THE OPTIMA JURIS GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST

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Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Middle East
2. Middle East Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention
3. Countries That Require Visas
4. Currency
5. Security Isssues
6. Tipping Rules
7. Transportation
8. Country Specific Information
9. Major Cities in the Middle East
10. Major Middle East Airports
11. Useful Links

Overview of the Middle East

The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and North Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East. The corresponding adjective is Middle-Eastern and the derived noun is Middle-Easterner.

The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times, and throughout its history, the Middle East has been a major centre of world affairs. When discussing ancient history, however, the term Near East is more commonly used. The Middle East is also the historical origin of major religions such as Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Middle East generally has an arid and hot climate, with several major rivers providing for irrigation to support agriculture in limited areas. Many countries located around the Persian Gulf have large quantities of crude oil. In modern times the Middle East remains a strategically, economically, politically, culturally and religiously sensitive region. The Middle East expected economic growth rate is at about 4.1% for 2010 and 5.1% in 2011.

Middle East Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention

Cyprus
Israel
Kuwait*
Morocco
Turkey
*Non-Member States
Full List of the Hague Evidence Convention Parties

Countries That Require Visas

If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities and in many instances a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence.

When you're checking with a Middle East consulate, check into the requirements for health records. You may need to show your HIV/AIDS status, inoculations and other medical records.

Middle East Countries Requiring Visas:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Armenia
• Azerbajan
• Bahrain*
• Comoros*
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan*
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait*
• Kyrgyzstan*
• Lebanon*
• Libya
• Mauritania
• Oman*
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Qatar*
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Turkey*
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates*
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen
  
  * You may be able to obtain a visa at the point of entrance to these countries. Please be sure to double check before traveling.
  Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
  Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Currency

Money

Cash is easy, flexible and you don't even have to show your passport as ID to exchange cash like you do with travellers cheques. But easy come easy go. Cash is also the riskiest way to carry large amounts of money. If lost or stolen, it's gone unlike travellers cheques which can be replaced.

Credit cards

Check carefully for your credit card's terms and conditions. In particular, check the small print regarding ATM transaction fees and currency conversion charges so you don't get any suprises. Make sure your card has the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol otherwise you may not be able to use it overseas.

Exchanging money

Compare exchange rates at a number of booths if possible, but don't waste time and money traipsing across town to save ten pesos. Banks and booths typically give much better rates than hotels or other businesses. It's wise to exchange money at a licensed foreign exchange location while you may get a better rate on the street, you may get burned by a scam or wind up with obsolete or fraudulent notes - weigh up the pros and cons.

Travellers checks

The main advantage of travellers checks is that they can be replaced if lost or stolen. The disadvantage is that there is often (though not always) a fee to both buy and cash them. Even so, think of this small expense as a type of travel insurance, guaranteeing that you'll be able to get cash in an emergency, when you'll need it most. Travellers checks are most commonly issued in U.S. dollars, but other currencies are also becoming more widely accepted.

Security Isssue

• Ask your hotel for a list of safety cell numbers & email.
  There should be a main contact and a backup contact whom you can contact in the country you're visiting. Get a cell number and email. Getting a contact number of someone in the USA is ok, but keep in mind that the Middle East is on a different time zone.
• Carry some cash.
  While credit cards are accepted throughout the Middle East, cash is still king when you are absolutely in a bind. While we aren't saying to be a walking ATM, do have several hundred dollars on you just in case.
• Get your paper work straight
  Do make sure everyone has a passport. Do make sure everyone has a visa if applicable. Do check the embassy rules as they are constantly updated. Also, see what items are included in your travel package (insurance, tipping, forms, etc).

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Middle East.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• Global Security Updates
• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
  • register your travel and contact details, so someone can contact you in an emergency

Tipping Rules

The tipping culture is often complex and subtle in this part of the world. Middle Easterners are known for being very friendly and hospitable, with people providing too much service. In return people's hands are out a little bit more. Remember to always keep some spare change on your person because even small amounts are greatly appreciated.

In restaurants, check your bill if gratuity is included or not. If it is already included, there is no need to give any additional tip unless service was exceptional. If the tip is not added to the bill, normally 15%-20% is good.

Transportation

If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.

Also available in Metropolitan Areas

• Buses
• Cars
• Taxis
• Subways

Country Specific Information

Major Cities in the Middle East

• Tehran, Iran
• Baghdad, Iraq
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Damascus, Syria
• Sana'a, Yemen
• Amman, Jordan
• Beirut, Lebannon
• Dubai, Uited Arab Emirates
• Masqat-Matrah, Oman
• Gaza, Palestine
• Jeruselm, Israel
• Tel-Aviv, Israel
• Doha, Qatar
• Cairo, Egypt
• Islamabad, Pakistan

Major Middle East Airports

• Bahrain
  Bahrain Muharraq International Airport
  BAH
• Beirut, Lebanon
  Beirut International Airport
  BEY
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  Dubai International Airport
  DXB
• Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
  Fujairah International Airport
  FJR
• Sharjah, Unite Arab Emirates
  Sharjah International Airport:
  SHJ
• Tel Aviv, Israel
  Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport
  TLV

Useful Links

Hotels

Agoda Hotel Search in the Middle East
Lonely Planet Middle Eastern Hotel Search

CIA

CIA Factbook Page

U.S. Embassy

United State Embassies Around the World

Electrical Requirements

Detailed List on Voltage Requirments

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