Is Lebanon safe?

Lebanon has been through a lot, and we are monitoring the security situation closely and with an abundance of care and caution. While there is continued instability in certain parts of the country, Beirut and its surrounding areas (including the airport and all wedding event locations) remain reliably safe. If anything changes, we will communicate to wedding guests as soon as possible.

What’s the currency situation?

Lebanon’s currency has experienced significant devaluation in the last five years. USD$1 is equivalent to about 100,000 Lebanese pounds today. However, USD and Lebanese pounds (LL) are used interchangeably in Lebanon so we strongly suggest withdrawing and exclusively using USD cash to simplify your journey!

Can I use my credit card?

Yes, most credit cards (except for American Express - which is sometimes declined) can be used across Lebanon. You can use your card for most needs including restaurants, cultural experiences, beauty appointments etc. However, Ubers are cash-only. More on moving vehicles below.

How do I get around?

Sidewalks remain an avant-garde concept and traffic lights are a light suggestion, so we strongly suggest using cars to get around when you can. Uber works reliably in Beirut, but note that it is cash-only. You can also book cars via Allo Taxi (via app, Whatsapp or phone call) or by reaching out to our dedicated concierge at hello@laythandmaya.com or via Whatsapp at +961 71 840 111. If you want a dedicated driver, our concierge can also help with that. For all wedding events, we’ll have shuttles to/from the wedding hotels for guests staying at those hotels.

How do I get to the wedding venues?

We have arranged for vans and shuttles to and from the three wedding hotels: Albergo, Phoenicia and LOST. If you are not staying at those hotels but would like to join the transportation, please reach out to the concierge at hello@laythandmaya.com or via Whatsapp at +961 71 840 111 so that we can account for you.

How do I get mobile service?

Most international carriers do not have coverage for Lebanon, so we’d recommend getting a physical sim (at the airport or a local mobile store near your hotel) or an e-sim via the app Airalo (which is $9 for 1GB of data).

Do I need to dress conservatively?

Beirut is the NYC of the Middle East. Eccentricity and individuality are accepted, encouraged and celebrated. In other words, wear whatever clothing (or absence thereof) brings you joy.

Can my children join the festivities?

We love your tiny humans, but all of our events are adult-only. Please reach out to Maya directly with any further questions or concerns about this.

Is it safe to drink the water?

Lebanon has much to offer, but safe drinking water isn’t on the list. Please avoid drinking anything other than mineral water throughout your stay. If you are drinking a beverage with ice outside of the dedicated wedding hotels (Albergo, Phoenicia, Lost) or wedding events, please first check that the restaurant made the ice from mineral water instead of tap water.

Is there any food I should avoid?

Friends don’t lie to friends, so we’re going to be honest: unless you already have an iron stomach from your country of origin, food poisoning is essentially a right of passage in Lebanon. That being said, to minimize your risk, given poor water sanitation, we don’t recommend eating raw vegetables (e.g., salads), raw meat or raw fish outside of the dedicated wedding hotels or wedding events.

I’m stressed about my flight to Beirut.

We hear you and our dedicated concierge is available to help with anything you need to increase your travel comfort, from booking an airport car to a meet-and-greet service on the jet bridge as you get off the plane. There are also men in bright blue vests who hang out near baggage claim and can help you with your luggage for a $5-$20 tip.

Will there be any cultural excursions outside of the wedding events?

No, there are no organized cultural trips outside of the wedding events. Choose Your Own Adventure and book any desired trips with your family and/or fellow wedding guests via our dedicated concierge at hello@laythandmaya.com or via Whatsapp at +961 71 840 111.

My +1 can no longer join. Can I bring a friend or relative instead?

Unfortunately no - we are space-constrained and prioritizing significant romantic partners. Please let us know if this happens so that we can organize ourselves accordingly as Saturday will be a seated dinner. Feel free to reach out to Layth or Maya directly about this.

Where is the registry?

Instead of a traditional registry, we have set up a Layth & Maya Charitable Fund in which guest donations will be allocated by us towards the causes that are close to our heart. Learn more here. Every contribution goes a long way, and we look forward to sharing updates with you on the organizations and communities you’ve helped support.

What’s the dress code?

Check out the “Getting Ready” section, and let us know if you have any questions. Note that our wedding ceremony on Saturday will be on grass, so please wear grass-friendly shoes!

I have more curiosities. Who should I reach out to?

Please reach out to our dedicated concierge at hello@laythandmaya.com or via Whatsapp at +961 71 840 111.