Lebanon rewards visitors with warm hospitality, remarkable history and great food, and a little preparation makes the trip smoother. This guide gathers the practical points that first-time visitors ask about most. Conditions can change, so treat it as a starting point and check current information close to your travel dates.
Before you go
Check entry requirements for your passport well in advance, since visa rules vary by nationality. Review your government's current travel advice for Lebanon and for the specific regions you plan to visit, and consider travel insurance that covers your plans. Keep copies of important documents. Confirm that the tours, hotels and sites you want are operating, and choose rates with free cancellation where possible, because plans may need to change.
Money
The Lebanese pound is the local currency, but US dollars are widely used in many businesses, and prices are often quoted in dollars. Carry some small bills for taxis, tips and small purchases. Card acceptance varies, with larger hotels and restaurants more likely to take cards than small shops and street vendors, so keep cash for snacks and entrance fees. Ask in advance how a business prefers to be paid, and check how prices are displayed to avoid confusion.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the main way to move around Beirut, and agree on the fare before you start if the taxi has no meter. Traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time, especially around rush hours. Day trips are easiest on guided tours with pick-up, or with a private driver for the day. Walking is pleasant in compact districts such as downtown, Gemmayzeh and Hamra, though pavements can be uneven. Car rental is available, but driving styles are assertive and navigation can be challenging.
Dress and etiquette
Beirut is cosmopolitan, and dress is relaxed in many places, with beachwear on the coast and fashionable clothing in the city. For visits to mosques, churches and monasteries, cover shoulders and knees and carry a scarf. Remove shoes where required. Greet people politely, accept offers of coffee or tea graciously and expect generous hospitality. Ask permission before photographing people. Public displays of affection are best kept discreet outside the most liberal areas.
Language
Arabic is the main language, but French and English are widely spoken, especially in the capital. Menus and signs are often in several languages. A few Arabic words, such as marhaba for hello and shukran for thank you, are warmly received.
Health and comfort
Drink bottled water, wear sun protection in summer and carry insect repellent for evenings in the countryside. Pharmacies are plentiful and staff often speak English. Pack any regular medication in your hand luggage. Hotels can help with doctors if needed.
Electricity and connectivity
Power supply can be intermittent in some places, and many hotels and businesses use generators. Bring a power bank for your phone, and a universal adapter. Local SIM cards and mobile data are available at the airport and in shops with your passport.
Staying informed
The situation in different parts of the country can change, and some regions are more affected than others. Follow updates from your government and from your hotel or tour operator, share your plans with someone at home and stay flexible. Choose operators that confirm departures and offer clear cancellation terms. Ask your hotel for advice on routes and timing each day, and take it seriously.
Making the most of it
Slow down, eat widely, talk to people and accept that schedules may shift. Visitors who arrive with curiosity and flexibility often say Lebanon is among the most welcoming places they have travelled.
Time and rhythm
Opening days vary, with many shops closed on Sundays and some services slowing around Friday midday prayers, and religious holidays differ among communities. Restaurants run late, and shops often open mid-morning and close in the evening. Build slack into your schedule, because roads, queues and conversations take longer than expected, and do not pack your days too tightly.
Souvenirs
Good things to bring home include olive oil, za'atar, sumac, sweets from Tripoli, local wine and arak, soap from Sidon or Tripoli and handmade crafts. Check your airline and customs allowances for liquids and alcohol before you buy.
