agentyumi

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.

Clansman

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

jimtheanvil

Hi there

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...

Clansman

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.

poshaccent

[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.

jimtheanvil

poshaccent

Always happy to help

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.

poshaccent

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!

jimtheanvil

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!

askari

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

still.unsure

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

poshaccent

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!

jimtheanvil

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.

askari

: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

jimtheanvil

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

No, I normaly use a chainsaw

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

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

spaarkz

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