Lebanon

Lebanon is small, but its traffic is legendary. Whether you’re weaving through the vibrant streets of Beirut or heading north to the ancient ruins of Byblos, transportation requires a bit of local savvy. The most common way to get around is via a "Service"—a shared taxi that follows specific routes. You simply hail one and shout your destination; if the driver is heading that way, you hop in for a fixed rate, usually around 150,000 to 300,000 LBP ($1.50–$3.00 USD) depending on the distance. For more comfort, private ride-hailing apps are popular. To ensure you can book a ride or use GPS while navigating the winding mountain roads of the Chouf, activate your Hello eSIM before you land. Having reliable data means you won't be stranded searching for Wi-Fi in a remote cedar forest. If you’re planning a day trip to the Roman temples of Baalbek, use the Hello trip planning feature to organize your route, as public buses from the Cola intersection can be informal and require a bit of patience.

Dining in Lebanon is less of a meal and more of a marathon. In neighborhoods like Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael, the tables are perpetually crowded with small plates known as mezza. You’ll start with staples like hummus, moutabal, and the quintessential tabbouleh, before moving on to hot dishes like kibbeh and spicy soujuk sausages. A must-try is the Manoushe—a thyme-and-oil flatbread—from a local street bakery for breakfast, costing roughly 100,000 LBP ($1.00 USD). Because Lebanese meals are inherently social and often involve large groups sharing dozens of dishes, things can get complicated when the check arrives. Use the Hello expense splitting feature to effortlessly divide the cost of a long, sunset dinner in Batroun among your friends. It saves you the headache of manual calculations after a few glasses of local Arak. Don't forget to leave a tip; while service is often included in the bill, an extra 10-15% in cash is always appreciated by the hardworking staff.

Managing money in Lebanon is a unique experience that requires a bit of preparation. The country operates on a dual-currency system where both the Lebanese Pound (LBP) and US Dollars are used interchangeably. While many high-end restaurants and hotels in Beirut accept international credit cards, Lebanon remains a cash-heavy society. You will often find yourself carrying large stacks of LBP for daily purchases like coffee or museum entries. To stay on top of your finances, use the Hello budget tracking tool to log your expenses in LBP as you go. This helps you understand exactly how much you are spending against the fluctuating market rates. When exchanging money, look for "Sarraf" (money exchange) shops in busy areas like Hamra; they usually offer the most current rates compared to banks. Always keep a mix of small USD bills and local currency on hand. By tracking your daily outgoings in the app, you can ensure your budget lasts for that extra night of dancing at a rooftop bar overlooking the Mediterranean.

From the snow-capped peaks of Faraya to the soap workshops of Sidon, Lebanon’s diversity is its greatest asset. A trip to the Jeita Grotto, a stunning limestone cave system, is a non-negotiable experience. Entry fees are roughly 800,000 LBP ($8.00 USD). When venturing out of Beirut, having a solid itinerary is key. Use the Hello trip planning tool to schedule your visits to the Beiteddine Palace or the ancient souks of Tripoli. Connectivity can be spotty in the deep valleys of Qadisha, but with a Hello eSIM, you’ll have the best possible chance of maintaining a signal to check opening hours or call a local guide. These rural areas offer a slower pace of life where hospitality is legendary; don't be surprised if a shopkeeper invites you for coffee. Tracking these smaller, spontaneous purchases in your Hello budget tracker ensures you don't lose track of your funds while immersed in the local culture.