Compare the best eSIM plans for Lebanon

Lebanon has roughly 88% internet penetration and 4G mobile coverage exceeding 90% of the population (source: ITU DataHub, 2024). The mobile market is a state-owned duopoly: Alfa (historically operated by Orascom, ~50% share) and touch (historically operated by Zain, ~50%). Since 2020, the economic crisis has strained infrastructure: daily power cuts of 20-22 hours in some areas and ubiquitous neighbourhood generators. Commercial 5G is not yet deployed.

• ●Dense 4G in Beirut (Achrafieh, Hamra, Verdun, Gemmayzeh, Mar Mikhael, Downtown, Ras Beirut), on the northern coast (Byblos/Jbeil, Batroun, Tripoli), in the Chouf (Beiteddine, Deir el-Qamar), in Kesrouan (Jounieh, Faraya), in Metn (Broumana, Bikfaya). Decent in Baalbek and Zahlé (Bekaa Valley), Sidon, Tyre. Patchier in the higher Mount Lebanon (Faqra, Kfardebian: 4G at ski resorts, weak on hikes), Southern Lebanon (Israeli border: decent signal but military zones, volatile security), Eastern Bekaa (Syrian border: limited Alfa/touch signal, sensitive areas).
• ●Average mobile speed ~15–30 Mbps download in Beirut per Ookla (Q1 2025). Speeds have dropped since the 2019-2023 crisis due to lack of investment.
• ●DAILY power cuts : the EDL grid failure regularly affects cell towers. High-end hotels, cafés and restaurants run private generators (charge a "power surcharge"). For business or content creation, a travel eSIM is essential as a safety net.
• ●Great for Bolt (Beirut taxis, main service), Uber, Careem, Google Maps, offline Maps.me, Whish (Lebanon's LEADING mobile wallet, widely used), Zaky, OMT (money transfer agencies), Byblos Bank and Bank Audi (mobile banking with capital-control restrictions), WhatsApp (universal, primary communication). The US dollar is used everywhere in practice (the Lebanese pound LBP is in freefall) : bring USD cash (small notes).

Sources: Internet Society Pulse: Lebanon, ITU DataHub: Lebanon, Ookla Speedtest Global Index, TRA (telecom regulator)