Libya
 

Hi

Just heard that we could be moving to Libiya for a couple of years, is there anyone that can give me any further information as I have very little at the moment, are there many expats living there and what is the lifestyle like? I have 2 boys, one who is 3 and the other just turned 11, any information on schooling would be greatly appreciated. Look forward to hearing from someone hopefully soon.

Re: Libya/Tripoli
 

Hi

Anyone in Tripoli? would love to hear from anyone that lives there, has lived there, is moving there. Thanks ;)

Re: Libya/Tripoli
 

I know several people who have lived and worked in Libya and have really enjoyed their time there.

I would go for it.:thumbup:

Re: Libya/Tripoli
 

Yup - I live here and it is a great place!

Any info you need - just let me know!

Re: Libya/Tripoli
 

I used to be ships agent for GNMTC, the Libyan National Line ..... just at that time that PC was shot outside the Libyan embassy.

First vessel that arrived in Ipswich, the Police came and arrested all the crew. That was a baptism of fire :blink:

Re: Libya/Tripoli
 

Hello Jimtheanvil,

I have been given an oppurtunity to move to Tripoli, Libya.
I am having a lot of trouble obtaining reliable information on what it is like over there as an expat.

Can you offer any help on where one should look for renting a house outside of Tripoli, what it is like now and would it be a good move?

Cheers,

Nigel

Re: Libiya
 

Hi
Just joined, and looking for info on accommodation and life style in Tripoli. Should be moving out there in Feb 2009 with my wife.

Lots of questions, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cost of living, food prices, restaurants, general consumables?
What are the restrictions on women moving around the city unaccompanied?
What’s the best are to move in to?
Driving on your own or is a driver required?
Communications expensive?
TV sat available?

Re: Libiya
 

Sorry about not replying - for some reason I got no notification of posting :thumbdown:

Nigel - are you still up for coming out? If so - reply to this and I will fill you in.

Askari

Lots of questions, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cost of living, food prices, restaurants, general consumables? Very cheap all in all although one can spend loads if one wants. As a guide, my wife and I did a massive fruiot and veg shop over the weekend, four hands full of bags for 14 dinar - about 6 quid.
What are the restrictions on women moving around the city unaccompanied? Nor restrictions as such but common sense applies and dressing conservatively is a must. Dress like a tart at home, or preferably in my house :wub:but on the streets - modesty is the name of the game.

What’s the best are to move in to? Regatta, Janzour, Saraj are the best 'out of town' - Ben Ashour ara in town. Aim for the Embassy areas.

Driving on your own or is a driver required? Good question and one that taxes the best HR has to offer. If you are confident, go alone. I drive and am convinced that I am safer than a local driver. If not confident - a driver is a good idea. The driving is far and away the biggest risk out here.

Communications expensive? You mean monthly mobiles? I struggle to spend 10 pounds per month with internal phone calls/texts - including work.

TV sat available? Yes. Sky is pretty weak but there are plenty of other alternatives and I never miss a football match, have all the Sky News, CNN etc. as well as numerous movie channels in English.

Come to Libya. The people are mental but nice and the weather is ace - although it is bucketing it down today :confused:

Re: Libiya
 

Hi,

Unfortunately, the deal I had been working on in Tripoli has now been suspended indefinitely given the latest global headlines.
Incidentally, as an architect and a construction manager, I'd be very interested to know how the construction market is there at the moment and if it has been severely hampered or not.
What line of work are you in?
I have been looking into Libya's history and the country today and find it a beautiful place with what I imagine to have great charm.
I would very much appreciate any further info you can offer.
Libya sounds like a great place to spend some time.
Cheers,

Nigel

Re: Libiya
 

Hi Nigel!

The construction market is booming - Libya is kind of recessino proof in a few ways with the funding for a lot fo the big projects coming from the Middle East and Asia.

Check out www.aecom.com for their Libya activites - they are ramping up big time here.

http://www.aecom.com/NewsMedia/53/77/index.html

Some big vanity projects too here - with a lot of work planned to be finished in the next 10 months, in time for the 40th anniversary of the Leader being in power :thumbsup:

As for me, I'm one of the sad cases in the oil industry - First Engineering and the usual other engineering companies aer always recruiting.

Libya? Can be brilliant and can be awful.

Re: Libiya
 

Jim
Thanks for the response very helpful.
What's the average cost/rent of a two bed apartment or house? Is the Palm City complex in Janzour? how long to drive to Tripoli from there?
Is there much activity, things to do for expats, suppose a drink is a no no?

Once again many thanks.

Cheers

Re: Libiya
 

Hi there,

A 2 bed apartment for an expat is anywhere between 3 and 6 thousand USD per month.

Really.

Palm City is right on the beach between Regatta and the expat camp at Janzour. You are looking at around 8 - 10 thousand USD for that.

From there, on a good day 15 - 20 minutes to get into town (I did that late last night) and on a bad day, about 2 hrs is the worst. Usual rush hour day - bank on 45 minutes.

Basically, if you are thinking of coming out here and getting your own, non cost recoverable property I would say forget it. It's ok if the company pays though.

Much activity? Actually yes but in strange ways. There are a number of main societies (e.g. Archeological, British, Caledonian etc.) who organise things and then you get to meet people, find out about private parties etc. I am never, ever bored here.

Alcohol? The general rule for Libya is that everything is impossible although anything is possible :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Happy to answer any questions about life in the G. SPLAJ!

Re: Libiya
 

Once again many thanks.
Is it possible to take this off line and use private email addresses?
Still have quite a few questions and you've been a great help.


Cheers

Re: Libiya
 

Do you not think it would be useful to keep it on line so everyone is privvy to the good advice and help, after all that is the point of a forum

Re: Libiya
 

Good point!

Here's a non specific summary of a few things - you can guess the questions!


As for food, pretty much most things are available bar the 2 obvious big things - alcohol and pork.

However.....I have been here 3yrs now and have probably adjusted to the shops. My diet is pretty simple though. Don't expect the world food you get in a london Tesco or anything but all Italian food, Indian and Asian are pretty much covered.

Meat? All Halal and there are some good butchers here (one in particular lived in Canada for 20yrs as a butcher) so that's never a problem.

Fish? Dearer than you'd think but fresh and excellent.

Fruit & Veg? My favourite things. It is still seasonal here so you will go months without oranges then it's oranges everywhere. Same for grapes. The exotic fruit and veg are hard to find but you adapt and I find going back to the UK now, fruit and veg looks fake and not as cool as it is here, but that's just me.

In a nutshell - personal expenditures are pretty low here, unless you plan on eating out every night. Takeaways are cheap - 3 quid for burger, chips and drink for 2 of us. A tray of Diet Coke costs 3 quid. Big jar of Nescafe under 2 quid. Mars Bar 20p.

Regarding spouses.....

There are clubs/socities/coffee mornings for ladies etc. out there but you have to make an effort to get yourself involved. The 'get up and go' wives out here have a fantastic and varied social life.

However ,there are some wives who complain, sit around the house etc. who soon leave. If one's wife is a hardy soul - she can have one of the best lives going out here, really.

Expats all live in Tripoli or the 'suburbs' - there's no such thing as a major commute. There are 2 main camps (Janzour and Regatta) which house the bulk of the people. Houses in Tripoli can be stunning - but as mentioned earlier - be sure that your company is paying!

Am happy to answer any questions at all about Libya. Fire away!

Re: Tripoli/Libya
 

We had been in Tripoli last August; that was my first time visiting and I really enjoyed our stay there. What I love most: friendly people, amazing beaches, affordable designer clothes, and tourist attractions are excellent; there are still things I didn’t like: driving conditions, no alcohol (it’s fine with me coz I don’t drink at all), and I only found one cash machine at the Grand Hotel and it only takes Visa, there’s no Mastercard though there’s Mastercard at the airport.

Re: Libiya
 

Hi folks, I have just been offered a job in Tripoli (Free accomodation and utilities :D ) and would be interested to hear of peoples experiences out there, specifically how people get by the alchohol ban :p

Re: Libiya
 

Hi there :D:D

Are you going to take the job?

Alcohol ban? There are always foolhardy souls who but products from people who smuggle it into the country.

Also, homebrew kits can be taken in quite simply....

It's a cool place with a surprisingly high number of parties...

Re: Libiya
 

Jim thanks for the reply. I have an interview for a job based in Qatar so if I was offered that one I probably wouldn't be heading to Libya. Interview is on the 25th of this month so not long to wait. Looking forward to my move which ever country I end up in. Once again thanks for taking the time to reply.

Re: Libiya
 

[QUOTE=jimtheanvil;6988277]Hi there,

A 2 bed apartment for an expat is anywhere between 3 and 6 thousand USD per month.

Really.

Palm City is right on the beach between Regatta and the expat camp at Janzour. You are looking at around 8 - 10 thousand USD for that.

Jim, I am considering a move to Tripoli...any idea why accommodation is so expensive? What do you mean when you say "for an expat" - is there a different price for nationals? I remember when I first came to Abu Dhabi in 2006, rents were still affordable (I got a 5 BR penthouse for AED 110K and still pay only 115K now) and suddenly in 2007 rent went up and up and by the time 2008 rolled over, everyone thought that paying AED 220K for a nasty 2 BR was great. Is it the same in Libya? I see you are very patient so I may have more questions later on...if you don't mind.:zzz:

Re: Libya
 

poshaccent

Always happy to help :thumbsup:

There is a very limited rental market here to be honest - and property of 'expat' standards is very much in demand.

Combined with the fact that for most expat companies, housing is cost recoverable and the decent housing is highly sought after, driving the price up.

Basically, it is old fashioned supply and demand. Most expats here want to live in a big house, pool, air con etc. and are willing to pay (or have their company pay) for it.

Re: Libya
 

Thanks Jim for taking the time to respond. So the same problem as here...at least I am forewarned this time! I suppose it is then better to have company accommodation than to get an allowance? Now I have a tricky question...I am the working wife with a trailing husand/driver/nanny/cook/other duties as assigned. Here in Abu Dhabi, because I belong to a certain class of workforce (manaer) I could sponsor him. Do you know if it is the same in Libya (are families sponsored at all?). And a more tricky one, can we bring a dog in Libya? Bank question: is there a bank where I can transfer my salary back to the States monthly to pay the mortgage back home? Thanks again!

Re: Libya
 

Hi poshaccent!
No problems!
Definitely get company accommodation rather than an allowance. No question of that.
If you are working here - there is no great problem having the family here. I know people who are residents and on business visas with their families here.

Definitely bring a dog into Libya - our new GM is bringing his in this week and the old GM brough his dog in too. Vets are ok here - not the world's best but they are nice to the pets!

Bank - most people get paid into an offshore/non Libyan bank. I don't know any expats here with Libyan bank accounts.

Sorry the answers are short - it's a busy day here :-0

Good luck from Tripoli!

Re: Libya
 

Hi Jim
Thought I would drop you a line and let you know I've finally made the move to Tripoli. Interesting about the accommodation, I've just been shown round some very nice 3/4 bed villa's around the Janzour area all around the 2500 Euro unfurnished but included the A/C's and fitted kitchen. Also had a look at Palm City, should be very nice once it's completed, the average price for a two bed apartment is between 3000 to 3800 Euro's a month but that includes everything and no other outlay. Well furnished and right on the cost.
What I'm looking for now is ways to meet other expats, so any suggestions welcome.

Cheers :D

Re: Libya
 

are there any good/recommended websites for recruitment in libya?

Re:Got the Word
 

Well it looks like my family is moving to Tripoli within a month. I still have a few questions although the answer about dogs was great!

1) We may be offered company provided housing at one of the compounds but some many people are moving there it may not be available for a family of four (and two dogs). Where does one find out about renting housing off compound... is there a bulliten board or is it all word of mouth?

2) Cars - can we buy a car there, ship it from home (UK) or drive our car there (from the UK -guess who wants to do that!?)? Which is preferred? If there is a car market what kind of NEW cars do they have, if any. We're looking for a Toyota pick-up or wagon we can modify for overland travel if we get one there (big campers, us; our son is an archeology student at Uni).

My husband is a good desert and city driver here in the UAE and sees Libya as a defensive driving challenge. Still we have to get answers first ... any ideas?

3) Is there still a vehicle ferry between Libya and Italy or Malta?

4) White goods - supposing that we get an empty flat are they hawking western brands or North korean copy refridgerators?

5) Internet connectivity - I have read some posts on it but is there Wifi that is city wide or is it an ADSL connected to the home phone or both. Do the compounds have telephones?

6) Is Palm City open yet?

thanks Jim and all! :D

Re: Libya
 

Sorry - not been on for a whiile!

Good on you askari! Welcome to the G.Splaj!!!

Meeting other expats? What nationality are you? There are a few functions, societies etc.
Are you going to be massively offended by alochol?
(Roughly) what age group are you in? (i.e. are you looking for the party lifestyle)

Oooh - so many questions - but there are quite a few ways to get to meet people.

Will reply properly tomorrow.:thumbsup:

Re: Libya
 

:curse:
Hi Jim
British expat, very early 50's, no problem with alcohol unless I fall over, only joking....
Back in the UK at the moment sorting bit's and bob's should be back end of april. Any social gatherings or groups you can think of will be most welcome. Hope we can meet up some day.

Cheers:D

Re: Libya
 

askari

Sure, no problems. When you are free give me a shout.

By the way, no worries - I'm not an axe murderer or anything :D

No, I normaly use a chainsaw :eek:

A good starting point is the archeological society here

[email protected]

This is a great bunch of folks who organise day, weekend and long weekend trips in and around Tripoli/Libya.

It's also a great way to meet new people. You have to pay of course (pretty cheap) but it's well worth it.

Otherwise - there is a Sunday evening quiz which is mainly attended by Brits. There are no bars/cafes or anything so most socialising is doen via work to be honest.

Good luck and give me a shout nearer the time

poshaccent - welconme to the madhouse :thumbup:

I am utterly useless on cars - (have a company rental) but I know of colleagues who've had real problems bringing in imported cars. You can buy cars here - and the rate at which people kleave, there is always an expat selling their vehicle.

As for renting - there are some informal estate agents. I'll get the name/number of some if you wish. The only bulletin board I know of is at the '8 club' on the Regatta compound - which not everybody has access to.

Definitely still a ferry between Malta and Libya.

Good white goods are widely available in the main shopping areas. No worries at all on that one.

Internet is hit and miss. We have WiFi at home but most people don't. Dial up connectins can be a bit temperamental too. Accept whatever you have as a bonus and you can't go wrong.

Palm City is definitely NOT open yet - but not far off.

Sorry for the quick replies - it's blooming chaos in the oil industry here atm
Cheers
JtA

Re: Libya
 

Hi guys... I am exploring the possibility of a job offer and moving to Libya. My wife is concerend about the employment opportunities she may 'not' have if we move there. My wife would like to work for voluntary organisations with young children etc as that is what she does here.

Could you please advise on what it is like for women working in Libya and what opportunities there are for her.

Many Thanks

Re: Libya
 

spaarkz

Good luck!


Charity organisations/volunteer things are not really as developed as in the West - there are some very small charities but there are no job agencies as such.

Most things are word of mouth and through company functions - best thing is to get here, get yourselves sorted (believe me, that's a big enough job by itself) and then put the feelers out.

Very limited opportunities tbh - but you make the best of things.

Re: Libya
 

Hi There,

I've been reading this thread because we're considering moving on from the UAE (life has become impossible; cost of living is sky high and companies cutting back on salaries).

I do have one question - would you consider Libya as a good place to come and save for retirement in 10 years?? We live a very quiet life - don't like going out and we both hate Shopping. However I notice accommodation is expensive which is the same in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai - that's where a third of our earnings have gone in the last 3 years!

Any idea how much one can actually save - oh we're both vegetarians too!! We do have 2 dogs and a parrot though :wub:

Re: Libya
 

Hello SG

Libya is a great place to come and save for retirement but with some provisos:

1) Your company must pay the accommodation. You can still find something for about USD3k or so but really, let the company you'd be working for settle the bills.

2) Libya is volatile. One can never plan years in advance here - a year at a time is advisable. It ain't Kansas ;-)

3) How much can you save? It depends but as a guide, I am saving about 90% of my salary here - and that includes doing a fair but of shopping etc. here too.

Any questions - give me a shout.

Re: Libya
 

hello SG,
First I would like to intruduce my self , I'm Mohy Bazaa from Janzour , just 17 Km from Tripoli the Capital city, Some Expats did'nt go out of tripoli that's why they told you it's expencive but we have an old instance says( if you want to go any country you should accompany one of that city ) sorry for this bad expression.
you can find a lot of places to rent a property with a cheap price so you'll save a lot of money .
Please feel free to ask for any advice about libya whenever you like ,I'll be happy to give advice .
thanks alot
mohy

Re: Libya
 

Hello Everyone,

I'm a newbie to this forum. Found many information that I needed about Libya :thumbup: however I cannot find anything on schools in Libya.

A family of 4 with 2 children (13 & 15). What can I expect with 2 teenagers living in Libya? Can anyone help me in recommending schools around Tripoli with IB curriculum?

Many thanks.

LL

Re: Libya
 

Hi there,

Schools? Well, that's pretty simple. It ain't a great choice, especially for kids your age.

Gems

http://www.internationalschooltripoli.com/

British School

http://www.britishschooltripoli.com/welcome.html

American School

http://www.astripoli.org/

Gems has the best rep - although it's the best of a not great bunch.

Teenagers in Tripoli? It'll suck for them. No discos, no malls to hang around in, no cinemas.

If girls, they'll be hassled non-stop by the local lads and won't be wearing trendy clothes out of the house.

Lads? You'll have to work hard to keep them busy - no fields for them to go playing football etc. out of school.

do ift for a couple fo years so you can earn/save money - but unless your kids are real home/beach bums, they'll find it hard.

Good luck though - at least it's safe for kids by and large.

Re: Libya
 

Thank you for replying, Jim :)

Re: Libya
 

Hi Have been waiting to join this thread until it was confirmed I would definitely be accompanying my other half (askari1) to Libya. This now looks to be definite and I hope to be in Tripoli by end July 09. There are some important things to know - like hairdressers - Are they any good? Can I get my nails done? Whats the shopping like?

Re: Libya
 

Hi Folks

My fiance and I are currently weighing up different areas to work and it looks like Libya may be on the radar; I'm in construction and it looks like there is a bit of work on there(...anyone need a QS??). I know some of these questions have been asked already but can someone please answer the following for me:

1. Do you enjoy staying in Libya?
2. If my company insist that I pay for housing allowance, how much would it be? From previous posts it looks like 3k USD minimum...is this right?
3. Will there be any problems with us not being married or will that be ok? If it's not ok to live together whilst not married do people get away with hiding it?
4. What is the cost of living for: weekly shopping, electricity, phone bill, cable tv, internet...and any others you can think of...
5. Are the housing areas in gated communities or does everyone mix together well?
6. Are the people nice?
7. What do you do at the weekend?

I'd appreciate any advice, I'm just trying to have a good view on people's experience so any info would be great.


Cheers

Re: Libya
 

Good morning,

After much discussion with family, we have decided to make our move to Libya. Although the company has a home fully furnished for us, I have opted out to have an empty home instead as I've have my belongings (funiture/tv/whitegoods). I have a few questions so if anyone could help,it is much appreciated.

1) On Libayan custom officers, how strict are they in terms of taking DVDs/Playstation games/X-box games/Music Cds into the country? I have a good amount of collection on these items as we have been collecting them during our stay in Dubai. Nothing explicit just good ol' family movies:lol:

2)In regards to pets, I intend to bring my beloved munchkins (cats), are there good vets in Libya? Is there a cattery services too?

3) What plug sockets does Libya use? The electrical stuff I'm shipping over(white goods/tv/game consoles) are British 3-pin plugs. Will I need converters for these? if so, can I get them easily in Libya?

Thank you and here's looking forward to another adventure!:fingerscrossed:

LL