Don't assume you can easily tell if someone is Muslim, Christian or Druze. They all speak Arabic, and dress is not always an indication of group affiliation.

Do note that travelers have been denied entry into Lebanon because their passports bear an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel.

Don't assume it's safe to swim in the sea. Waste is often dumped inland and finds its way to the sea via rivers. Much of this pollution is not necessarily visible.

Don't be confused, or surprised, by the different spelling of words on maps and signs. Transliteration of Arabic characters into Roman letters yields many variations.

Do remove your shoes when entering a mosque.

Do be prepared in business meetings to engage in small talk before getting down to business. It's considered rude to get right to the point. Also, don't talk about business during dinner.

Do accept food or drink (especially tea) when offered, even if you don't consume it. It would be very impolite to refuse.

Do listen to rababah (a stringed instrument) music if you get the chance.

Don't give liquor or tobacco products as gifts.

Don't be surprised if you get stuck with an added tax and service charge of as much as 20% for hotel and restaurant bills.

Do expect wild taxi drivers. On our last trip, we took a memorable journey at top speed into oncoming traffic on the wrong side of a freeway.

Don't expect to see public displays of affection.

Don't eat pork in front of Muslims.