The decision, which takes immediate effect, reduces roaming costs to close to rates available in Lebanon, according to the Media Office of the Minister of Telecommunications. More about  Lebanon roaming charges below.

The move aims to encourage tourists from the Gulf to visit Lebanon and to facilitate communications services for Lebanese expatriates residing in GCC countries. Customers will be able to use their own mobile lines without having to resort to convoluted and costly alternatives, the Media Office said. The deal was sponsored by the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications (MoT).

Last May, the MoT commissioned the Switzerland-based company Wonet to provide a new Value Added Service (VAS) for roaming.

At $25 per month, Wonet’s service allows Alfa and Touch users to use the Internet abroad, consume data, and receive and make phone calls at tariffs equal to local rates. lebanon roaming charges

Wonet is a mobile application that is activated through a new chip and using the subscriber’s existing phone number.

Lebanon’s roaming charges for mobile phone usage can vary depending on the specific service provider and destination country. However, in general, roaming charges in Lebanon tend to be higher compared to other countries in the Gulf region.

Lebanon had some of the highest roaming charges in the Middle East

For example, a study conducted by the Arab Advisors Group in 2019 found that Lebanon had some of the highest roaming charges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The study found that the average cost of making a 10-minute call while roaming in Lebanon was $11.50, compared to an average of $6.62 in the MENA region.

In comparison, roaming charges in other Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain tend to be lower. For example, the same study found that the average cost of making a 10-minute call while roaming in the UAE was $5.90, while the average cost in Qatar was $5.60 and the average cost in Bahrain was $4.90.

It’s worth noting that many service providers offer roaming packages or special rates for frequent travelers, which can help reduce the cost of roaming charges. If you’re planning to travel and use your mobile phone while abroad, it’s a good idea to check with your service provider to see if they offer any special roaming plans or rates.