Travel Essentials › Lebanon
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C, D and G, 220 V; power cuts are frequent, so hotels rely on generators. Emergency: Police 112, Ambulance 140, Fire 175. Tipping: Tip about 10-15% in restaurants and a few dollars for valets, porters and drivers; cash in small US bills is most useful. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water.
Types C, D and G, 220 V; power cuts are frequent, so hotels rely on generators
| Police | 112 |
| Ambulance | 140 |
| Fire | 175 |
Tip about 10-15% in restaurants and a few dollars for valets, porters and drivers; cash in small US bills is most useful.
Greetings. A smile and handshake are normal; close friends kiss on alternating cheeks, often three times. Muslim or devout people may prefer no physical contact with the opposite sex, so let a woman offer her hand first, or use a hand on the heart.
Hospitality. Lebanese hospitality is generous; being offered coffee, tea or food is common, and accepting at least a little is polite.
Dress varies by area. Beirut and coastal areas are relatively liberal, but modest dress is expected in religious sites and more conservative towns; covering shoulders and knees is a safe default outside cosmopolitan districts.
Sectarian sensitivity. Lebanon has many religious communities living close together; avoid unsolicited political or sectarian commentary, which can be a sensitive topic.
Lebanon faces real safety and stability concerns—several governments maintain strong "do not travel" or high-caution advisories due to civil unrest, regional conflict spillover, and limited emergency infrastructure—so travel requires careful, current advisory-checking, even though many areas function normally day to day.
Fake police/officials. Scammers posing as officials may flash fake badges, ask for passports, and invent fines; demand to see official ID and insist on going to the nearest real police station rather than paying on the spot.
Taxi overcharging. Agree on a fare before riding, particularly for unmetered or unofficial taxis; shared "service" taxis are a cheaper standard option.
Romance/online relationship scams. Scammers cultivate online "romantic" relationships before requesting money; be skeptical of online-only relationships that lead to financial requests.
Women travelers. Harassment is a realistic concern for women traveling alone, and it isn't always taken seriously if reported; sticking to well-known areas, dressing according to local norms, and avoiding travel alone late at night is advised.
Criminalized
Same-sex relations are criminalized under Article 534 of the penal code, though enforcement is inconsistent and Beirut has a visible, relatively open LGBTQ+ scene compared to the regional norm; travelers should still be aware that arrests have occurred and discretion outside LGBTQ+-friendly venues is advisable.
| Coffee (café) | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Local bus or metro ride | $1 (shared "service" taxi) | $1.00 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $20 | $20 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | $25 | $25 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | $80 | $80 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | $120 | $120 |
2026-09
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) are best, with mild, dry weather ideal for the coast, mountains and historic sites like Baalbek; summer is hot and dry with major festivals, while winter is cool and wet, with snow in the mountains.