Lebanon
Dressing Etiquette
At a meeting Newscasters like Rima Maktabi set female fashion mores, making straight skirts, fuchsia jackets, and big hair (never a ponytail) the look for any sort of meeting. Men favor two-button Hugo Boss in navy or black.
On the street Beirut is fashion-forward, but the city’s poor Shiite majority dictates a conservative look. Since the stylish set don’t do much walking, women shuttle around in Audis wearing light dresses or caftans. Men are ostentatious in Hermès belts and loafers, and carry crisp bills folded into platinum money clips. Be warned that such liberal style won’t fly outside the capital city.
At a party Anything goes on weekend nights in the nightclub district of Ashrafieh, but fancier parties demand draped, flowing gowns by local designers like Rabih Kayrouz and Krikor Jabotian.
P.S. Women express themselves through their accessories, which are often over-the-top: bright scarves, gold bangles, glittery clutches, and neon satchels from local favorite Sarah’s Bag (100 Liban St.; 961-1-575-585).
Tipping Etiquette
Restaurants
Tip 10% of your bill; may give the maître d' $25 up front to ensure good service or musicians $5
Hotels
Tips are included on group tours; otherwise, porters - $2, doormen - $2, maids - a few dollars a day, concierge - $20-25 up front for good service
Guides & Drivers
Unless in a prepaid group, tip guides about $10/person/day and drivers $5/person/day
Dollars Accepted?
Unless in a prepaid group, tip guides about $10/person/day and drivers $5/person/day
*Churches -- Leave something in the offering box at the entrance
*Bartenders -- Tip like in the U.S.
*Skiing -- Tip the instructor $20
