Lebanon
Travel tips for Lebanon: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Carry some cash. While major supermarkets and large restaurants accept international cards, Lebanon remains heavily cash-reliant. Travelers must carry cash (especially crisp USD) for smaller shops, street food, taxis, and everyday expenses.
Try the food
- Kibbeh (كبة): A spiced mixture of ground lean meat, bulgur wheat, and pine nuts, typically fried into crispy, football-shaped croquettes.
- Tabbouleh (تبولة): A vibrant, tangy salad made primarily of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and a sprinkle of bulgur, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Manakish (مناقيش): A popular breakfast flatbread baked with a generous topping of za'atar mixed with olive oil, cheese, or ground meat.
Say it in Arabic
- Hello: مرحبا (Marhaba)
- Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
- Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
- Excuse me: عن إذنك (A'an iznak)
- How much is this?: بقديش هيدا؟ (B'addesh hayda?)
- The bill please: الحساب من فضلك (L'hesab min fadlak)
- Yes / No: إيه / لأ (Eh / La')
- Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a salameh)
Essentials
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- SIM tip
- Purchase a prepaid Alfa or Touch SIM card at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport upon arrival, but ensure your phone is unlocked and be prepared to pay in USD.
Etiquette
Tipping around 10-15% in restaurants is customary, and it is considered polite to accept offers of coffee or tea from hosts or shopkeepers.