Lebanon

• Black market currency exchange scams have proliferated due to Lebanon's economic collapse and dramatic currency devaluation, with exchange rates fluctuating wildly on daily basis and significant differences between official and parallel market rates. Fraudulent money changers may offer attractive rates but provide counterfeit bills, short-change amounts, or operate illegal schemes. Travelers should use established exchange services, verify current parallel market rates through reliable sources, count money carefully, and understand that currency exchange has become extremely complex with multiple exchange rate systems operating simultaneously throughout the country.
• Fake taxi operations have increased as economic desperation grows, with unlicensed drivers operating unmarked vehicles, overcharging tourists, or potentially creating safety risks through unvetted operators. Legitimate taxi services have become less reliable due to fuel shortages and economic pressures on drivers. Travelers should use hotel-arranged transportation when possible, verify taxi credentials, agree on fares in advance preferably in USD, avoid unlicensed vehicles, and consider that ride-sharing apps may have limited availability due to economic conditions and fuel shortages affecting transportation networks.

• Lebanon's healthcare system has experienced severe degradation due to ongoing economic crisis, with hospitals facing critical supply shortages, medical equipment breakdowns, staff emigration, and reduced capacity to handle emergencies or provide specialized care. Many healthcare facilities operate with limited hours, unreliable electricity affecting critical equipment, and difficulty obtaining medications or medical supplies. Travelers should obtain comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage, bring complete supplies of prescription medications, carry basic medical supplies, and understand that medical care quality and availability may be significantly below normal standards.
• Bring complete supplies of all prescription medications plus extra quantities as Lebanese pharmacies frequently lack inventory due to import restrictions, currency shortage for purchasing supplies, and distribution network disruptions. Many common medications are unavailable or prohibitively expensive when found. Pack medications in original containers with prescriptions, carry doctor's letters for controlled substances, bring basic over-the-counter remedies, and consider that medication resupply during travel may be impossible, making advance preparation absolutely critical for managing ongoing health conditions.

• Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly recommended for all travelers to Lebanon as the disease can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, and current infrastructure challenges increase exposure risks. Lebanon's water treatment facilities and food safety systems have been compromised by economic crisis, power shortages, and reduced government oversight. Additional routine vaccinations should be current including measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and annual flu shots. Hepatitis B vaccination may be recommended for travelers with specific risk factors. Consult travel medicine specialists well before departure as vaccine availability and healthcare system capacity for providing travel health services may be limited within Lebanon.

• Beirut earned its legendary reputation as the 'Paris of the Middle East' through its sophisticated culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan atmosphere that traditionally attracted visitors from across the region and beyond. When stability returns, the city's extraordinary food culture featuring world-class Lebanese restaurants, innovative fusion cuisine, rooftop bars with Mediterranean views, and legendary nightclubs that operate until dawn showcase Lebanon's unique blend of Arab and French influences. The restaurant scene encompasses everything from street-side shawarma stands to Michelin-quality establishments, with Lebanese chefs renowned internationally for their culinary expertise and creative interpretations of traditional dishes.
• Visit the ancient cities of Byblos and Baalbek, which rank among the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements and contain some of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Middle East. Byblos, considered one of the oldest Phoenician cities, features ruins spanning over 7,000 years including Phoenician temples, Roman theaters, and Crusader castles, while Baalbek contains magnificently preserved Roman temples including the Temple of Jupiter with columns reaching 65 feet high. These UNESCO World Heritage sites offer unparalleled insights into ancient civilizations, though current access and site maintenance may be affected by economic conditions and security situations.
• Lebanese cuisine represents one of the world's great culinary traditions, with mezze culture encouraging social dining through dozens of small plates including hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, fattoush, and kibbeh that showcase fresh ingredients and complex flavors. Traditional dishes like manakish for breakfast, grilled kebabs, fresh seafood along the coast, and innovative preparations of lamb, chicken, and vegetables reflect both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Lebanese wine industry, dating back thousands of years, produces excellent varieties from mountain vineyards, particularly in the Bekaa Valley, though current economic conditions may affect restaurant operations and wine availability.

• Avoid discussing sectarian politics or religious tensions as Lebanon's complex confessional system involves 18 officially recognized religious sects with delicate political balance between Christian, Sunni, Shia, and Druze communities. Political discussions can quickly become heated and potentially dangerous, particularly given current economic crisis, government instability, and social tensions. Sectarian identity remains deeply important to many Lebanese, and casual comments about political leaders, religious groups, or historical events may inadvertently cause offense or create uncomfortable situations. Focus conversations on cultural topics, food, history, or positive aspects of Lebanese heritage while respecting the sensitivity surrounding political matters.
• Do not attempt to visit southern Lebanon near the Israeli border as this region remains extremely dangerous due to active military tensions, Hezbollah presence, unexploded ordnance, and frequent security incidents. The border area is heavily militarized with restricted access, military checkpoints, and ongoing conflict risks that can escalate rapidly. Even areas that appear calm may become active conflict zones with little warning. Lebanese military and international peacekeeping forces maintain significant presence, but civilian safety cannot be guaranteed. Similar caution applies to certain areas of the Bekaa Valley and other regions with security sensitivities.
• Do not rely on credit cards, debit cards, or banking services as Lebanon's financial system has completely collapsed with banks operating severe withdrawal restrictions, ATM networks largely non-functional, and most businesses unable to process electronic payments. The banking crisis has made USD cash the only reliable payment method for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and shopping. Even establishments that previously accepted cards now require cash payments. Bring sufficient USD cash for entire trip including emergency funds, as accessing money through traditional banking channels is nearly impossible and currency exchange involves complex parallel market rates.

Tipping culture in Lebanon traditionally follows Mediterranean customs with 10-15% gratuity expected at restaurants, cafes, and bars when service charges are not included in bills. However, due to severe economic crisis and currency devaluation, tips in USD are strongly preferred over Lebanese pounds, and service industry workers particularly appreciate foreign currency given their reduced purchasing power. Hotel staff including bellhops, housekeeping, and concierges typically receive $2-5 USD per service, while taxi drivers appreciate rounding up fares or 10% tips in dollars. Tour guides and drivers for day trips should receive $10-20 USD depending on service quality and group size. Many service workers have lost significant income due to economic conditions, making generous tipping in hard currency especially meaningful and appreciated.

Lebanon maintains relatively liberal dress codes compared to other Middle Eastern countries, particularly in cosmopolitan Beirut where Western-style clothing is completely acceptable for both men and women in most settings. Casual attire including jeans, t-shirts, dresses, and shorts is appropriate for daily activities, restaurants, and nightlife venues. However, modest dress is required when visiting religious sites including mosques, churches, and shrines, meaning covered shoulders, long pants or skirts, and head coverings for women at Islamic sites. Beach resorts and coastal areas welcome typical swimwear and summer clothing. Business settings expect professional attire similar to European standards. Mountain regions may require warmer clothing depending on season and elevation.

Lebanon's unique confessional system officially recognizes 18 different religious sects, creating one of the Middle East's most religiously diverse societies with approximately 40% Christian (including Maronites, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic), 30% Sunni Muslim, 25% Shia Muslim, and 5% Druze populations living in integrated communities. This diversity means travelers encounter churches, mosques, and religious sites throughout the country, each deserving respectful behavior including appropriate dress, quiet demeanor, and following specific customs. Religious holidays from multiple faiths affect business hours and cultural activities throughout the year. Dietary considerations include halal requirements for Muslims, though alcohol is widely available and consumed. Lebanon's religious tolerance and pluralistic society traditionally welcomed all faiths, though current tensions may affect interfaith dynamics.