Beirut Lebanon Travel Guide
Local SIM cards from Touch or Alfa are available at the airport or official stores. Passport registration is a must. Data can be costly; track usage. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, offering reasonable speeds. Power outages might affect internet access, but backup generators are common.
LibanPost manages national postal services; international shipping can be slow. For urgent international mail, use courier services (DHL, FedEx, Aramex). Arabic is the official language. French is widely spoken. English is common in tourist zones and among younger people. Some language differences exist in less touristy areas.
Awareness of local operating hours and holidays smooths your daily exploration.
Most shops operate from 10 AM to 8 PM. Malls extend hours until 10 PM. Smaller, traditional shops might have an afternoon break from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Banks usually open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3 PM. Some branches may open Saturday mornings. ATMs are widely available across Beirut, but often dispense Lebanese Pounds at an unfavorable rate. US Dollar cash and reputable money changers are the common choices for exchange. Compensair assists with flight compensation.
Lunch service starts around 12 PM - 1 PM. Dinner service begins from 7 PM onwards. Cafes open earlier for breakfast. Museums and attractions typically operate from 9 AM - 5 PM or 6 PM. Most museums are closed on Mondays.
Lebanon observes Christian, Muslim, and national holidays. Banks, government offices, and some businesses close or have limited hours during these times. Public transport may also run less frequently.
Some coastal resorts or mountain establishments may close during off-peak months. Beach clubs may close in winter, and ski resorts in summer. Check specific timings before your visit for these places.
Review holiday schedules when planning your trip to avoid unexpected closures.
Handshakes are standard greetings. Men shake hands with men; women with women. Wait for an opposite-sex individual to offer a hand first. Close friends kiss cheeks. Use 'Marhaba' and 'Shukran'. Modest dress is advised, especially for religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Beirut's central areas are more liberal.
Tipping is common (see Section 2.3). Accept offers of food or drink; refusal can appear impolite. Eating with your right hand is traditional. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially women and children. Avoid photographing military or government buildings.
For specific accessibility insights, contact local NGOs or disability rights organizations before your trip.
Engage respectfully with Beirut's rich culture. Mindful interactions enhance mutual understanding.
Learning basic Arabic phrases is a sign of respect. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or traditional areas. Patience and politeness are central in all interactions, especially with language differences. Seek permission for photos of individuals. Do not photograph military or government buildings.
When visiting mosques, remove shoes. Women cover heads, shoulders, and knees; men wear long pants. Maintain quiet during prayer times. Observe all posted rules. Avoid flash photography during religious services.
Lebanon's heritage is vulnerable. Support local craftspeople and cultural institutions. Visit museums, historic sites, and art galleries that work to protect the country's past. Avoid touching or damaging artifacts at historical sites.
Your spending choices positively influence the local community. Choose locally owned hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tour operators. Hire local guides and drivers for their insights and direct support. Prioritize direct purchases from artisans.
Your financial choices empower local businesses and individuals, fostering a local economy.