Medical care is good, at least in Beirut, sometimes very good. A list of medical examiners can be obtained from the German Embassy in Beirut (see addresses). Private hospitals are well equipped. A certificate stating whether the patient can pay for the treatment costs is required before treatment. Immediate or prior payment in cash or by credit card is usually expected. The standard in government hospitals is significantly lower. Taking out travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is strongly recommended. Check directoryaah for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who plan to enter the infected areas designated by the WHO within 6 days of their stay. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in Lebanon. [2] Due to the influx of refugees from Syria, travelers should check their vaccination against poliomyelitis (polio). Travelers who are from or have stayed in Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and Somalia must provide proof of polio vaccination,
Food and drink
Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively clean, but you may experience a mild stomach upset. Bottled water, which is widely available, is therefore recommended for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Drinking water outside of the big cities can pose risks and should therefore be boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables (should be peeled if possible) are safe.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: unprotected sexual contact, piercings, tattoos, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Leishmaniasis and other infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks are relatively rare across the country. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. rabies occurs. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. rabies occurs. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. rabies occurs. Carriers include stray dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Health certificate
Foreigners applying for a work permit must undergo an HIV test in the country.
Money
Currency
1 Lebanese pound = 100 piasters. Currency code: L£, LBP (ISO code). Banknotes in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000 and 1000 lei are in circulation. Coins are in denominations of £500, £250, £100 and £50. The Lebanese pound is pegged to the US dollar.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa are accepted in hotels, some restaurants, shops, car rental companies and airlines throughout the country. There are ATMs in the larger cities.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol in Beirut and other major cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash (US dollars). Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are not accepted in Lebanon.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Sat 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (partly until 5:00 p.m.).
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions on the import and export of local and foreign currency. Amounts equivalent to more than US$15,000 must be declared.
Currency Exchange
There are numerous large banks in Beirut where international currencies can be exchanged. Currency exchange is also possible in many hotels. US dollar banknotes are accepted almost everywhere in Beirut in hotels, restaurants, taxis and also in small shops. Exchange options are already available at the airport, as well as in banks and exchange offices.
