What and where in Hamra

Downloadable the Map of Hamra

Equivalent to Dollarama (1$ shop) elsewhere, this is the Lebanese version of shops selling almost everything at very cheap prices. Be it plastics, kitchenware, adapters, batteries, towels, toys, or decorative items, all products at these shops are sold for extremely cheap prices. It is advisable to visit these shops during the first few days of stay at Beirut to buy some necessities.

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ATMs

Most banks provide ATM services. Throughout Hamra and Beirut, you can find ATMs from which you can withdraw cash. Most banks have their ATMs located on the street but some have them located inside the bank which is more recommended for security purposes. Beirut is a very safe city but theft cases are occasionally encountered. Indoor ATMs can only be accessed after passing your valid card at the door.

Helpful Hint: Before entering your card into an ATM, check whether the machine accepts your credit/debit card by looking at the acceptable card types shown on the top of the machine. Usually the accepted types vary from one bank to another. If the type in concern is not displayed, the card will either be rejected or extra commission charge will be applied. Pay attention to the fees charged for using an ATM from another bank.  For example, HSBC charges 10,000 LL (over US$6).

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The Hamra area is full of banks, with the same bank sometimes having more than one branch in the area. Luckily many banks are situated very close to AUB which facilitates the banking procedures for new faculty. Banking hours are rigid in Lebanon: Monday through Friday 08:00-14:00, Saturday 08:00-12:30; Very few banks stay open until 17:00.

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There are many barbershops throughout the Hamra area and especially Bliss Street. Barbershops in Lebanon are very cheap where a normal male cut will cost between 5000 and 10000 L.L. Barbers tend to build strong relations with their customers so they are often friendly and expect you to become their permanent customer.

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Near the AUB Medical Center off Abdel Aziz Street, the Bargain Box receives donations such as clothing, household goods, electrical equipment, furniture, and toys, all of which are sold at discounted prices. Proceeds support needy children in the Department of Pediatrics at AUB Medical Center.

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Bookstores

Bookstores are widely spread throughout all the Hamra area. They offer a variety of newspapers, magazines, books, maps, guides, postcards, and the like in Arabic, English, and French. Bookstores often also sell prepaid mobile cards, internet cards, and offer other services such as courier. Most popular is Malik’s Bookshop on Bliss Street which sells stationary, university books, and offers a great variety of other services. Also, a very widely known bookstore is Librairie Antoine on Hamra Street which is the biggest bookstore in Hamra and has all kinds of magazines, books for adults and children, and many other educational items. Librarie Antoine currently operates the AUB bookstore.

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Churches /

Mosques
 

As a multi-religious city and country, Beirut has numerous churches and mosques. In the central district area, you often see churches and mosques standing side-by-side. In Lebanon, since it is an Arab country, you often hear mosques calling for prayer five times a day and it is customary that Muslims go to prayer on Friday, the holy day in Islam. Similarly, you often hear the ringing of church bells on Sunday, the holy day in Christianity where pious Christians often attend mass.

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Hamra is a main area for shopping. Clothing shops are found throughout the area but are mainly concentrated on Hamra Street and Makdissi Street. Bargaining is a key trick in shops where prices are not rigid. Many international shops are found in Hamra and other areas in Beirut especially in big shopping centers such as Dunes Center in Verdun and ABC Mall in Ashrafieh.

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Lebanon was one of the first Arab countries to adopt the new technologies of the twentieth century including computers and internet. Since it is a successful business, many large and small computer stores can be found in the Hamra area. The expertise of technicians and authenticity of computer parts vary from store to store as do prices. Computer stores sell desktops, laptops, hardware, software, peripherals, internet cards, and other computer accessories. Most of these shops offer maintenance services as well.

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Convenience

Stores/

Supermarkets
 

Convenience stores are located throughout Hamra and offer all the needs of the residents of the area. Varying in size, offerings, brands, and opening hours, shops vary only slightly in price. Most popular and comprehensive are Idriss Market, TSC, and the COOP.

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Department Stores

Department stores are a relatively new concept in Lebanon, yet they are emerging and growing very quickly. Such stores (in addition to malls) can be found all over Lebanon, often with the same store having several branches in several main areas. Most popular is ABC which can be located in all main Lebanese cities with no exception. The newest ABC is located in Ashrafieh and is a real European-style mall having all kinds of shops and entertainment facilities.

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Furnishing one’s home can be easily done in Hamra where several shops offering house furniture, bedding, kitchenware, carpets, drapery, appliances, lighting equipment, and decorative items can be found. Most popular are Sleep Comfort (furniture), AandP (kitchenware, glassware, and decor) and Linea Verde (Curtains and Upholstery) all located on Souraty Street.

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Hairdressers/

Beauty Parlors
 

Hairdressers and beauty parlors are abundant in Hamra and offer a variety of services such as hair brushing, hair dying, face make-up, manicure, and pedicure. Prices vary from one place to another. Packages for special occasions are available at special prices for regular customers.

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With a population that is formed mainly by children (under 18 years), Lebanon has a great variety of kids shops including new-borns' accessories, kids’ clothing, toys, and bookshops. International shops such as Chicco, Mothercare and Oshkosh B’Gosh are found in Verdun. Many other local and international shops are found in Hamra such as Kindou, Khabbaz, Zahhar Kids (Children wear), Kidshop and Mustard (library and toys), and Nataly’s (new-born accessories).

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Laundry services are available throughout the Hamra area at reasonable prices. Laundry facilities often have a list of prices by their windows and often offer free pick-up and delivery services.

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LibanPost is the official mailing service in Lebanon. LibanPost mail boxes are often found on streets throughout Hamra and one LibanPost office is located on Makdissi Street. In addition to mailing services to all countries at very low rates, LibanPost also provides official services such as renewing passports for Lebanese citizens and many others. Other courier services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS can also be found and have agents throughout Lebanon and Hamra.

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Heavily concentrated on Abdel-Aziz Street, opticians offer a large variety (including European and world-class brands) of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses at very reasonable prices. Again, prices are often not rigidly defined and therefore bargaining is always possible.

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Photo Centers
 

Two main photo centers are located in the Hamra area close to AUB. The first is Fuji Film on Jean D’arc street, and the other is Naji Photo Center on Sadat Street. They offer passport photo shooting, digital photo printing, film printing, coverage of events, and also sell cameras, films, and frames.

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Police Stations
 

At the end of Bliss Street is Houbaysh Police Station (at the corner across International College). In case of theft or any other crime, please consult the police station for proper measurements.

Located on Roma Street in the same building of the Ministry of Tourism, is the Tourist Police which takes care of foreigners’ security.

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Pharmacies

Several pharmacies are located in Hamra. Pharmacies offer a variety of medications, sometimes cosmetics and other products. Certain pills are not sold unless a doctor prescription is presented. Close to AUB is Al-Chark Pharmacy (Abdel Aziz Street) operating on a very organized system based on a computerized database of medications.

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The Lebanese telephone company, Ogero, has recently installed phone booths all over Beirut. These booths operate using a variety of calling cards called “Kalam” or “Telecarte” and can be found at convenience stores and other specialized Ogero agents. One public phone booth is located inside AUB outside Jafet Memorial Library, and three other booths are located just outside each of the Medical Gate, Main Gate, and Penrose Gate.

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Beirut is the home for an enormous variety of restaurants of all cuisines. Restaurants are spread all over the city, and Hamra has a good share of this distribution. In addition, several franchises and popular chains are present in Hamra too such as McDonalds, Burger King, Hardees, Subway, and Roadster Diner.

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There are several travel agencies and airline agents in the Hamra area, most of them clustered in Gefinor Center. Tickets on the same airlines vary in price from one agency to another.

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