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Lebanon
7 scams
Home to Beirut, the Paris of the Middle East, Lebanon has much to offer, from its majestic, fascinating mountains and stunning beaches to its really rich history.
Regarding tourist targeted scams and safety, the country is also safe to visit, though one should avoid the borders and refugee camps.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Alert: anti-government protests have sprung up in Beirut since October 2019. Please refer to “Violent crime, hazards in Lebanon” for more information.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 112
- Fire: 175
- Civil defence: 125
- Red Cross: 140
Travel resources
Honey, olive oil scams in Lebanon
2 0How it works: Olive oil: diluting virgin oil by adding vegetable oil and passing it off as 100% pure virgin oil. Honey: adding ground sugar and passing it off as…
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Taxi scams in Lebanon
2 0How it works: Situation: not all, but drivers in Beirut have a reputation for overcharging tourists. Version 1: taxis in Lebanon do not use meters (except for those at the…
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Pickpockets in Lebanon
1 0How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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Snatch thefts in Lebanon
1 0How it works: Two versions: Strike and run, distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Near shopping malls: snatching from behind you, then running into a getaway car to escape. Places to beware:…
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ATM skimming in Lebanon
1 0How it works: Version 1 (ATM): card skimmer installed to capture your card details, pinhole camera/keypad over installed to capture your PIN. Version 2 (ATM): card slot is rigged with…
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Medical scams in Lebanon
1 0How it works: Over the years, Lebanon have become popular as a cosmetic and medical tourism hub for tourists from Europe, the Gulf as well as from neighbouring countries such…
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Fake parking ticket scam in Lebanon
1 0How it works: Opening: at a parking lot, a stranger claims to have gotten extra parking tickets dispensed from the machine and is willing to offer to you at a…
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