Lebanon for First-Timers: Essential Travel Tips

Why Lebanon surprises first-timers

Lebanon packs a lot into a small country. You can ski in the Mount Lebanon range in the morning and swim on the Mediterranean coast by afternoon. Beirut is loud, late-night and layered; the Bekaa Valley, Byblos and Tripoli feel like different worlds. A little preparation goes a long way.

Plugs and voltage

Lebanon runs on 230V at 50Hz. The most common sockets are Type C and Type D, with Type G also appearing in newer buildings. Bring a universal adapter to be safe. Power cuts are a fact of life here, even in Beirut, so many places rely on private generators. Carry a power bank and charge devices whenever you can.

Language basics

Arabic is the official language, but Lebanese people switch easily between Arabic, French and English. Menus and signs often appear in all three. A few words go far:

• Marhaba - hello
• Shukran - thank you
• Min fadlak / fadlik - please
• Yalla - let's go / come on

Locals love it when visitors try, even just a friendly marhaba.

What to pack

• Layers - coastal summers are hot and humid, but mountain evenings cool fast
• Modest clothing for visiting mosques and some churches (a scarf helps)
• Comfortable shoes for cobbled old towns like Byblos and Tripoli
• Cash in US dollars - the economy is heavily dollarized and many places quote prices in USD
• A reusable water bottle and basic medications

Money and getting around

Bring fresh, undamaged US dollar bills; ATMs can be unreliable and the Lebanese lira fluctuates sharply. Carry small denominations. Taxis come as shared service cars (cheap, fixed routes) or private rides; agree the price before you get in, or use a ride-hailing app like Bolt in Beirut. Traffic is intense, so allow extra time.

Quick tips for a smooth trip

• Carry cash - cards are accepted in malls and hotels, but small shops and taxis want cash
• Eat the street food - try manakish, knafeh and fresh juice; it's cheap and excellent
• Tip around 10% in restaurants if service isn't already included
• Check security updates before visiting border areas and the south
• Avoid tap water for drinking; bottled water is everywhere and inexpensive
• Dress for the venue - Beirut nightlife is stylish; religious sites need modesty
• Learn taxi etiquette - say 'service' for a shared ride or 'taxi' for private
• Keep your passport copy handy at checkpoints

Stay connected in Lebanon

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can use maps, translate menus and book rides without hunting for Wi-Fi or paying roaming fees.