knorton

I am trying to find expats who work or have worked in Tripoli Libya. What is it like? Is personal safety an issue? What is the cost of living like? Is it easy to get in and out (visas, etc) Is the langauge of business English, Arabic or Italian. Can you buy 'western' products. Is there western TV and Radio? What is the health care system like? Can you get a driving licence and car OK? Can you transfer your salary out the country without restrictions? Is there a web site that can provide the answers?

pcompton

I worked for 2 years in Tripoli until end 2002, but I doubt it has changed greatly. The Libyans individually are a charming law abiding people, and personal safety is just not an issue. However, out of office mixing with Libyans was not encouraged, and the alcohol issue (see below) is ever present. Just before I left, the Libyan dinah was floated at a relative high rate, the black currency market disappeared, but it meant I think that the cost of living has risen. Most western goods are widely available, staples like bread and petrol are subsidized and very cheap. There are no big shops or stores. It is an Islamic republic so alcohol is banned, but many expats brew their own, and the police take a generally lenient view as long as you don't offer it to Libyans. Satellite TV is available with many European channels. Driving licence and car should be no problem, try to get your salary paid outside Libya, and only remit what you need. Health care (in the best private hospitals and doctors) was excellent. There used to be a very good website called Libyamyhome or Libyaourhome - it may still be around.
Hope this helps.