Lebanon Calling Code: +961
Complete guide to calling Lebanon โ international dialing code, step-by-step instructions, and FAQ.
How to Call Lebanon from Abroad
๐ Step-by-Step Dialing Guide
- Dial your country's exit code (e.g. 011 from US, 00 from most countries, + from mobile)
- Dial +961 โ the country calling code for Lebanon
- Dial the local phone number (area code + subscriber number)
About Lebanon Calling Code
To reach Lebanon from another country, first dial the international calling code +961 โ assigned by the ITU โ followed by the local number. Lebanon is located in Asia, in Western Asia.
Lebanon is known locally as ูุจูุงู โ Beirut is the capital. When saving an international contact, write the number in full international format with +961 so it works from any country.
International calling codes follow the ITU-T standards E.123 and E.164, which define how phone numbers are written and dialed across borders. The prefix you dial after the exit code tells the global telephone network which national network to route the call to.
Where the +961 Calling Code Is Used
The country code +961 is assigned to Lebanon, located in Western Asia, with the capital Beirut. This code is part of the international telephony numbering plan and is used for all calls made to Lebanon from outside the country.
When a number is written as +961 โฆ, the +961 prefix directs your call to the Lebanon national network. After the prefix, dial the area code without its leading zero, then the subscriber number โ the same pattern for landlines and mobiles.
ITU-T E.164 groups calling codes by world region; codes beginning with 9 cover the part of the world that includes Lebanon, in Western Asia. Storing numbers with +961 and omitting the domestic leading zero keeps contacts dialable from anywhere.
Lebanon Phone Number Formats
The ITU E.164 format for Lebanon numbers is +961 + area code + subscriber number, used for landlines and mobiles alike. Here is the general structure:
๐ฑ Number Structure
- International format: +961 [area code] [subscriber number]
- From abroad: exit code + +961 + local number (drop the trunk prefix 0)
- Within Lebanon: dial the local number directly
Numbering plans vary: closed plans use fixed-length national numbers, while open plans allow variable lengths with a trunk prefix (usually 0) that is dropped for international calls. For calls to Lebanon, replace the trunk zero with +961.
Time Zone in Lebanon
The local time in Lebanon follows the Asia/Beirut time zone (UTC+02:00 UTC). Check the time difference before you dial so your call arrives during waking hours.
Time differences matter when calling Lebanon: if it is UTC+02:00 there, a morning call from Europe may reach Beirut in the afternoon, while callers in the Americas should check the offset to avoid late-night calls.
If Lebanon observes daylight saving time, its UTC offset shifts by an hour twice a year. Double-check the current offset before time-sensitive calls, especially in spring and autumn.
Emergency Numbers in Lebanon
If you need urgent help while in Lebanon, dial the local emergency numbers below. Note that these numbers are only for use inside Lebanon.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 or 112 |
| Fire | 175 |
| Ambulance | 140 |
Example: Calling Lebanon Numbers in Practice
Here is how a typical call to Lebanon works, depending on where you are calling from:
๐ From the United States or Canada
- Dial the US/Canada exit code 011
- Dial the Lebanon country code +961
- Dial the local number (area code + subscriber number, without the trunk prefix 0)
Example: 011 +961 [area code] [number]
๐ From the United Kingdom or Europe
- Dial the international access code 00 (or use the + symbol on mobile)
- Dial the Lebanon country code +961
- Dial the local number
Example: 00 +961 [area code] [number], or +961 [area code] [number] from any mobile phone
If the local number begins with a trunk prefix (commonly 0), remove it when dialing internationally โ +961 takes its place. The remaining digits are dialed exactly as written.
Calling Lebanon from Major Countries
International exit codes differ by country. Use this reference when dialing Lebanon (+961) from abroad:
| Calling From | Exit Code | Full International Dialing |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 011 | 011 961 [local number] |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 961 [local number] |
| Australia | 0011 | 0011 961 [local number] |
| China | 00 | 00 961 [local number] |
| Japan | 010 | 010 961 [local number] |
| India | 00 | 00 961 [local number] |
| Germany | 00 | 00 961 [local number] |
| France | 00 | 00 961 [local number] |
On mobile phones, the + symbol replaces the exit code entirely โ just dial +961 followed by the local number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calling code for Lebanon?
The international calling code for Lebanon is +961.
How do I call Lebanon from the United States?
Dial 011 (US exit code), then +961, then the local phone number.
How do I call Lebanon from the United Kingdom?
Dial 00 (UK exit code), then +961, then the local phone number.
Can I use the + symbol instead of the exit code?
Yes! On mobile phones you can dial +961 directly followed by the local number. The + symbol automatically replaces your country's exit code.
How do I call within Lebanon?
If you're already in Lebanon, simply dial the local number directly. You do not need to use the country code +961 for domestic calls.
What is the capital of Lebanon?
The capital of Lebanon is Beirut. When calling the capital from abroad, dial +961 followed by the local area code (without the leading 0) and the number.
What are the emergency numbers in Lebanon?
Police: 999 or 112, Fire: 175, Ambulance: 140. These numbers are only valid inside Lebanon.
Other Countries in Asia
Nearby countries and their calling codes:
Calling Lebanon from Kazakhstan or Malaysia works the same way: dial your local exit code first, then +961, then the local number. Within Asia, many callers simply use the + symbol on mobile to avoid exit-code differences.