Essential info for Libya
* Expat Safety in Libya Update*
The safety situation for expats living in Libya has deteriorated dramatically since the start of the nation’s civil uprising in February 2011, and thousands of foreign citizens have evacuated the country to avoid the bloody battles between the now-deceased dictator Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s government militia men and opposition forces. Evacuation is still advised for those that remain in the country, and tourist and future expat arrivals are advised to halt plans to travel to Libya until the situation is resolved and the nation is deemed stable.
The safety situation for expats living in Libya has deteriorated dramatically since the start of the nation’s civil uprising in February 2011, and thousands of foreign citizens have evacuated the country to avoid the bloody battles between the now-deceased dictator Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s government militia men and opposition forces. Evacuation is still advised for those that remain in the country, and tourist and future expat arrivals are advised to halt plans to travel to Libya until the situation is resolved and the nation is deemed stable.
Time: GMT +2.
Electricity: Libya runs off 127/230 volts, 50 Hz. Round 3-pin plugs are used.
Language: Libya’s official language is Arabic, which is used for all official business. English is increasingly common in tourist areas and in the main cities. Long-term expats are advised to take Arabic lessons, as the ability to speak at least a modicum of the language will greatly enrich the experience of living in Libya.
Getting around: A private car is essential. There are bus services between Tripoli and Benghazi, and taxis are widely available. Petrol is very cheap here, although Libya has some of the highest rates of road accidents in the world. Road quality is pretty erratic. If you wish to drive into desert areas you require written permission from the authorities, in the form of a desert pass.
Tipping: Guides and drivers expect a tip for services rendered. Hotels and restaurants will normally a service supplement of 10 to 20%.
Safety Information: Libya is safer than most countries, with the exception of the areas bordering Chad and Sudan, where instability can put one in considerable danger. Violent crime is not a problem, although expats should observe basic precautions, such as not carrying valuables in public. The US and UK foreign offices continue to warn of terrorist threats to companies and facilities associated with Western expats.
Local Customs: It should come as no surprise that Libya is an Islamic country, in the Sunni tradition of that faith. Expats should make every effort to be respectful of Arabic customs, especially during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public is forbidden. Homosexuality is strictly illegal, and extramarital sexual relationships are forbidden and subject to severe penalties. One should also be very careful of criticising Gadaffi, the Libyan Government, Islam, and the country itself. Don’t photograph people or buildings without seeking permission first. Libya has a strict ban on alcohol, so don’t bring any into the country or drink it in public.
Business etiquette: Business is mostly conducted through government organisations, although recently there has been a move towards dealing with private companies. Official documents will be in Arabic due to government policy. English is widely understood, but official business usually takes place in Arabic, so reliable translation services are essential. Expats should expect slow and cumbersome bureaucracy in Libya. Unlike some Arabic countries, business cards are not widely used.
Communications: Libya’s international dialing code is +218. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are (0)21 for Tripoli and (0)22 for Tripoli International Airport. Internet Service Providers and Internet cafes are very common in Tripoli and other major cities. Mobile phones operate on GSM 900 and 1800 networks.
Libya Emergency Numbers: Emergencies: 119 (Ambulance)
