It is preferable to use taxis in red licence plates (members of the trade union for taxi drivers). Shared taxis (service) follow set routes and usually charge LBP2000 for a short trip in Beirut, and LBP5000 to go further across town, but do not drop you at the door.  Hired taxis cost LBP 8000 for short trips and up to LBP 25000 for outlying areas.  To avoid later arguments, agree on a price before you step into the car. Rental car agencies are available offering good quality vehicles at prices starting from US$ 35 a day.

Communications

International calls are available. The domestic public phone network is reliable. Various private cellular telephone and fax facilities exist. Prepaid cellular and public phone cards are available. Cellular phones may be rented for the duration of a visit. BlackBerry service is available in Lebanon since January 2009. Internet service as well as Wi-Fi is available and accessible to visitors at many hotels and a multitude of cafes.   Local time is GMT plus two in the winter or seven hours ahead of Ottawa time, and GMT plus three in the summer. There are many ATM machines (all trilingual: English, French and Arabic) throughout Lebanon and they accept international credit cards. Cash may be withdrawn in LBP or USD.

Lodging

There are several international chains and high quality local brand hotels in Lebanon, located mostly in Beirut and surrounding areas. Furnished apartments are also available.

Health

Private and state-owned hospitals are available in all major cities; they provide modern care. At least one pharmacy in each neighbourhood is open 24/24. Medical services can be very expensive and payment in advance is often required. Vaccines are not required.

Food

There are excellent restaurants in Lebanon, offering Lebanese and international cuisine. Prices at such restaurants are usually moderate-to-expensive. Several fast food places are also available both Middle Eastern and International. Most restaurants are clean and the food good; however it is preferable to drink bottled water.

Safety

Before travelling to Lebanon we advise you consult the Travel Report on Lebanon of the Government of Canada and inform of your visit the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Canada in Lebanon. 

Advice on Doing Business

Lebanon is a small but demanding market. The Lebanese consumers are quite sophisticated and will buy renowned and quality brands. The competition is quite fierce among the traditional partners of Lebanon, i.e. Italy, France, United States, Germany, China and the Gulf countries. These countries also bring in substantial financial contributions.

Language for conducting business can be either French and/or English. Arabic is much appreciated but is not a must. It is customary to exchange business cards during business meetings. It is advisable to conduct a preliminary market research in advance. Due to the complexities of the Lebanese market, it is highly recommended to form a partnership with a local company. It can either be a partner, a distributor or an agent but it is essential to have a steady presence in the market if one wishes to succeed.

Lebanon is a country where personal contacts are important. Rumours as well as genuine information circulate rapidly whether verbally from different sources or in the numerous publications. Having somebody in the field can therefore be quite valuable.
Lebanon has traditionally been a country of middlemen; many potential partners will approach you and you should take your time in choosing the right one. Among other things, you should look not only at the value of the contacts a partner brings, but also make sure he brings financing and knowledge of the sector.
Investment in Lebanon is in high demand. The geographical location of Lebanon serve as a distribution centre for markets in the region. For more details consult the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon.

EDC – Export Development Canada is fully open for business in Lebanon and is prepared to consider commercially viable transactions in both the public and private sector.

For information on customs, tariffs, duties consult the Lebanese Customs website.

How to be Successful in the Lebanese market

Impression given and looks are extremely important in Lebanon. If the product offered for sale has world-wide recognition and proven sale performance in other markets, it will sell in Lebanon. However, all international big brand names are already in the  Lebanese market.

The uncertainties linked to the geopolitical situation hinder the development of a very dynamic economy in Lebanon, but the potential is there.

March 2011