Visiting or moving to a new country is never easy, especially if you don't speak the language of the locals and can automatically be labeled as a tourist. We're here to make your lives a little bit easier. Take it from someone who knows.
First thing's first, make Lebanese friends as soon as possible and make sure theyare trustworthy because you'll need to consult them multiple times for directions, translations, and currency related topics.
Currency
Get a feel for the currency exchange rate. $1.00 = 1,500 LL.If someone told me 10 years ago when I first moved to Lebanon that a pack of Chiclets chewing gum was 15,000 LL, I honestly would have unknowingly forked over $10.
Transportation
Learn to ignore the cab drivers' constant honking, unless you really need a ride. In such a case, once one pulls over, tell the driver your destination in the least foreign accent you can muster. If they aren't fooled by your attempt to blend in, they'll offer a taxi ride, which gives you the car to yourself for about 15,000 LL, the Lebanese equivalent of $10. Otherwise, short rides ("service") will usually cost about 2,000 LL, which is less than $2!
There are also buses and vans but trying to figure out what they're saying, making sure you're on the correct route, and trying not to get hit on by creeps isn't worth it. Unless you're commuting with a local, walking might be your best bet. But watch out for crazy drivers, deceiving GPS directions, and the scorching heat. Oh and now probably isn't the best time to tell you, but wear comfortable shoes you don't care much about. Lebanese tend to hose down the streets in the middle of the day for no apparent reason but to waste the little water they have.
Sightseeing
The day you head to Raouche to admire the beauty of the Pigeon Rocks, you'll get funny judgmental looks and smiles from locals. Go right ahead and do your thing. Take pictures or have a cute old man with a Polaroid take one for you. Don't forget to cross Jeitta Grotto, Beirut Souks, Zaitunay Bay, Harissa, Cedars of God, and Jbeil Souks off your bucket list too. For a full list of things you must see in Lebanon check out our post here.
Food
Between food poisoning at a random hole in the wall burger joint and an upset stomach from consuming too much garlic way too fast in your Snack Hammoudi escalope burger, be sure to enjoy a little hookah and devour a traditional family style barbeque for lunch. To refresh, save some room for 'ashta ice cream and fresh fruit cocktails. And you definitely don't want to leave without manakish, fool, lebneh, beid w awarma, tabbouleh, and raw meat. The list goes on. For a full list of foods you must try in Lebanon, check out our post here.
There's so much to see, do, and experience in Lebanon and the most important thing to do is to try to enjoy it while it lasts.
