Lebanon Travel Guide for Americans

Buy a SIM card immediately at Beirut airport—carrier options are Alfa (best coverage outside cities, $25 for SIM), Touch/Zain (best Beirut network, $25 for SIM), or MTC (weakest network). Data plans: 10GB for ~$30/month, 5GB for ~$15/month. All carriers offer daily pass options (~$3 for 1GB) if staying short-term. Unlike most Middle Eastern countries, Lebanese carriers will activate immediately with passport copy—no bureaucratic delays. Buy top-up vouchers at any corner shop (5,000-10,000 LBP increments). Coverage is reliable in cities and main highways but spotty in mountains; Alfa slightly better for remote areas. WhatsApp, Telegram, and regular calls work fine. eSIM option available but less reliable than physical SIM for this region.

Tipping culture in Lebanon is obligatory and generous by American standards. Restaurants: 10-15% for full service (not included in bill typically). Taxis: round up fare to nearest 1,000 LBP or add 10% if using Uber/Careem (app-based but appreciated). Hotel staff: $1-2 per bag for bellhops, $2-5 per night for housekeeping if staying 3+ nights. Guides and drivers: 15% of tour cost or $10-20/day depending on group size. Waiters in coffeehouses and casual spots: not expected but small change ($0.50-1) appreciated. Hookah lounges: round up or add 10%. Wine bar staff: 10-15%. Tour operators: 10-15% of tour price. Currency note: Lebanese pound (LBP) is the official currency but US dollars are accepted everywhere and often preferred—tip in either, but USD is cleaner socially. Do NOT tip at state-run museums or archaeological sites.

Beirut proper and major tourist areas (Byblos, Sidon, Tyre, Baalbek) are safe for tourists in 2026—the country has stabilized considerably since 2019-2021 turmoil. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. However: (1) Petty theft and pickpocketing happen in crowded areas and at night—use common sense, don't flash expensive gear, use hotel safes. (2) South Lebanon (Tyre region) historically has Hezbollah presence, but tourists visit the archaeological sites without issues; avoid nighttime wandering in residential areas south of Tyre. (3) Palestinian refugee camps (Shatila, Bourj El-Barajneh) should be avoided unless you're with a specific guide and legitimate reason. (4) Road driving: Lebanese drivers are aggressive and accident rates are high; using car services with drivers is safer than renting self-drive. (5) Power cuts and infrastructure failures happen regularly—not dangerous, just inconvenient; always keep phone charged. (6) Political demonstrations occur occasionally in Beirut but are typically concentrated in specific squares (Martyrs Square downtown) and avoid tourists. (7) Check US State Department travel advisory before booking for any security updates, though as of 2026 Level 3 is standard Middle East language. Honest assessment: safer than headlines suggest, but requires street smarts—not a country for oblivious travelers.