Beirut - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are not widely accepted. The majority of places that accept them are on the shuttle route, and outside of that, it's quite rare. This is a cash-based society, and everything is in USD. You will be using the cashier frequently here so bring plenty of checks. There is allegedly one ATM in the Le Royale hotel, but I've never used it or even seen it. There are ATMs on the compound, but I believe they are explicitly for the Lebanese staff. - Aug 2024
Credit cards used to be widely accepted, but with the collapse of the Lebanese Pound the government has refused to adjust the official exchange rate for electronic transactions. As a result, everything is handled with cash and there's the added problem of dealing with exchange rates. I've heard there are almost a dozen different exchange rates in Lebanon, leaving visitors with the unfortunate burden of navigating either the black market or losing most of the value of their dollars. The employee association was offering exchange services at the bank rate, which got you about 40% of the black market rate. - Oct 2020
Credit cards are widely accepted and everywhere will also take USD at the fixed exchange rate. - May 2019
I never had any problems though I have heard reports of some scams. - Feb 2015
There is an ATM on compound. I wouldn't recommend using ATMs within the city. Credit cards generally work, and you often have the choice to pay in U.S. dollars, which saves on foreign transaction fees. Every so often credit cards inexplicably stop working so be sure to carry cash. Most businesses accept either Lebanese or U.S. currency. - Nov 2014
Every place takes both Lebanese Lira and U.S. dollars. There is an ATM on compound and bank cards will sometimes work out in town and sometimes not. - Apr 2014
It's easy and safe. Only small mom and pop stores don't accept them. - Jan 2014
Very easy. There are ATMs everywhere. Credit cards are accepted most places. Especially nice is that you can be charged in dollars on your credit card so that you don't have to pay a foreign exchange fee. - Apr 2012
I used my credit card in nearly every restaurant. There are plentiful ATMs, though sometimes with only one of the two major US ATM networks. HSBC has several branches throughout the country, and your card will always work. Lebanon is a full dollarized economy, and both currencies are accepted from north to south. - Sep 2010
You can use them everywhere. I've never had a problem. You can also use U.S. dollars interchangeably with Lebanese pounds. Most stores will ask you if you want your card to be charged in pounds or dollars. - Jul 2010
ATMs typically charge a fee-- I found I was being charged $7 to withdraw $200 - Jun 2009
Safe and readily available. - Jun 2008
ATMS are available everywhere and they dispense American dollars or Lebanese pounds. Everyone takes dollars here. Credit Cards can be used at most larger stores. - Mar 2008
