Lebanon Travel Guide

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Shopping

Lebanon’s traditional souks (markets) are found all over the country offering decorative and precious handmade items at very low prices. Special purchases include traditional pottery and glassware, as well as cutlery made of tempered steel or copper with ram or buffalo bone handles shaped in the form of beautiful and colorful birds’ heads. Brass and copper goods include braziers, bowls, fluted jugs, ashtrays, swords and doorstops, all attractively designed and hand engraved. Cloth, silk and wool kaftans, abayas (embroidered nightwear) and table linen are popular, as are handworked gold and silver. Shops sell the latest Western goods including clothes, cosmetics, furniture and electrical appliances.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1800.

Currency

Lebanese Pound (LBP; symbol L£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of L£100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of L£500, 250, 100 and 50.

Currency Exchange

There are a large number of banks in Beirut where international currencies can be exchanged. Numerous licensed exchange shops also operate and some hotels offer exchange services. US Dollars are best and do not need to be exchanged as they are accepted even in small shops.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

All major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in Beirut and larger cities.

Travelers Checks

Limited acceptance, as major banks only accept certain types of travelers checks. Traveller's checks also require up to two weeks to clear and are therefore generally not recommended and exchange can often be problematic.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1600, Sat 0800-1300.

Exchange Rate