Middle East

Money, cards and tipping in Lebanon

Capital: BeirutArabic, French, English, ArmenianUpdated October 2026

LBPPound

Money in Lebanon

Mostly cash US dollar cash runs the economy, with Lebanese pounds for small change. Many businesses refuse cards. Bring clean, undamaged dollar notes. US$1 ≈ ل.ل89,500.00 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Leave 10–15% in restaurants, often in dollars; tip valet parkers and delivery riders.
ATMs: Some ATMs give dollars to foreign cards, but with high fees and limits; bring enough cash.
Paying by phone: Contactless foreign cards work in upscale Beirut places; Whish Money handles cash pick-ups and transfers.
Price level: about 38% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Beirut	Mostly cash	Dollar cash dominates; many shops refuse foreign cards. Upscale hotels and restaurants take cards, and Whish Money handles transfers.
Byblos	Mostly cash	Dollar cash is king; cards at hotels and a few restaurants. ATMs exist, but carry enough cash.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Lebanon?

Leave 10–15% in restaurants, often in dollars; tip valet parkers and delivery riders.

Is Lebanon cashless?

Mostly cash. US dollar cash runs the economy, with Lebanese pounds for small change. Many businesses refuse cards. Bring clean, undamaged dollar notes.

What currency does Lebanon use?

The Pound (LBP). US$1 ≈ ل.ل89,500.00 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.