Getting a Lebanese SIM card has become more affordable in recent years.
Where you used to pay more than 20 USD for a SIM card in Lebanon, you can get a SIM card for much less, mainly because of government pressure.
Both Touch and Alfa sell SIM cards for 3 USD in their stores. You can get 1 GB of data for as low as 7 USD.
There is much more to know about purchasing SIM cards and getting data in Lebanon.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Lebanon. Let's get started.
Original publication: 24th of December 2019. Last updated: 14th of January 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Lebanon?
If you want to buy a SIM card in Lebanon, I recommend going with either Touch or Alfa. The coverage with both operators is on par and extensive. Speeds are high with both Touch and Alfa. Alfa is slightly cheaper than Touch and offers more packages and bundles.
So, which other SIM cards are available in Lebanon?
Lebanon has two mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
This guide sticks to the mobile operators only (bolded above) to prevent information overload (at least, that is the aim – this guide is still in-depth!).
Anyone living in or visiting Lebanon can buy a Lebanese SIM card with no restrictions.
But you do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations, showing your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Lebanese SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get a Lebanese SIM card in Touch & Alfa stores and third-party stores, including kiosks, pharmacies & grocery stores. Some Lebanese airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay for the following Lebanese SIM cards:
The following Saudi mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Touch: 39 USD (Touch Visitor Line – tourist)
- Alfa: 18 USD (Alfa365 – tourist)
If you plan to buy a SIM card at an airport, the prices can be higher than those listed above – be aware of this.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date LBP (Lebanese Pound) to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between SAR and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 SAR = 0.25 USD
- 10 SAR = 2.65 USD
- 100 SAR = 26.65 USD
- 1000 SAR = 266.55 USD
- 10 000 SAR = 2665.65 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Lebanese Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Touch & Alfa, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Lebanon offers us.
Touch
Touch is the largest operator in Lebanon. It is managed by the Zain group while being partially owned by the Lebanese government (which applies to Alfa too, but they are run by a different company).
This is what you will learn about Touch:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Touch SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Touch Tourist SIM Card
* Topping-Up Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* APN Settings
Coverage – Touch
Touch has extensive coverage throughout Lebanon.
Touch' 4G/LTE coverage is almost as extensive as its 3.9G coverage. Nearly all of Lebanon is covered by Touch.
SIM Card Price – Touch
You can get a Touch SIM card, called Magic, for 3 USD with 3 USD in credit for 5 days in Touch Certified Outlets, Point of Presence, and Service Centers. You can also get a data-only SIM card for 19 USD with 19 USD in credit.
Touch sells other SIM cards, mostly referred to as profiles, which are Start, Smart, and Super. They are sold for the following prices:
- Start SIM card: 13.64 USD – 9.09 USD in credit for 30 days
- Smart SIM card: 19.70 USD – 15.15 USD in credit for 30 days
- Super SIM card: 31.82 USD – 27.27 USD in credit for 30 days
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
The difference between all these SIM cards and prices is the standard rates you pay. Most plans and packages are available to all SIM cards and profiles.
The Start, Smart, and Super SIM cards have their own recharge cards and values.
You can switch profiles by texting the name of the profile (Magic, Start, Smart, or Super) to 1144.
Do note that current credit and activated services will not be transferred when switching profiles.
For most, the Magic SIM card and profile will be the most affordable profile when in Lebanon.
Touch SIM cards, mostly the Magic SIM card, are also sold at Beirut International Airport.
Touch Visitor Line (Tourist SIM Card)
The Touch Visitor Line is a SIM card aimed at tourists. It costs 39 USD and includes 10 GB of data, 100 minutes for local and international use, and 100 SMS for local and international use, all for 14 days.
The Visitor Line plan can be renewed by texting VB to 1100.
You can check your Visitor Line balance by dialing *220#.
Although the Visitor Line plan is valid for 14 days, the SIM card itself is valid for 365 days. Moreover, IMEI registration is unnecessary when you have a Visitor Line SIM card, nor do you have to pay import duties.
The Touch Visitor Line is also available at Beirut International Airport.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Touch
Touch Magic recharge cards are available in denominations from 11.36 USD to 231.82 USD in Touch Stores, Service centers, and Points of Presence.
The Magic top-up cards come in the following values, and they can also be used to recharge Visitor Line and Al Tawasol SIM cards and profiles:
| Price | Validity |
|---|---|
| 11.36 USD | 10 days |
| 17.06 USD | 20 days |
| 22.73 USD | 30 days |
| 45.45 USD | 60 days |
| 68.18 USD | 90 days |
| 231.82 USD | 365 days |
To redeem your scratch card, dial *200*VoucherCode# or dial 1322 and follow the instructions.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *200*123456# when using the shortcode method.
To check your Touch balance, dial *220#.
Those on the Start, Smart, and Super profiles will have to get one of the following recharge cards:
| Profile | Recharge | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 9.09 USD | 30 days |
| Smart | 15.15 USD | 30 days |
| Super | 27.27 USD | 30 days |
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Touch
Touch has six data-featured prepaid plans:
- Web and Talk bundle (combo)
- Al Tawasol (combo for Syrians in Lebanon)
- Daily Data
- High Speed Internet 4.5 Packages
- WhatsApp (data for WhatsApp)
- Social Data
I will list all the prices in USD (United State Dollar).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Web and Talk Bundle – Touch
The Web and Talk Bundle are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The Web and Talk Bundle includes the following allowances:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Minutes to Preferred Number | Local SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.67 USD | 600 MB | 60 minutes | 300 minutes | 440 SMS | 30 days | W |
To activate the Web and Talk Bundle, text W to 1100.
You can check your Web and Talk Bundle allowance by dialing *230#.
The Web and Talk Bundle auto-renews. To deactivate the bundle, text DW to 1100.
Touch Web and Talk Preferred Number
You can set up a preferred number with the Web and Talk Bundle, which gives you 300 minutes to that specific number.
- To register a preferred number, dial *721*PhoneNumber#
- To change a registered preferred number, dial *722*NewPhoneNumber*OldPhoneNumber#
- To check your current registered preferred Number, dial *723#
- To delete your current preferred number, dial *724*PhoneNumber#
Al Tawasol Bundle – Touch
The Al Tawasol Bundle are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS for Syrians living in Lebanon and want to keep in touch with those still in Syria.
The Al Tawasol Bundle includes the following allowances:
| Price | Data | Local Minutes | Minutes to Syria | Local SMS | SMS to Syria | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 USD | 100 MB | 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 10 SMS | 20 SMS | 30 days | Tawasol |
To activate the Al Tawasol Bundle, text Tawasol to 1100.
You can check your Al Tawasol Bundle allowance by dialing *220#.
The bundle can be combined with the WhatsApp Bundle.
Daily Data Bundles – Touch
The Daily Data Bundles are data packages (without 5G NR access).
The following Daily Data Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10 USD | 20 MB | 2 hours | HD2 |
| 0.20 USD | 50 MB | 6 hours | HD6 |
| 0.34 USD | 50 MB | 1 day | DD |
| 0.67 USD | 200 MB | 2 days | DD2 |
| 1.34 USD | 700 MB | 4 days | DD4 |
| 2.34 USD | 1 GB | 7 days | WD |
To activate a Daily Data Bundle, text the Activation Code to 1188.
For example, if you want the 1 USD 50 MB bundle, you would text DD to 1100.
You can check your Daily Data Bundle allowance by dialing *230#.
When subscribed to any Daily Data bundle, you can activate any WhatsApp Bundle, Social Data Bundle, Web and Talk Bundle, or HSI simultaneously.
High Speed Internet (HSI) 4.5 Packages – Touch
The High Speed Internet 4.5 Packages are data plans (without 5G NR access) on Touch' 4.5G network (LTE-A).
The following HSI Packages are available:
| Price | Bundle | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 USD | Offer 1 | 500 MB | 30 days | HS1 |
| 6 USD | Offer 2 | 1.75 GB | 30 days | HS2 |
| 8.5 USD | Offer 3 | 6 GB | 30 days | HS3 |
| 11 USD | Offer 4 | 10 GB | 30 days | HS4 |
| 13 USD | Offer 5 | 20 GB | 30 days | HS5 |
| 16 USD | Offer 6 | 30 GB | 30 days | HS6 |
| 19.5 USD | Offer 7 | 40 GB | 30 days | HS7 |
| 23 USD | Offer 8 | 60 GB | 30 days | HS8 |
| 36 USD | Offer 9 | 100 GB | 30 days | HS9 |
| 66 USD | Offer 10 | 200 GB | 30 days | HS10 |
| 116 USD | Offer 11 | 400 GB | 30 days | HS11 |
To activate an HSI Package, text the Activation Code to 1188.
For example, if you want Offer 1, you would text HS1 to 1188.
You can check your HSI Package allowance by dialing *220#.
WhatsApp Bundles – Touch
The WhatsApp Bundles are data plans (without 5G NR access) for WhatsApp.
The following WhatsApp Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.34 USD | 200 MB | 30 days | WA |
| 2 USD | 300 MB | 30 days | WA2 |
To activate a WhatsApp Bundle, text the Activation Code to 1100.
You can check your HSI Package allowance by dialing *220#.
The WhatsApp Bundles auto-renew. To deactivate the bundle, text DWA to 1100.
When subscribed to the WhatsApp bundle, you can activate any Daily Data Bundle, Social Data Bundle, HSI Package, or Web and Talk Bundle simultaneously.
The Social Data Bundle is a data plans (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter & Snapchat.
The Social Data Bundle includes the following allowances:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.34 USD | 300 MB | 30 days | S |
To activate the Social Data, text S to 1100.
You can check your Social Data Bundle allowance by dialing *230#.
The Social Data Bundles auto-renew. To deactivate the bundle, text SD to 1100.
When subscribed to Social Data, you can activate any WhatsApp, Daily Data Bundle, Web and Talk Bundle, or HSI Package simultaneously.
APN/Internet Settings – Touch
- Name: Touch
- APN: touch
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Alfa
Alfa is the other operator in Lebanon. Orascom Telecom is managed by the Lebanese government while being partially owned by the Lebanese government (which applies to Touch too, but they are run by a different company).
This is what you will learn about Alfa:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Alfa SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Alfa Tourist SIM Card
* Topping-Up Options & Methods
* Internet Packages
* APN Settings
Coverage – Alfa
Alfa has extensive coverage throughout Lebanon.
Alfa's 4G/LTE coverage is almost as extensive as its 3.9G coverage. Nearly all of Lebanon is covered by Alfa.
SIM Card Price – Alfa
You can get an Alfa SIM card, called Alfa Prepaid, for 3 USD with 3 USD in credit for 10 days in Alfa stores. The data-only SIM card, called Mobile Broadband, is available for 18.87 USD, with 17 USD in credit for 30 days. Short-term visitors can also get the Alfa365 SIM card, which is Alfa's SIM card targeted at tourists.
Besides the aforementioned SIM cards, Alfa sells other types of SIM cards as well, such as:
- Alfa Waffer: 4.55 USD for the SIM card, 9.09 for the plan
- Alfa2Alfa: 30 USD
- U Chat 9: 9 USD with 50 MB, 10 minutes for weekdays, 20 minutes for weekends, one Alfa preferred number (4hr/weekend), all for 30 days
- U Chat 17: 17.50 USD with 250 MB, 20 minutes for weekdays, 40 minutes for weekends, one Alfa preferred number (4hr/weekend), all for 30 days
Alfa SIM cards are also sold at Beirut International Airport.
Alfa365 (Tourist SIM Card)
The Alfa365 SIM card is Alfa's SIM card targeted at tourists. The price of the SIM card is 18 USD. It includes 2 GB of data, 30 minutes for local and international use, and 100 SMS for local and international use, all for 7 days.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
The Alfa365 plan can be renewed by dialing *111#.
Although the Alfa365 plan is valid for 7 days, the SIM card itself is valid for 365 days. Moreover, IMEI registration is unnecessary when you have an Alfa365 card, nor do you have to pay import duties.
Alfa365 is also available at Beirut International Airport.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Alfa
You can recharge your Alfa SIM card with Prepaid Cards and Alfa Top Ups. Alfa Top Ups are available in values of 1.40 USD to 8.40 USD. Prepaid Cards are sold in denominations of 3.64 USD to 231.82 USD. Online recharge is available too.
The following Prepaid Cards are available:
| Price | Validity |
|---|---|
| 3.64 USD | Credit only |
| 9.09 USD | 13 days |
| 15.15 USD | N/A |
| 17.06 USD* | 25 days |
| 22.73 USD | 35 days |
| 27.27 USD | N/A |
| 45.45 USD | 65 days |
| 68.18 USD | 95 days |
| 136.36 USD * | 95 days |
| 231.82 USD | 365 days |
* Sold at ATMs only.
The following Alfa Top Ups are available:
| Price | Credit | Validity (for Alfa Prepaid Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.40 USD | 1 USD | 3 days |
| 2.40 USD | 2 USD | 3 days |
| 3.40 USD | 3 USD | 3 days |
| 4.40 USD | 4 USD | 3 days |
| 5.40 USD | 5 USD | 5 days |
| 6.40 USD | 6 USD | 5 days |
| 7.40 USD | 7 USD | 8 days |
| 8.40 USD | 8 USD | 8 days |
To redeem your Alfa Top Up or Prepaid Card, dial *14*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *14*123456#.
Dial *111# to check your Alfa balance.
Plans, Packages, Bundles & Offers – Alfa
Alfa has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Mobile Internet Bundles
- Alfa 5×5 (nighttime data)
- WhatsApp Bundle (data bundle for WhatsApp)
- Mobile Broadband (data for the Mobile Broadband data SIM card)
- Data Boosters (add-ons)
I will list all the prices in USD (United State Dollar).
To convert USD to your currency (let's say let's say GBP – (British) Pound (Sterling)) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Mobile Internet Bundles – Alfa
The Mobile Internet Bundles are data plans (without 5G NR access).
The following Mobile Internet Bundles are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.50 USD | 500 MB | 30 days | MI500 |
| 5.50 USD | 1.5 GB | 30 days | MI1.5 |
| 7.50 USD | 5 GB | 30 days | MI5 |
| 10 USD | 10 GB | 30 days | MI10 |
| 13 USD | 20 GB | 30 days | MI20 |
| 15.50 USD | 30 GB | 30 days | MI30 |
| 19.50 USD | 40 GB | 30 days | MI40 |
| 20 USD | 20 GB | 60 days | 2MI20 |
| 21 USD | 25 GB | 60 days | 2MI25 |
| 22 USD | 30 GB | 60 days | 2MI30 |
| 23 USD | 60 GB | 30 days | MI60 |
| 24 USD | 40 GB | 60 days | 2MI40 |
| 26 USD | 50 GB | 60 days | 2MI50 |
| 26 USD | 70 GB | 30 days | MI70 |
| 35.50 USD | 100 GB | 30 days | MI100 |
| 37 USD | 70 GB | 90 days | 3MI70 |
| 42 USD | 100 GB | 90 days | 3MI100 |
| 64.50 USD | 200 GB | 30 days | MI300 |
| 67.50 USD | 200 GB | 90 days | 3MI200 |
| 116 USD | 400 GB 1 | 30 days | MI400 |
1 not shareable
To activate a Mobile Internet Bundle, text the Activation Code to 1050.
For example, if you want the 10 USD 500 MB bundle, you would text MI500 to 1050.
You can check your Mobile Internet Bundle allowance by dialing *11 or *111#.
5×5 Nighttime Bundle – Alfa
Alfa 5×5 is a data bundle (without 5G NR access) that can only be used at nighttime (1:00 – 5:00/1 AM – 5 AM).
The Alfa 5×5 bundle includes the following:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.67 USD | 5 GB | 30 days, between 1:00-5:00 | AR |
To activate Alfa 5×5, text AR to 1050.
To activate a Data Booster, text the Activation Code to 1050.
For example, if you want Data Booster $3, you would text D3 to 1050.
WhatsApp Bundle – Alfa
The WhatsApp bundle is a data bundle (without 5G NR access) for WhatsApp.
The WhatsApp Bundle includes the following:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.67 USD | 300 MB | 30 days | WA300 |
To activate the WhatsApp Bundle, text WA300 to 1050.
Mobile Broadband Packages – Alfa
The Mobile Broadband Packages are data bundles (without 5G NR access) exclusively for the Alfa Mobile Broadband SIM card (data-only SIM).
The following Mobile Broadband Packages are available:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.50 USD | 500 MB | 30 days | MBB500 |
| 5.50 USD | 1.5 GB | 30 days | MBB1.5 |
| 7.50 USD | 5 GB | 30 days | MBB5 |
| 10 USD | 10 GB | 30 days | MBB10 |
| 13 USD | 20 GB | 30 days | MBB20 |
| 15.50 USD | 30 GB | 30 days | MBB30 |
| 19.50 USD | 40 GB | 30 days | MBB40 |
| 20 USD | 20 GB | 60 days | 2MI20 |
| 21 USD | 25 GB | 60 days | 2MI25 |
| 22 USD | 30 GB | 60 days | 2MI30 |
| 23 USD | 60 GB | 30 days | MBB60 |
| 24 USD | 40 GB | 60 days | 2MI40 |
| 26 USD | 50 GB | 60 days | 2MI50 |
| 26 USD | 70 GB | 30 days | MBB70 |
| 35.50 USD | 100 GB | 30 days | MBB100 |
| 37 USD | 70 GB | 90 days | 3MBB70 |
| 42 USD | 100 GB | 90 days | 3MBB100 |
| 64.50 USD | 200 GB | 30 days | MBB200 |
| 67.50 USD | 200 GB | 90 days | 3MBB300 |
| 116 USD | 400 GB | 30 days | MBB400 |
To activate a Mobile Broadband, text the Activation Code to 1050.
For example, if you want the 30 USD 10 GB package, you would text MBB10 to 1050.
Data Boosters – Alfa
The Data Boosters are data add-ons for those who need extra data.
The following Data Boosters are available:
| Price | Bundle | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.34 USD | Data Booster $1 | 50 MB | Until next day midnight | D1 |
| 1 USD | Data Booster $3 | 600 MB | 3 days | D3 |
| 1.67 USD | Data Booster $5 | “Unlimited”, 50 GB | 2 hours | D5 |
APN/Internet Settings – Alfa
- Name: Alfa Internet
- APN: alfa
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Lebanon
Getting a SIM card from either Touch or Alfa would do you well when considering a Lebanese SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.