Climate

Summers are very hot and dry; winters are mild with cooler evenings. The desert has hot days and cold nights. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, when the warm air comes up from the Sahara and meets a cooling breeze from the Mediterranean.

Accommodation

Most expats moving to Libya are concentrated in Tripoli, near Janzour or in Benghazi.

Schooling

There are six international schools in Libya with the following curriculums: American, Europe, German, British, International and French.

Healthcare

If you get sick in Libya, you should be well-taken care of in the main cities, but for serious illnesses it would be wise to seek treatment outside of the country, such as in Egypt or Tunisia, where healthcare resources are better. There are pharmacies throughout Libya, although these will of course be better-stocked in Tripoli and Benghazi than in smaller towns. You may want to carry anti-diarrhoea medicine, antibiotics and a basic first aid kit with you when you travel, especially if you plan to visit remote areas where healthcare will be limited. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid are recommended.

Shops

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1330 and 1600-2000, Fri 0900-1200.

Culture
By law, Libyan women have the same rights as men, but in practice it is not always so. While women have the rights to get promotions or to have the same opportunity to apply and get the same jobs as men, salaries are usually lower and most people still defer to men in most situations. Women cannot usually speak their minds as openly much as men, especially in public. When it comes to dress, women have to dress appropriately (mostly covered) at all times while men can dress as they please.

Money

The unit of currency is the Libyan Dinar (LYD). Libya is a cash society. Credit cards are not widely used, although some are accepted in major hotels and banks.Working ATMs are found in Tripoli and Benghazi. In the capital, head to Martyrs’ Square, where you’ll find branches of the major Libyan banks. Visa and Mastercard are accepted; American Express may also be in some cases. Hours: Sat-Thurs 0700-1400 & 1600-1800. Most banks are closed on Fri, Sat and Sun.

Hospitality

If you are invited to a Libyan’s home bring a small gift from your home country. Try to be on time although being 15-20 minutes late would not be seen as rude. Dress conservatively. Check if you should remove your shoes at the door. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first. Accept any offer of coffee or tea. It is increasingly common in large urban areas for men and women to eat together.

Transportation

Driving is on the right. The main through-road hugs the coastline, linking Tripoli and Benghazi. Road conditions are excellent in major towns and
along the coast; many drivers like to show off on the roads and travel much faster than is acceptable elsewhere. Car hire is available. An int driving licence is valid for 3 months. A Libyan licence must then be obtained.

Greetings

Greetings are enthusiastic and warm. Handshakes can be long affairs and extended as long as the verbal niceties take to cover. Smiling and direct
eye contact is important although the eye contact should be intermittent rather than constant. Men shake hands. A man must wait for a woman to
extend her hand first. The most common greeting is “Asalaamu alaikum” (“Peace be with you”) to which one would respond with “wa alaikum salam” (“and Peace be with you”)

Safety

The security situation in Libya is in a dangerous state of flux, owing to the Civil War and lack of an established national government. All non-essential travel to Libya should be avoided until the dust settles.