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jinshui wrote:

Did anyone found any of the above or any other guidebooks useful in the initial help to settle in (as residents) and as a "newbie" get-around town guide?

No...they are both way out of date! Both books are more relevant to the Roman ruins visitors and only of limited use to the long term expat. IMO.

I agree with Sandman that their usefulness is limited, but I feel I got my $15 worth from what was written and was glad I picked it up.  You will learn more valuable info from your co-workers in one day about living in Tripoli.  Talking to people in Tripoli before you arrive will be 100X more useful than the guidebooks.

gabacho, which one do you have - rough guide or LP?

I have the Lonely Planet (because it was the only one I could find in the US).  Does a rough guide for Libya exist?  I didn't see it listed on their website.

I prefer LP for most places, since I'm used to the format.  I also use Rick Steeves when I travel.

There is a book called "Tripoli Untangled" by Kathryn Gerrits that you can get once you are here that is supposed to be very helpful.  I have never read it myself though I have heard that it is very good and "worth its weight in gold."  Apparently Ms. Gerrits is a Brit that has been here for about 10 years.  She charges 100 dinar for the book with all proceeds going to charity.  I hear that it is available at the British and American schools as well as some of the embassies or that you can contact Ms. Gerrits at 0913831745 directly to get a copy.  I hope that all of this info is still accurate as it was relayed to me about 6 months ago.  If anyone knows otherwise, please feel free to correct me.

thanks folks for your input!
i ordered "Libya, Culture Smart".  think i should be able to borrow the LP should i need it as a travel guide when i get a chance to tour around...

I have the LP which as mentioned above is very much more tourist aimed than expat living but does seam thorough, I have yet to use it in anger as I am here alone so my life revolves around the office and hotel. I also looked for an LP English – Arabic pocket size phrase book, as I have used these LP phrase books in other countries and they have been a great help but I was not very impressed with it so opted for the berlitz which is proving handy.

thanks Sprocket for your input!