Frequently Asked Questions

Brought to you by Tour Beirut S.A.R.L

Updated: 9/3/2022

Question: What Languages are spoken in Lebanon?
Answer: The official language in Lebanon is Arabic, however, English and French is widely spoken as well as street signage and shop signs.

Question: Is Beirut Safe?
Answer: Beirut is considered safe. Petty crimes such as muggings on the rise due to the ongoing financial crisis in Lebanon. You are less likely to be mugged in Beirut than big European capitals. To minimize this risk, it is advised not to flaunt expensive jewelry and large amounts of cash. Like everywhere in the world you should avoid ghetto areas by booking your hotel in a centralized location.

Question: Is it safe for solo female travelers to travel to Lebanon?
Answers: Yes! It’s safe. We recommend for solo female travelers to use trusted taxi services at night for example Uber. If you’re visiting conservative cities like Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, and Baalbek we recommend to wear modest clothing. Also avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

Question: Can I pay by credit card in Lebanon?
Answer: Due to the financial crisis and the unfavorable official rate of the Lebanese Currency that credit card payment processors use, many businesses have stopped accepting credit card payments. For businesses that do accept them, be aware that you may end up paying over 10% in hidden fees or 14 times the bill amount if the official rate is used over the actual rate. Bottom line: Bring cash in USD or Euro and exchange at a money exchange bureau to avoid this headache.

Question: What is Lebanon’s Currency?
Answer: Lebanon’s currency is the Lebanese Lira or pound. Although the official rate is $1 USD = 1,500 LL, the actual rate at a money exchange Bureau is over $1 = 20,000 LL this is due to hyperinflation. You can check the daily exchange of the Lebanese Lira on this website: lirarate.org

Question: I heard about electricity problems in Beirut, is it true?
Answer: Yes, Lebanon as an extension to the economic crisis is powered up mostly by generators. Residential apartments, street lights, and traffic lights are without power for most of the day. For this reason we recommend to avoid booking Airbnbs as you will experience many multi-hour power cuts. 3,4,5 star hotels provide 24/7 electricity.

Question: Can I travel to Lebanon if I have been to Israel?
Answer: As long as your passport has no Israeli stamps (request that the stamp be done on a separate piece of paper). If asked at passport control, deny having been to Israel so long as there are no Israeli markings on your passport. Having an Israeli stamp on your passport or voluntarily admitting you have been to Israel will most likely result in denied entry.

Question: Is it Ok to talk about Israel and politics in Lebanon?
Answer: This is a sensitive topic to many people. Lebanon and Israel are enemies of war, sentiments vary greatly. It is best to avoid the subject.

Question: How long should I plan to stay in Lebanon if I want to see and experience most of the country?
Answer: We recommend 7-10 days to see the vast majority of Lebanon. We recommend 5-7 days to see the main touristic sites.

Question: I have limited time in Lebanon, what are must do tours?
Answer: We recommend the following must-do tours to all our guests: 1) Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos 2) Baalbek, Anjar, Chateau Ksara. But hey, If you have the time, don’t hesitate to book all the tours you can! Lebanon has a lot to offer and each day trip from Beirut comes with a unique and worthwhile experience.

Question: To see all of Lebanon, do I have to book a hotel room outside of Beirut?
Answer: Lebanon is a tiny country just over 10,000 square kilometers. Beirut is in Central Lebanon, making it the perfect place to base yourself in and take day tours from there. From Beirut, the furthest touristic destination is only 1 hr 45 mins away by car.

Question: What is there to do in Beirut at night?
Answer: You can experience world-renowned Lebanese cuisine at fine dining restaurants such as: Em Sherif, Lisa, Babel, Seray (these restaurants are in high demand and require booking at least 1 month in advance for the weekends). If you’re into night-life you can visit the Gemmayzeh / mar mikheal area where you will find hundreds of bars and pubs. If clubbing is your thing google search which of the many clubs interests you the most. Malls are a nice place to hang out in the evenings we recommend the following: ABC verdun, City Center, Citymall, Lemall Dbayeh. malls generally close at 10:00pm with cinemas open until approximately midnight.

Question: Is Beirut expensive?
Answer: Pre- 2019 Beirut was considered to be expensive, on par with prices of major European capitals like: Paris, London, Amsterdam… etc. As of 2022 prices are generally 30-40% cheaper than 2019, however prices are slowly creeping back to their pre-financial crisis levels.

Question: What is Lebanon known for?
Answer: Lebanon is known for its Phoenician history, the cedar trees (on the national flag), food, night life, religious diversity, summer activities (Beach, paragliding, jet ski, parasailing and more), Winter sports (snow mobile, skiing, snow boarding).

Question: When is the best time to book your holidays for beach access?
Answer: Beaches generally start operating between mid may and end of October.

Question: Can you drink alcohol in Lebanon?
Answer: Alcohol is readily available in most touristic restaurants in Lebanon and throughout Beirut. It may be particularly difficult to find places that serve alcohol in conservative Muslim majority cities such as: Baalbek, Tripoli, and Sidon.

Question: Is it allowed to gamble in Lebanon?
Answer: Yes, gambling is legal in Lebanon. The only Legal place to gamble is at the national casino “Casino du Liban”. Other gambling establishments exist but are limited to electronic gambling machines such as video poker… etc.