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Best eSIM for Lebanon: Plans, Prices, and Coverage Guide (2026)
Summary: Lebanon has limited eSIM options compared to other Middle Eastern destinations, with Airalo's "Salbeh" plan ($9.50 for 1GB/7 days) being the primary choice for travelers. Local physical SIM cards offer better value: Touch's Visitor Line provides 10GB for $13, while Alfa prepaid starts around $7 for a new line plus data bundles. This guide compares all available options for staying connected in Lebanon.
Lebanon's Mobile Network Landscape
Lebanon has two state-owned mobile networks: MIC1 (branded as Alfa) and MIC2 (branded as Touch). Since 2020, both have been under direct management of the Ministry of Telecommunications after their previous management contracts with Orascom (Alfa) and Zain (Touch) expired.
Alfa introduced eSIM services as early as 2019, with Touch following several years later. Both networks provide 4G/LTE coverage across major cities including Beirut, Tripoli, and the coastal regions.
Lebanon's consumer mobile service is centered on these two state-owned networks. Mobile data in Lebanon can be expensive by global benchmarks; Freedom House cites an estimate of $21.91 per GB in 2023 (via Cable's global pricing data).
eSIM Providers for Lebanon: Complete Comparison
Lebanon's eSIM market is notably restricted. While dozens of providers cover neighboring countries like Jordan, UAE, and Egypt, only a handful support Lebanon. Digital rights organization SMEX tested multiple providers and found that many advertised options do not actually work in Lebanon.
Airalo – Primary Option
Airalo offers the "Salbeh" plan (meaning "cute" in Lebanese dialect), which remains the most accessible eSIM option for Lebanon. SMEX confirmed this provider works in Lebanon based on user reports.
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Price/GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salbeh | 1 GB | 7 days | $9.50 | $9.50 |
Network: Listed as Alfa on Airalo's product page
What's included:
- Data only (no calls or SMS)
- Instant activation via QR code
- 24/7 customer support
- Top-up available if you need more data
Limitations:
- Only one plan size available for Lebanon
- No regional plans include Lebanon
- Relatively expensive per-GB compared to other Middle East destinations
For comparison, Airalo charges $4.50 for 1GB in UAE and Tunisia, $5 in Jordan and Qatar, and $7 in Algeria. Lebanon's $9.50 rate is among the highest in the region.
Verdict: Best choice for travelers who want connectivity immediately upon landing. Install before departure and activate when you arrive at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Truphone
Truphone lists Lebanon on its coverage map via the Alfa network. SMEX contacted Truphone, who confirmed their services are available in Lebanon. However, pricing should be verified directly as the service operates through international roaming agreements.
eTravelSim (Listed, Not Independently Verified)
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Price/GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | 1 GB | 30 days | $24.99 | $24.99 |
Longer validity but significantly more expensive per-GB than Airalo. Listed by travel eSIM marketplaces; not independently confirmed working by SMEX.
Gigago (Listed, Not Independently Verified)
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Price/GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | 1 GB | 7 days | $30.50 | $30.50 |
Pricing per eSIMDB listing. Substantially more expensive than Airalo for similar data/validity. Listed by travel eSIM marketplaces; not independently confirmed working by SMEX.
Orange Travel
Orange Travel lists Lebanon in its Middle East coverage, offering the unique advantage of including voice calls and SMS alongside data. Verify current pricing and availability on Orange Travel's official site before purchase.
Providers Reported Not Working in Lebanon
SMEX, a Lebanese digital rights organization, tested multiple eSIM applications. Based on their findings and provider coverage lists:
SMEX reports as unreliable in Lebanon:
- Google Fi – Often doesn't work despite advertising 200+ country coverage
- Usims – Found not functional in testing
- Simly.io – Found not functional in testing
- MontySIM – Found not functional in testing
Middle East regional plans that exclude Lebanon:
- Holafly – Lebanon not listed in Middle East coverage
- Nomad – Lebanon not included in Middle East regional plan
Touch officially stated to SMEX that they "do not have any agreement with any eSIM service provider for international roaming," which may explain why many providers don't work reliably.
Local SIM Cards: The Budget Alternative
If you're comfortable waiting until arrival, local SIM cards offer significantly better value than international eSIMs.
Touch Visitor Line
- Cost: $13 USD
- Includes: 10 GB data for 14 days + 100 local minutes + SMS
- Where to buy: Official Touch stores and service centers
- Source: Touch official Visitor Line page
Alfa Prepaid
- New prepaid line: $7 USD (VAT excluded)
- Data bundles sold separately: Examples include 1.5GB/7 days for $2.34 and 5GB/7 days for $5 (VAT excluded)
- Where to buy: Official Alfa stores in Beirut
- Source: Alfa official prepaid pricing page
Where to Buy Local SIMs
Recommended: Visit official Alfa or Touch stores in Beirut. Both carriers have locations in Beirut Downtown.
Avoid: TravelTomTom reports the CityFone shop at Beirut Airport has sold SIMs at approximately $44 for 500 MB—verify current pricing on-site, but expect significant markup compared to downtown stores.
Local eSIM from Alfa or Touch
Both carriers offer eSIM activation for customers who visit their service centers:
- Convert an existing physical SIM to eSIM: $1.67
- New prepaid eSIM line: $7
- New postpaid eSIM line: $16.67
This requires an in-person visit but provides local rates and the option for voice calls.
Coverage Expectations
Both Alfa and Touch concentrate strongest coverage in Beirut, coastal areas, and major towns. Remote mountain and rural coverage can be weaker. For detailed coverage information, consult:
- Alfa's official coverage map at alfa.com.lb
- Touch's coverage information at touch.com.lb
Network congestion can occur in central Beirut during peak hours.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Airalo eSIM if:
- You want instant connectivity when landing
- You're staying less than a week
- You primarily need data for maps, messaging, and light browsing
- You don't want to deal with finding a store
Choose a local SIM if:
- You're staying more than a few days
- You need significant data (10GB from Touch for $13 is hard to beat)
- You need local voice calls
- You're comfortable navigating Beirut to find an official store
Setup Instructions
Installing Airalo eSIM for Lebanon
- Before departure: Download the Airalo app and purchase the Salbeh plan
- Receive QR code via email and in-app
- Install the eSIM:
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code
- Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add
- Label the plan (e.g., "Lebanon Travel")
- Keep disabled until you land in Beirut
- Upon arrival: Enable the eSIM and turn on data roaming
- Select for cellular data in your phone settings
The eSIM connects to the Alfa network (per Airalo listing). Activation typically takes 1-2 minutes.
Tips for Lebanon
- Download offline maps of Beirut and your destinations before traveling
- Install WhatsApp for local communication—widely used in Lebanon
- Save important information offline in case of connectivity gaps
- Consider dual-SIM setup: Keep your home SIM for calls/SMS, use eSIM for data
Conclusion
Lebanon presents a challenging connectivity landscape for travelers. International eSIM options are limited and relatively expensive, with Airalo's Salbeh plan being the most practical choice for instant connectivity—and one of the few confirmed to actually work. Travelers staying longer than a few days should consider the significantly better value offered by local Touch SIM cards (10GB for $13), despite the inconvenience of visiting a store.
Whatever you choose, avoid the airport SIM shop's reported markup. Either arrive with an eSIM ready to activate or budget time to visit an official carrier store in Beirut.
This guide is maintained independently. Pricing verified January 2026. Sources: SMEX (eSIM testing), Freedom House/Cable (pricing data), Airalo, Touch, and Alfa official pages. We recommend confirming current rates directly with providers before purchase.
Related Questions
What is the best eSIM for Lebanon?
Airalo's "Salbeh" plan is the most reliable eSIM option for Lebanon, offering 1GB of data for 7 days at $9.50. It's listed as operating on the Alfa network (per Airalo's product page) and activates instantly via QR code. SMEX testing confirmed Airalo works in Lebanon. For longer stays, Touch's Visitor Line offers 10GB for $13.
Does Holafly work in Lebanon?
No, Holafly's Middle East regional plan does not include Lebanon in its coverage list. Similarly, Nomad's Middle East plan excludes Lebanon. SMEX separately tested other providers and found Google Fi, MontySIM, Usims, and Simly.io unreliable in Lebanon. Airalo and Truphone are confirmed working options.