Lebanon Tourism Pricing Update 2026: LBP-Based Menus and Exchange Rates Explained

Travelers heading to Lebanon this year will notice a significant change in how prices are displayed at restaurants, cafés, and other tourist venues. Following a January 2026 directive from the Ministry of Tourism, all establishments catering to visitors are now required to present their official price lists in Lebanese pounds (LBP).

This marks a reversal of the 2022 policy that had allowed dollar-only menus during the height of the currency crisis. While US dollar prices may still appear in parallel for convenience, the pound has been reinstated as the legal reference point across the tourism sector.

What Visitors Should Expect

• Clearer Transparency: Menus and bills must show LBP prices as the official baseline.

• Dual Currency Display: Dollar amounts can still be listed, but they are secondary.

• Exchange Rate Awareness: In practice, many venues currently apply an average conversion of about 1 USD ≈ 89,600 LBP (early 2026 market rate). Slight variations may occur depending on the day or establishment.

Why It Matters

For travelers, the shift reduces confusion. For local businesses, it represents a step toward stabilizing the tourism economy and reinforcing the Lebanese pound’s role in daily transactions.

Practical Tips for Tourists

• Ask Before Ordering: Confirm which exchange rate is being used that day.

• Pay in LBP When Possible: This avoids discrepancies and ensures you’re charged the official listed price.

• Cash Remains Common: Many transactions are still handled in cash, though credit cards are widely accepted in touristic outlets, making payments more flexible.