Lebanon — Currency & Money

The Lebanese pound collapsed after 2019, losing over 98% of its value before informally stabilizing around 89,000-90,000 to the dollar; the economy is now effectively dollarized. Bring the cash you need in US dollars — crisp, small-denomination 'fresh' bills — because the banking system remains broken: do not rely on ATMs, and while card acceptance has partially returned at hotels and newer restaurants (charged at market rate), many places remain cash-only, and power cuts knock out card terminals without warning.

Prices in tourist-facing venues are quoted in USD. Tip 10-15%. Count change carefully when it comes back in pounds, and keep a currency-converter app handy — the zeros are disorienting.