In Lebanon, the mobile market is a duopoly managed by Touch and Alfa (both state-owned). As of February 2026, plans are priced in US Dollars but are often paid in Lebanese Pounds (LBP) at the official or market-linked rates determined by the Ministry of Telecommunications.
The Main Carriers
Both carriers offer almost identical pricing for data bundles and core services.
* Touch: Currently the market leader by subscriber count.
* Prepaid Data (30 Days): Prices start at $3.50 for 1GB. Mid-tier users often choose 22GB for $14.50 or 44GB for $21. Heavy users can opt for 111GB for $40.
* Web & Talk Bundles: These combine data and minutes. For example, the "Maxi 2" offers 25GB, 120 local minutes, and 120 SMS for $14.90.
* Bil Khidmeh: Budget-friendly plans for low-usage users, starting at $4/mo for 5GB and 3 hours of talk time.
* Alfa: Known for slightly more diverse postpaid options and digital-first "A+" plans.
* Alfa A+ Plans: The "A+ MAX" is a popular 2026 choice, offering 40GB of data, 240 local minutes, and 1,000 SMS for $15/mo. It also includes unlimited access to LinkedIn and Wikipedia.
* The Weekender: A unique weekly deal for heavy data users, offering 5GB of data for 7 days at only $5.
* Alfa 5x5: For very light users, this provides 5GB of "night data" (1 AM – 6 AM) for just $1.67 per 30 days.
Smartphone Device Deals
Hardware is rarely bought through carriers in Lebanon; instead, it is sold through private retailers like Amhaz, Outgeek, and Class.
* Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: Since the S26 launched this month (February 2026), retailers are running "Early Bird" promos. The S26 Ultra is retailing for approx. $1,250–$1,350, while the S25 Ultra has seen price cuts down to $850–$900.
* iPhone 17 Series: Prices remain high but stable. The iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) is generally found for $1,150–$1,200.
* Refurbished Market: Due to economic conditions, "Open Box" or "Like New" devices from the US or UAE are very popular, often sold with a 1-month shop warranty at 30–40% off the new price.
Crucial Tips for Lebanon
* The "Double Tax": Remember that listed prices for bundles usually exclude VAT (11%). Ensure your account balance has a few extra dollars to cover the tax during activation.
* IMEI (Customs) Registration: If you bring a phone from abroad, it will work for 90 days. After that, you must pay a customs fee (Gomrok) to keep it active on Lebanese networks. This fee varies based on the device's value.
* eSIM Availability: Both Alfa and Touch now support eSIM. You can swap your physical SIM for an eSIM at any official service center for a one-time fee of about $1–$3.
The Main Carriers
Both carriers offer almost identical pricing for data bundles and core services.
* Touch: Currently the market leader by subscriber count.
* Prepaid Data (30 Days): Prices start at $3.50 for 1GB. Mid-tier users often choose 22GB for $14.50 or 44GB for $21. Heavy users can opt for 111GB for $40.
* Web & Talk Bundles: These combine data and minutes. For example, the "Maxi 2" offers 25GB, 120 local minutes, and 120 SMS for $14.90.
* Bil Khidmeh: Budget-friendly plans for low-usage users, starting at $4/mo for 5GB and 3 hours of talk time.
* Alfa: Known for slightly more diverse postpaid options and digital-first "A+" plans.
* Alfa A+ Plans: The "A+ MAX" is a popular 2026 choice, offering 40GB of data, 240 local minutes, and 1,000 SMS for $15/mo. It also includes unlimited access to LinkedIn and Wikipedia.
* The Weekender: A unique weekly deal for heavy data users, offering 5GB of data for 7 days at only $5.
* Alfa 5x5: For very light users, this provides 5GB of "night data" (1 AM – 6 AM) for just $1.67 per 30 days.
Smartphone Device Deals
Hardware is rarely bought through carriers in Lebanon; instead, it is sold through private retailers like Amhaz, Outgeek, and Class.
* Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: Since the S26 launched this month (February 2026), retailers are running "Early Bird" promos. The S26 Ultra is retailing for approx. $1,250–$1,350, while the S25 Ultra has seen price cuts down to $850–$900.
* iPhone 17 Series: Prices remain high but stable. The iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) is generally found for $1,150–$1,200.
* Refurbished Market: Due to economic conditions, "Open Box" or "Like New" devices from the US or UAE are very popular, often sold with a 1-month shop warranty at 30–40% off the new price.
Crucial Tips for Lebanon
* The "Double Tax": Remember that listed prices for bundles usually exclude VAT (11%). Ensure your account balance has a few extra dollars to cover the tax during activation.
* IMEI (Customs) Registration: If you bring a phone from abroad, it will work for 90 days. After that, you must pay a customs fee (Gomrok) to keep it active on Lebanese networks. This fee varies based on the device's value.
* eSIM Availability: Both Alfa and Touch now support eSIM. You can swap your physical SIM for an eSIM at any official service center for a one-time fee of about $1–$3.
Comments
Post a Comment