Scam in LebanonChanging money
Poor exchange rates and fresh-dollar scam risk in Lebanon
How it works
A poor exchange rate can leave you with far fewer lira than expected. Banks are described as having used an old rate far below the real rate. Visitors carrying fresh US dollars also face a general scam risk, though no specific method is described.
Warning signs
- The offered rate is much worse than other quotes.
- You are asked to hand over cash before the final payout is clear.
- The transaction involves frozen bank dollars, called lollars, rather than fresh cash dollars.
How to avoid it
- Compare exchange quotes before handing over cash.
- Ask exactly how many lira you will receive after any fees.
- Check the rate offered by a bank instead of assuming it is good.
- Count the payout before leaving.
If it happens to you
Ask for the calculation and any receipt. Request a correction if the payout differs from what was agreed. Keep transaction details if you need to report it.
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid confrontation and do not chase anyone.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, amount and any vehicle details.
- Keep receipts, booking records, messages and payment evidence. Take photos only when safe.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorized charges. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Report fraud or theft to the police and ask for a report reference. Police may not attend minor incidents.
- Contact your insurer if you may claim. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy for help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/lebanon2023My Beirut/Lebanon experience - helpful advice for travellers - August & September 2023A traveller reports receiving 84,000 Lebanese pounds per dollar at a Western Union outlet when the referenced market rate was 89,000.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/lebanon2023Shops not accepting worn USDA US tourist reports shops rejecting worn dollar notes, while a commenter describes exchangers issuing damaged notes and later demanding a commission to accept them.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/lebanon2023Visiting Beirut, curious about the currency situation / USDReplies warn that exchangers may use worn dollar notes as a pretext to reduce their accepted value, such as treating a $100 bill as $90.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the poor exchange rates and fresh-dollar scam risk scam in Lebanon?
A poor exchange rate can leave you with far fewer lira than expected. Banks are described as having used an old rate far below the real rate. Visitors carrying fresh US dollars also face a general scam risk, though no specific method is described.
How can I spot it early?
The offered rate is much worse than other quotes. You are asked to hand over cash before the final payout is clear. The transaction involves frozen bank dollars, called lollars, rather than fresh cash dollars.
How do I avoid poor exchange rates and fresh-dollar scam risk in Lebanon?
Compare exchange quotes before handing over cash. Ask exactly how many lira you will receive after any fees. Check the rate offered by a bank instead of assuming it is good. Count the payout before leaving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for the calculation and any receipt. Request a correction if the payout differs from what was agreed. Keep transaction details if you need to report it.
Where in Lebanon does this happen?
Currency exchanges and banks. A specific warning about banks using an old exchange rate concerns Beirut.
How common is this scam in Lebanon?
Occasional. Taxi overcharging is the main scam concern described for visitors to Lebanon, especially in Beirut and at its airport. Other risks include short-changing, poor currency exchange deals and pickpocketing. There is no clear measure of how often these happen, so agree prices first and check cash transactions carefully.
Are there similar scams in Lebanon?
Yes: short-changing when paying in dollars.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112, 911 or 999. Police may not come for small-scale incidents such as pickpocketing. Keep a record of your report and ask how to obtain written confirmation. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorized transactions. Your embassy: contact your embassy through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: report the loss through your insurer's claims channel. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report reference. Ride-booking provider: if you booked through an app, use the trip record and its support channel to report a fare dispute.
What number do I call in an emergency in Lebanon?
Police: 112 / 911 / 999, Fire brigade — metropolitan Beirut only: 175, Civil defense — outside Beirut: 125, Red Cross medical response: 140.
Reviewed by @snuck