Lebanon Local Customs

 
by Robin020
 
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
 
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Language time

by Robin020

Bear in mind that in Lebanon They speak Arabic.They have different letters They write and read from right to left,Here are some handy phrases and words (pronounciation) :Hello : MarhabaHow are you : Ki fakI am fine : al hamid lil lahThanks very much : shokran ktiryou are welcome : AfwanMoney : Masarifar : ba'eedNear : AreebNice : Hilo ,JamilDelicous : LazizHow much : b'kamWhy : LeshSize : QiyasTaxi : taxiYes : Na'amNo : LaPlease : min fadlakwhat's your name? :Sho ismak ?My name is Robin : Ismi Robinwhere are you from? : min wen inta ?I am from Holland: Ana min Hollanda,America,Britania etc

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Jillab drink!

by marimar_72

This is a drink made from grape molasses and raisens mixed together and topped with pine nuts.a drink is favored specially on a Ramadan breakfast.Here is a picture of my glass of Jillab drink,but blended with ice.usually it`s a darker colour when it`s not mixed with ice ;-)enjoy~!

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Ruins and Traditions

by Sakura8D

In Lebanon, there are a lo of ruins. Everything from the Phoenicians to the Romans can be found. I myself am especially fond of Byblos, now known as Jbeil. My aunt and her family live there, and so we have many chances to go there. There are plenty of gift shops, and resturants to eat from. You can see Muslim mosques, and ancient Marionite Churches. It is truely a cool place to visit. Of course, like any other country, you might have a bit of trouble with the language. However, Lebanon is a French-influenced country, so if you know French, you're covered! Almost everyone these days knows three languages: Arabic, French, and English. It works out then.

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When Paying for a meal

by Cham

This is the same in many cultures but its definately something i've noticed here...when in lebanon if going out to dinner with a lebanizi you are a guest in their country, and so they will want to pay the bill... by all means offer to pay, fight if you really want to but the chances are they won't let you...so I have learned a few tricks to pay for the meal without them realising... after the meal before someone asks for the bill, excuse yourself and tell them you're going to the bathroom, then pay for the bill... or you can basically make sure you're sitting in a position so you can see the waiter, make eye contact, smile and put your hand out to take the bill and he'll give it to you....be warned though the lebanese... as i know from painful experience... are very "hospitable" and will fight you for the billsometimes its best to leave it this time then take them out next time :)

Argileh, shisha, waterpipes

by Cham

try it you might like it. it's not really like smoking, the water filters most of the harmful stuff out of the fumes so you just get a nice smooth fruit flavoured smoke.... so relaxing, you'll see people doing this all over... when in rome...really though it's nothign illegal, just fruit tobacco molasses, no drugs invovled... it apparently helps you with digestion.

money

by Cham

Money money money, looks so funny... in an arab world...in lebanon you can use both US dollars and lebanese lira (pounds) which are held at the exchange rate of 1500LL to 1 USD. It sounds complicated right? well at first you may get a little confused but eventually it becomes second nature to work out...Try and work out your change before you get it so if they give you LL or USD you know how much you should be getting, what will really get you though is when they give you a mixture of the two!Many of the Prices and Bills for restaurants will come with both LL and USD on them and so you can pay in either without having to work it out.

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Tipping

by miso80

You usually tip waiters, hotel staff, guides etc. The average rate in restaurants in 10-15%. Whereas with other people who offer you a certain service, then you can offer them any amount between 1,000LBP and 10,000LBP - it really all depends on the service provided.

Car Driving

by miso80

If you must...then you'd have to have an international driving license to do so..Also, make sure that you always drive on the RIGHT side of the road. Now, I wish I could actually give you hints and tricks as to HOW the Lebanese really drive - cause I believe, we've managed to create a whole set of roles on our own..actually, each and every one of us has his/her set of rules :o) yes, YES! We are very creative! So, do enjoy the riiiiiiiiiiddde!

Shake Hands & give 3 XXX

by miso80

Oh well, if you meet someone for the first time, then it is usually only a handshake. Most of the time, men tend to shake hands rather than kiss, especially when dealing with an acquaitance or a friend of the same gender.However, if you are meeting up with a Lebanese friend, then three kisses- plant one on the left cheek, then the right and then back to the left..is what lebanese usually tend to do.If you forget this..and get confused..I'd stick to just shaking hands!lol!

Bargaining

by miso80

It is not as widespread in Lebanon as it is in other countries. If it does exist, it is not regulated by the government, and is limited to certain shops and situations. For example, while you may bargain with a taxi driver for the fare, you should bargain your way for a lower bill at a restaurant.

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Local Customs: Cities in Lebanon
  1. Beirut Local Customs
  2. Tripoli Local Customs
  3. Baalbeck Local Customs
  4. Tyre Local Customs
  5. Sidon Local Customs

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi, I am traveling from the USA to northern Lebanon to see my girlfriend who I met in the states a year ago. I have been to Europe... 

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A: It would probably help if you identified the culture of her family. Are they Christian or Muslim? Are they educated or not? Are they well-integrated with Western society... 

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