Horizontal Harry
American expat in Libya
Forum posts
143
About me
American
Lives in Tripoli
Registration: 28 September 2009
The "elephant in the room" - staying safe by ExpatLibyan
I am sure everyone is concerned about thursday and the romours of a possible uprising. Maybe we should all share advice on ways to stay safe....
The Green Square full this morning....any info?It's a Pro Libya rally Read More
The "elephant in the room" - staying safe by ExpatLibyan
I am sure everyone is concerned about thursday and the romours of a possible uprising. Maybe we should all share advice on ways to stay safe....
Don't believe everything you hear. Nothing will happen on Thursday apart from the usual rush to get home early. Read More
Work visa time line and affixation to passport by thickhead
Hi all, I have submitted the medicals in the beginning of January to the employment agency in UK which is arranging for the work permit with Libyan immigration (Enggg role in a new oil company). Please confirm what time frame I should be looking ...
It is likely to be just a business visa. There were problems with Immigration last month, they didn't issue any for a couple of weeks so the chances are you are stacked up in the queue. Are you coming as a consultant or direct hire ? There have ... Read More
Work visa time line and affixation to passport by thickhead
Hi all, I have submitted the medicals in the beginning of January to the employment agency in UK which is arranging for the work permit with Libyan immigration (Enggg role in a new oil company). Please confirm what time frame I should be looking ...
Are you sure they are applying for a work visa, this is rather unusual for a mobilization visa, it's usually a business visa for the first trip or two. Read More
Libyan Qatari Bank by Otman
[Edited]
It is a new bank in the process of setting up. Read More
Credit Card Accepted Database by freakyfingers
Hello All, I hope you had received the positive vibration of this new year You know, I was searching the forum and I think there's no thread about which shops accept credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, etc...). To begin, we could report those places ...
And best of all.....the "Duty Free" in the departures hall. Twice as expensive as buying your fags or smellies on the street. [beep!]They are all original at the airport though. Read More
6 month visas by Theiman
Heard that no more being issued as of today. Only monthly's available.
Stems from a French incident during the snow debacle. Plane diverted to a smaller French airport, everyone except Libyans were given a hotel, Libyans were forced to spend the night on the plane (even though they schengen's) and were are talking ... Read More
international driving licence by snow_flake
Happy new year everyone! Hope this post finds you all healthy and happy! I am looking to get an international driving licence here in Tripoli. Can anyone tell me where an office is that can issue one to me? Many thanks! :cool:
If you have a Libyan driving license you can get an International driving license issued at the Automobile and Touring Club of Libya, Sayedy Street, Tripoli. I don't know where that is. Phone: 021 360 5986/7 021 360 5802 They won't issue on foreign ... Read More
waha oil company !!!! National Oil Company - URGENT by mark_smith
Hi all Please let me know the following asap about waha oil petroleum!!! 1- How is the work culture ??? (is it truly multicultural company,chances of getting promoted , work environment ) for town based - Tripoli office 2 - Came to know that ...
Sounds like the new NOC ruling rather than Waha themselves Read More
World聮s 10 worst cities to drive in. (Quoted from MSN website) by mancunian
[b]I'm just wondering if these report editors have driven in Tripoli or not!!![/b] Driving is challenging enough to do well without any added distractions - fighting kids in the backseat, a cyclist popping out between parked cars, pedestrians ...
"Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything. 14% of people know that." Homer J. Simpson "Facts are meaningless - you could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" Homer J. Simpson Read More
World聮s 10 worst cities to drive in. (Quoted from MSN website) by mancunian
[b]I'm just wondering if these report editors have driven in Tripoli or not!!![/b] Driving is challenging enough to do well without any added distractions - fighting kids in the backseat, a cyclist popping out between parked cars, pedestrians ...
Are you sure they didn't confuse Manila with Tripoli. Read More
Malta -- Do USA citizens need visa to get in? by Sea Angel
I was on a website about Malta and saw something about visas. Do we need a visa to get into Malta? What about if we are from the United States? Thanks in advance.
No visas required for American Citizens Read More
nice hotel in sepha? by fatmakumru
Hi expats Can anyone recommend a nice 4-5 star hotel for an overnight stay at Sepha/Sebha? After several web searches we decided to rely on your wisdom and experiences :-)... thanks fatmakumru
I'm afraid you'll have to drop your standards if you are going to Sebha. A Libyan 3 star is the best you can hope for. Read More
Malta Airline Tickets by Sea Angel
Since some moderator decided to transfer this topic to the Malta forum -- which it does not belong there -- I decided to start it again. We are people in Libya trying to find the rates and airlines that goes to Malta and maybe advice on hotels. If ...
That's about right for a return flight to Malta for a ticket bought in Tripoli. Read More
Postal service by GuestPoster9772
Hello. I'm moving to Tripoli in a couple of weeks and am wondering what the Libyan postal service is like, both in terms of sending and receiving. I lived in Cairo for a bit last year, and only ever sent postcards and small letters - as far as I ...
People, if you don't know the answer don't post, I can't figure why you feel the need to post cynical replies. There is a postal service here and it works just fine. You just need a PO Box. For packages, there are plenty of courier companies that ... Read More
plumber by murphy135
hello my name is paul.i live in liverpool england. i am hopeing to relocate to libya. i am looking for work as a plumber/fitter but dont know who is hireing men in libya.i would be grateful if anyone may have names or email address of ...
Neither am I, I'm from Boston and we'll own Liverpool soon :cool: That doesn't explain your comment though. If Libya is so bad, why are you here ? Read More
plumber by murphy135
hello my name is paul.i live in liverpool england. i am hopeing to relocate to libya. i am looking for work as a plumber/fitter but dont know who is hireing men in libya.i would be grateful if anyone may have names or email address of ...
I know Liverpool is bad, but it can't be so bad you'd want to come here!So why are you here..? Stupid comment. Read More
Need Movies/Films by FireFox
Hello Hollywood lovers, Does anyone have good and latest movies that I can borrow? Such as Toy Story 3, Iron Man 2, Salt, Shrek 3, any other Thriller based movies worth a watch. I've got some that I'd be willing to lend as well. TX!
There are DVD shops everywhere selling decent quality pirate copies. Try the one ones by the Pizza house or Veranda on Gargaresh Road. The multi discs are superb although the picture quality isn't so good if you have a large screen. Perfect for ... Read More
Need Movies/Films by FireFox
Hello Hollywood lovers, Does anyone have good and latest movies that I can borrow? Such as Toy Story 3, Iron Man 2, Salt, Shrek 3, any other Thriller based movies worth a watch. I've got some that I'd be willing to lend as well. TX!
When you can buy copies at 2 dinars each is it worth the hassle of borrowing them ? Read More
What type of car to purchase for driving around in Tripoli, Libya? by Astonished
I am looking for a new car to purchase in Tripoli, and maybe someone can help me here to recommend the right one. As I've seen alot of cars on the road mainly from the Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, and KIA brands. I am not really a german car ...
Yea, I think I'll go for the Nissan Infiniti, can you believe it they are selling it for 30,000 LYD and the car is massive in terms of HP,Rims,Eco,Performance, and Safety! One thing for sure it's cheap to buy a car of that type from here than South ... Read More
Country codes for the blue foreigner car registration plates by KevShepherd
Hi all, Did anyone ever put together a complete list of what the various numeric country codes on the Blue Libyan number plates mean? So far we've got : 11 - Egypt 12 - Germany 13 - Tunisia 14 - Lebanon 15 - Italy 16 - France 17 - Turkey 20 - ...
I found this old list, it probably needs updating. 1 ARAB LEAGUE 2 AFRICAN CENTRE 3 UNITED NATIONS 4 W.H.O. 5 U.N.D.P. 6&10 PALESTINE 7 RED CRESCENT 8 LIBYAN AND SUDAN UNITY 9 SAHEL AND ... Read More
Getting Touristic Visa by pigee
Dear all I'm just logged to this blog. Congratulation! It's very useful to share informations and considerations about this country! I already have a question. Do yo know if the stamp with arabic translation of italian passport is actually ...
Translations are no longer required, that ruling has been dropped since August 3rd. Read More
Visa validity by SeymourSunshine
I aim to arrive in Libya soon after Eid al-Fitr which is about 10 to 13th Sept. How long in advance of travel should I get my business visa from London? I've tried getting information directly from the embassy, but their phone number is inoperative.
Tourists do not need to present bank statements and they don't need to visit the Embassy to have the visa issued. The visa is issued as a sheet of paper, a stamp is put in the passport upon arrival. Read More
Visa validity by SeymourSunshine
I aim to arrive in Libya soon after Eid al-Fitr which is about 10 to 13th Sept. How long in advance of travel should I get my business visa from London? I've tried getting information directly from the embassy, but their phone number is inoperative.
Yup, you still need to do that. By the way, visa processing in Schengen countries is taking over three weeks in most cases. Same time it takes them to process Shengen's for Libyans. Read More
Visa validity by SeymourSunshine
I aim to arrive in Libya soon after Eid al-Fitr which is about 10 to 13th Sept. How long in advance of travel should I get my business visa from London? I've tried getting information directly from the embassy, but their phone number is inoperative.
I believe it is open for applications Monday to Friday now with longer opening hours. Read More
International Scool in tripoli offers IB program? by meninos
Hello, I'am new here, my husband is currently working in Libya and we are considering moving to Libya next year. We have 2 kids ages 13 and 16. One of my children is currenlty enroll in the IB program ( International Baccalaureate program)here, ...
14th September internationalschooltripoli.com/server.php?show=nav.00p005004 Read More
excursions during Ramadan? by sevenseas
Is it feasible to leave Tripoli and visit the 'sights' eg Leptis Magna during Ramadan? Will be visiting for 2 weeks and hoping to get out there for a day. Also, are hotels open for refreshments during the day at all or is Libya v. v. strict?
Leptis during Ramadan will be tough, as Bluejay said, try and get there and see it before it starts. It will be worth the journey. To get a driver to drive to Leptis, hang around all day then drive back in 30+c temperatures when he hasn't had a ... Read More
excursions during Ramadan? by sevenseas
Is it feasible to leave Tripoli and visit the 'sights' eg Leptis Magna during Ramadan? Will be visiting for 2 weeks and hoping to get out there for a day. Also, are hotels open for refreshments during the day at all or is Libya v. v. strict?
Shops are open, but later than usual. Most restaurants and coffee shops close for the whole month. The major hotels will have somewhere open, for the last few years the Corinthia Italian restaurant upstairs has been open during the day, the cafe in ... Read More
Is there a better way (boring visa stuff - sorry) ? by KevShepherd
Hi guys, I'm thinking about coming to Libya for a project that will last around one year, but with not more than 180 days in Libya. My sponser will provide me with a letter of invitation and Immigration letter, but they can't do anything for my ...
Kevin, My take on it is that if you are working here you are due taxes here regardless of where you receive your salary. Check your contract, your employers should be liable for your local taxes anyhows. You are not supposed to be working on a ... Read More
Travel by water from europe to tripoli by bint abdelkarim
I want to travel by water from europe to tripoli or tunisia. Is there anybody who knows, from were it is easy to go by water? How long is it from departure to tripoli and how much it cost? Thankss
Am I the only one thinking "why would you do that?" !!I was also thinking, why wouldn't you Google that. Read More
Is there a better way (boring visa stuff - sorry) ? by KevShepherd
Hi guys, I'm thinking about coming to Libya for a project that will last around one year, but with not more than 180 days in Libya. My sponser will provide me with a letter of invitation and Immigration letter, but they can't do anything for my ...
Kevin, You need to speak to your company. You need a resident visa then your family could have supporting visas issued and they could come and go hassle free. I don't believe there is any other solution. Sure, you could get a m/e business visa for ... Read More
Nice, cheap & Secure beaches by Rain bow_01
DO any one can help where can a family could engoy a summer day on beach?
Drive out past Sabratta about 5 miles. There is a large road sign and a road turning left into the desert. Turn right on just about any road after this and head down the roads which turn into sand tracks to the beach. Have a look on Google maps ... Read More
World Cup Help Please by Wildcats
Lack of real foresight on the part of my partner means that we are not 'World Cup Enabled'(we have no special card or set top box to watch the footie). We need urgent advice - can we watch on StarSat Hotbird? We have RAI Uno, various other RAIs, ...
Go to liveonsat.com and check the daily listings The free to air channels are in red Read More
What do you do on Fridays? by Palachakh
Just thought that could serve another source of learning how to entertain yourself in Libya. The three of us (the husband, baby and me) like to walk along the Cornish both ways - from Radisson to the Green Square and from Radisson to Al-Farusiya ...
Brunch, drink, BBQ, drink some more, sleep. Don't you just hate Friday's :lol: Read More
Moving in - any tips for life in Misurata? by slackerdad
Hi all We (myself,wife,boys & pop) are going to be moving in to the Misurata area. We are looking for any additional information anybody has on living in or around Misurata. I have already learned alot from the forum. Thanks to all that contributed ...
MFZ?What possible assistance can a comment like that give. I just can't figure why you hang out here. Read More
Visa expiry
Speak to your liaison man. If he's worth his salt he'll be able to get you an extension to avoid hassle at the airport. Read More
Be warned - New law for expat drivers by Mudman
Apparently a new law was passed 2 days ago banning expats from driving a car with Libyan plates (ie , no blue number). I know of 2 people who had their cars taken from them yesterday , Thurs 18th, (1 by the police station near Regatta)and they had ...
Work drivers and taxis are still better, as bad as they are. I think.Sure they are. Have any of them actually passed a driving test ? Funny how you never see a man taking driving lessons, you only ever see women in those yellow cars. Read More
Where can I find: by MoEl
1-Organic produce, meats, dairy, pastries and bread (does anyone know if fresh blueberries can be found here, or should I stop looking?) 2-Heavy cream (preferably organic) 3-White tea-Kombucha. 4-Dry cleaner that uses ...
why can't people try to enjoy this country for what it is rather than moaning about what it clearly isn't ?Spot on, couldn't agree more ! Read More
Where can I find: by MoEl
1-Organic produce, meats, dairy, pastries and bread (does anyone know if fresh blueberries can be found here, or should I stop looking?) 2-Heavy cream (preferably organic) 3-White tea-Kombucha. 4-Dry cleaner that uses ...
If it doesn't work out for you you know where the airport is. Read More
Does Anyone have information on these companies?
I've sent you a private message. Please check your inbox Read More
Does anyone live in Palm City? by Momx3children
Hi my husband and I were thinking about moving to Palm City Compound. Im told there are pros and cons to living on a compound. We have three small children and I would like to hear from someone who is living there now and get your perspective. ...
I don't live there but did view with moving there in mind. Soon changed my mind though, for me it is way too cramped. Fine for a vacation village but to live there permanantly would drive me mad. For me, Regatta (if you can put up with the ... Read More
Libya: X Things I Hate About You by ExpatLibyan
Let us call a spade a spade. Libya sucks! Well... sucks most of the time... I am constantly coming up against things that frustrate, annoy, and anger me to the point where I consider my options. Of course there are those moments that make it all ...
Well one thing I do 'hate' and it is nothing at all to do with Libyans is ex-pat partys, just back from a mates, had one friend collapse through drink, split up a fight (I was there as security), then leave only to find on the way home that the same ... Read More
Libya: X Things I Hate About You by ExpatLibyan
Let us call a spade a spade. Libya sucks! Well... sucks most of the time... I am constantly coming up against things that frustrate, annoy, and anger me to the point where I consider my options. Of course there are those moments that make it all ...
Don't you just love internet forum arguments. Dumbass thread this, should have been deleted long ago, it's getting out of hand now. Read More
Libya - Palm City Residences by dewi_wahyuningsih
I'm in the process of moving to Libya and wanty to ask about the Palm City Residences whether there was someone who lived in Palm City Resident? whether Palm City Residences is already operating?
It should be called sardine city, it is way too cramped. It is also stupidly expensive. The gloss will wear off after a while and the supermarket will need to open up to the general public to remain viable. Personally, if I had to live in a camp ... Read More
Nespresso cafe and post services (shipping from abroad) by JuliusCaesar
Hi All, I'm an expresso fan. Does any one know if Nespresso available in Tripoli? Is it possible to receive post packages from abroad (Europe), for instance online shop products? Are does it work the post service? Regards, Cmf
No import duties so far but I've only so far shipped in clothes for the wife Read More
Libya tightens visa rules for Europeans....( Now its Europe) by Vaheed
TRIPOLI 聴 Libya plans to tighten its visa rules for citizens of some European countries in retaliation for its own citizens being denied European visas, a senior official said on Thursday. The move -- which he said would come into force "in a few ...
UK not part of Schengen, not affected by this. Read More
Driving Licence
Get your license translated by your embassy, you should be OK for a month until you get a local licence sorted. Read More
Libya tightens visa rules for Europeans....( Now its Europe) by Vaheed
TRIPOLI 聴 Libya plans to tighten its visa rules for citizens of some European countries in retaliation for its own citizens being denied European visas, a senior official said on Thursday. The move -- which he said would come into force "in a few ...
Swiss are part of Schenghen since Aug last year. Their approval is required for all applications, they are not approving so locals here cannot get multi-country visas, only single country. Read More
Nespresso cafe and post services (shipping from abroad) by JuliusCaesar
Hi All, I'm an expresso fan. Does any one know if Nespresso available in Tripoli? Is it possible to receive post packages from abroad (Europe), for instance online shop products? Are does it work the post service? Regards, Cmf
Try Aramex shop and ship. It works very well. Costs 25 dinar per kilo plus $35 membership fee. It is very good. You shop online, give your virtual Aramex address and it takes about a week to ship from States and they deliver to my office. They also ... Read More
Piano Teacher and Tennis coach by vgrewal
Hello I need to hire a Piano teacher and a Tennis coach for my daughter ( Age 6.5 yrs). She will be attending the American School and as per the school they do not have staff who can help our daughter in these two areas. We have a piano at home ( ...
There are a couple of good tennis coaches working at Regatta Camp. Piano teachers are hard to find though. Read More
Bringing Pets to Libya by TigerHorn76
I'm moving to Libya in November for work and am planning to bring my dog. My wife will join me in February and is planning to bring the cat. We'll be there 2-3 years. I've done some research on bringing animals into the country, and it appears ...
There have been a few cases recently of dogs being stolen from expats and being sold at the pet market in Tripoli. Read More
French bakery opened in Dahra by Palachakh
A new French bakery has recently opened in Dahra Souq area. It is called Maazim. They have really nice cakes, brown bread, croissants, chocolates and many more. The staff speaks English and French. As they told me the bakery is one of the French ...
I reccommend it, it's the best in Tripoli yet Read More
single female by Hilton
hi all expat i look for single female for outgoing. thx
Boy, who would have thought it possible, after all the money I've spent wining and dining in the finest bars, restaurants and hotels in the pursuit of "single female", I had no idea I had it so wrong. I've been blowing away all my money when it ... Read More
Saraj by Theiman
Looking to get out of Bin Ashour. Toured about 10 villas in the Saraj area the past few days. Most near the Landrover facility - some past the barrier, others opposite. Saw a few near the GEMS place and the English drinking club. Does anyone have ...
Forget Siraj, there's a major apartment block construction project ongoing, it will be terribly busy once they are finished. There are a couple of good shops there now, particularly the new deli. Read More
contact with Libyans by hamid2010
hey there what do u think about contacts with libyans ,, like have friendship or any kind of relation with them !! and any good or bad Experiences about contact with Libyans ? cheers
As it is not impossible to be with Libyan girl HH, there s NO something call it not allowed, just something not acceptable yet here, but already exist secretly which s " more exited and hotter " ;):) cheersBullshit. This is an expat forum trying ... Read More
contact with Libyans by hamid2010
hey there what do u think about contacts with libyans ,, like have friendship or any kind of relation with them !! and any good or bad Experiences about contact with Libyans ? cheers
Most Libyans are nice friendly folk, I have many good Libyan friends. As far as relationship with Libyan girls is concerned, as a foreigner don't go there. Lovely girls but it just isn't allowed so don't even think about it. Read More
skype phones
If you have a modern mobile you can download Skype and use that http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/download/skype/skypelite/?status=200 or go to skype.com/m from your phone's browser Read More
Photographers in Libya
Then you may well be interested in a photography exhibition called "Libya through my eyes" at the Lamma cafe, 20th thru 27th November. I'm sure you'll find likeminded folk there. Read More
BUPA insurance acceptance in Libyan hospitals by Siddiqui
Is there any information base available on the hospitals in Libya accepting BUPA clients for direct settlement of accounts. According to my info only Aafia accepts BUPA directly, for all others you have to settle in cash and claim later. Please ...
No doubt your company has a contract with Medilink for medical services, Medilink will invoice your company monthly. Siddiqi, I suggest you check with Medilinkl Medilink International Tel: + 218 21 483 72 92 Fax: + 218 21 483 04 91 ... Read More
BUPA insurance acceptance in Libyan hospitals by Siddiqui
Is there any information base available on the hospitals in Libya accepting BUPA clients for direct settlement of accounts. According to my info only Aafia accepts BUPA directly, for all others you have to settle in cash and claim later. Please ...
Medilink is not a BUPA clinic, they will bill you. Brothers Clinic and AlAfia are the only BUPA clinics here. Contact details-- Brothers Clinic Noflian First right after Bengaber mosque Tripoli Libya Telephone: + 218 21 340 3672 Fax: + 218 21 ... Read More
Electrical appliances by Jenny1601
I am moving to Libya in a few weeks time. I am from the USA I have a question , I am shipping a container with all my electrical stuff in it, i hear the power in libya is 220V , will my LCD, washing machine, fridge, and my appliances work there ...
Best pack a few good voltage regulators in there too for the expensive equipment. Voltage can vary between 150v and 350v at times although this is improving. Many folk have blown all their equipment when the voltage peaks. Read More
Day of Mourning - Oct 26 by gabacho
Anyone know what the plans are for this year? No cell phones, no internet? International flights?
It isn't a holiday, work as normal just without international comms. Read More
Day of Mourning - Oct 26 by gabacho
Anyone know what the plans are for this year? No cell phones, no internet? International flights?
Phones are cut off, there is a message in English for anyone calling into Libya. Sometimes internet is cut, sometimes not. Flights are stopped, nothing can take of or arrive until after 6pm. Read More