Lebanon, a country of stunning Mediterranean coastlines, ancient ruins, and a rich culinary and cultural heritage, offers a deeply rewarding travel experience. Whether you’re wandering through Beirut’s buzzing streets, exploring Roman temples in Baalbek, or skiing in the mountains, knowing how to handle your money is important. Due to economic fluctuations, cash is often preferred over cards, even in urban areas, and U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted alongside the Lebanese pound. This guide offers vital details on cash and ATMs in Lebanon, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and informed trip.
Where to find ATMs in Lebanon?
ATMs are common in major Lebanese cities such as Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, and Zahle. In Beirut, you’ll find machines throughout Hamra, Downtown, Verdun, and Achrafieh – especially near branches of major banks like Bank Audi, Fransabank, and BLOM Bank. Most ATMs support Visa and Mastercard, but foreign card withdrawals may be limited due to ongoing currency and banking instability. Machines often dispense Lebanese pounds (LBP), but some allow USD withdrawals depending on the bank and account type.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs are available in popular destinations like Byblos, Jounieh, Batroun, and the Bekaa Valley. Tourist hotels and malls may have on-site machines, but it’s wise to withdraw cash in Beirut before heading to mountainous or archaeological areas, where ATM services may be unreliable or understocked.
Rural Areas:
In smaller villages or remote areas – especially in southern or northeastern Lebanon – ATM coverage is sparse. Electricity outages and banking restrictions can affect ATM functionality. It’s strongly recommended to carry sufficient cash (both LBP and USD if possible) when traveling outside city centers.
Best ATMs to use in Lebanon for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Lebanon are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Fransabank,
- Bank Audi,
- Credit Libanais,
- Byblos Bank, and
- Bank of Beirut.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Lebanon.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Lebanon, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in LBP).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in LBP’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Lebanon?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Lebanon. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP and Maestro cards. Others like JCB, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
Most ATMs in Lebanon are technically 24/7, especially in cities like Beirut and Tripoli. However, due to the ongoing financial crisis, machines may be out of cash or have restricted withdrawal functionality at times.
What are ATMs called in Lebanon?
ATMs are referred to as “صراف آلي” (Sarrāf Āli) in Arabic or just “ATM” in English. Signage typically includes the bank name and “ATM” in both languages.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs commonly offer Arabic, French, and English as interface languages. Most machines default to Arabic, but language can be selected at the start of the transaction.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Lebanon?
Most Lebanese ATM machines issue only USD Dollars for international cards. You do not have any option to withdraw the local currency Lebanese Pounds (LBP).
ATM withdrawal limits in Lebanon?
ATMs in Lebanon have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of USD 400 to USD 1,000, with most common being USD 1,000 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day and do not usually have daily withdrawal limits so you can make multiple transactions if you need more cash.
ATM Fees in Lebanon
There are some fee-free ATMs in Lebanon. Some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees for foreign card holders while many others charge 3.5% to 5% of the transaction amount as ATM Fees. So you can use the ones with no ATM Fees here.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Lebanon. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Lebanon
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Lebanon?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Lebanon. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Lebanon. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Due to ongoing economic instability and recent financial crises, ATM access and banking services in Lebanon have been unpredictable. Some ATMs may have withdrawal limits, dispense only in Lebanese Pounds, or be temporarily out of service. Crime related to economic hardship, such as theft or scams, has also increased in certain areas. Use ATMs only at established banks in central or secure zones like Beirut and avoid using machines in remote or poorly lit locations. Shield your PIN, keep transactions discreet, and closely monitor your bank activity.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Lebanon takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Lebanon?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Lebanon. Some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Fees for foreign card holders while many others charge 3.5% to 5% of the transaction amount as ATM Fees. So you can use the ones with no ATM Fees here.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Lebanon?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Lebanon and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs operating in Lebanon at this time. Cryptocurrency use is legal, but digital platforms are the main route for exchanges – not physical ATM machines.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Lebanon
- Bank of America: No, Bank of America does not operate ATMs in Lebanon.
- Citibank: No, Citibank has no branches or ATMs here.
- Barclays: No, Barclays is not present in Lebanon.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not provide retail ATMs.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate in Lebanon.
