Money & ATM Scams in Byblos

Lebanese Lira Exchange Rate Confusion

Lebanon's currency crisis has created a situation where multiple exchange rates coexist simultaneously: the official Banque du Liban rate, the Sayrafa platform rate, and the street/informal market rate. In Byblos, some merchants, restaurants, and vendors quote prices in lira at a rate far less favorable than the current street rate — effectively charging tourists 2–3 times the local price when converted correctly. Others quote in USD but accept lira at an outdated rate. The confusion is particularly acute for visitors who do not know the current street rate for the dollar.