The country code for Lebanon is +961 and each region has its own net number. Mobile phone numbers in Lebanon start with 03, 70, 71, 76, 78, 79 or 81.
 
If you stay in Lebanon for more than just a few days, it is advisable to buy a local SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards can be obtained from 25 USD and include 22.73 USD phone credit (passport is required). Both ALFA and TOUCH are established providers with no differences in rates. For BlackBerry, TOUCH is considered slightly superior.

The best places to obtain an TOUCH SIM card are the TOUCH Main Office (Charles Helou in Gemmayzeh) and CLASS, the TOUCH certified outlet (Weygand Street, Downtown or ABC Mall Ashrafieh, www.classcellulars.com).

Note that when using a prepaid number, your number can expire if you do not regularly re-charge your SIM (each 26 USD gives you one month extension). In most corner stores you can find recharge cards for 13 USD/20,000 LBP (small or ‘zgheer’), 26 USD/39,000 LBP (big or ‘kbeer’) or more, including 10% VAT. Just look for the Alpha or Touch Logo outside.
 
In case you have a smart phone, access to the 3.9G network can be obtained using the same local SIM card and credit. Expect to pay 19 USD for between 1 and 1.5 GB per month. TOUCH offers a 200 MB WhatsApp only bundle for 4 USD per month (send a text message with WA to 1100), while ALFA offers one for 10 USD.

Should you call more than 30 USD a month, or in case prefer more convenience, a better option is to get a post-paid line: a form of contract where users enter into a long term billing arrangement with the provider. Bring your passport and a deposit (ranging from 50 to 200 USD). If you are regularly using the internet, you can consider to obtain a Web and Talk bundle. TOUCH has a mobile application where post-paid clients can check their current balances and packages.
 
For more information, contact your mobile provider or check the following websites:

• For TOUCH: www.touch.com.lb/autoforms/portal/touch
• For ALFA: www.alfa.com.lb

 
Note that in Lebanon, rates for calling are high in comparison to those for texting. If you want to make a call overseas, keep in mind that Lebanon is located in the GMT+2 zone, meaning one hour ahead of most of Europe.