GISgirl
American citizen
Forum posts
103
Contacts
8
About me
American
Speaks English but am learning Arabic
Registration: 04 November 2010
Best Eye Surgeons / Hospitals in Odessa or Kiev
Hello, I am hoping that someone can suggest the best place for eye (retina) surgery. Thanks Read More
6 months and still going strong... by Maryam M H
I've just signed up to the forum so of course I got an email about how I can 'share my expat experience'. Looking at it, I thought why not? My Mum has been a member for a little while before we moved and I remember hearing about some ...
Hi Maryam, I really enjoyed reading your post as well. Like your mom, I am an expat wife of a Libyan national (who will inshAllah be the mom of a half Libyan half American baby next year). You spoke briefly of not being accepted in the UK. ... Read More
Police clearance certificate-Libya by shankarmoorthy
Help needed in Libya.I lived in Libya 6-7 years back.I need a criminal record from the Police HQ in Tripoli.I am prepared to pay for it and I need urgently.It is required for Canadian immigration.Can someone help please?? I have no idea how to ...
I'm afraid its a no go for now. Read More
Police clearance certificate-Libya by shankarmoorthy
Help needed in Libya.I lived in Libya 6-7 years back.I need a criminal record from the Police HQ in Tripoli.I am prepared to pay for it and I need urgently.It is required for Canadian immigration.Can someone help please?? I have no idea how to ...
I just dealt with a similar situation and was able to get the police record from Libya. (that was before all hell broke loose and the government shut down) I was told that you can still get police records though so I will ask my family lawyer in ... Read More
new member by tekno
Hello I am a new member to the forum want to exchange views with others about Libya
Please don't take this the wrong way... I am only going to say the following with the intention of encouraging your safety. If you are attempting to enter Libya illegally by crossing the border by road, my suggestion is to seriously reconsider ... Read More
how are things?/air travel? by dua dua
Assalam alaykum, I would love to hear from expats and locals too about the current situation in and around tripoli. How has this affected work and daily life? Has anyone heard how long the airport will be closed? Has anyone known of anyone that has ...
Perhaps you could fly to Tunis and then to Djerba (Tunisia). My husband just got back today from driving from the Janzour area to Tunis and back again. Tunis is a long way and he spent the night there - that's why I suggest Djerba which is ... Read More
How can I get a visa to libya if I'm American? where to live? by dua dua
Hi, Does anyone know of a way I can get a visa to Libya? I am American. I have heard that tourist visas are not allowed. I would be happy to work there, preferably part time, but I don't speak Arabic. Does anyone know of any companies that would ...
No, not impossible, but unless you have someone inside of Libya to make the visa # for you, it will be next to impossible (for Americans). Read More
Libyan marriages~ are they done on a certain day of the week, record? by dua dua
Hi, I am interested in learning alot more about Libya and the life there. I would love to have a person that I can go to with my questions on a regualr basis. Someone that is very familiar with the customs there, either a native with excellent ...
Engagements: the husband's family comes to the girl's family to make the offer of marriage. The girls family will make some conditions such as the guy should have a home, a job, a car, etc. The girl's family may accept at that point to an ... Read More
Do they have GPS in Libya for getting around and finding places? by dua dua
Hi, I have never purchased gps but do they have this in Libya to find locations? If you buy a gps in the USA, does it work in Libya? Do you have to enter the names of the streets in Arabic or can you type the Arabic name with english letters?
No I'm not in Libya right now....should be back by May ISA Read More
Libyan marriages~ are they done on a certain day of the week, record? by dua dua
Hi, I am interested in learning alot more about Libya and the life there. I would love to have a person that I can go to with my questions on a regualr basis. Someone that is very familiar with the customs there, either a native with excellent ...
In the US our forms of ID are our driver's license and SS card but in Libya they use their passports and family books. Each male head of household has a family book. When a son gets married he applies for and gets his own family book with ... Read More
How can I get a visa to libya if I'm American? where to live? by dua dua
Hi, Does anyone know of a way I can get a visa to Libya? I am American. I have heard that tourist visas are not allowed. I would be happy to work there, preferably part time, but I don't speak Arabic. Does anyone know of any companies that would ...
I am an American too and have traveled to Libya but as you say, there has not in my experience of the past 6 years been any such thing as a tourist visa from the Libyan embassy in DC. Libya is not a closed country though and you can get a visa if ... Read More
Do they have GPS in Libya for getting around and finding places? by dua dua
Hi, I have never purchased gps but do they have this in Libya to find locations? If you buy a gps in the USA, does it work in Libya? Do you have to enter the names of the streets in Arabic or can you type the Arabic name with english letters?
At one time before the Revolution, there was movement toward creating the maps to be used for GPS - I don't know if it ever really got off the ground. People just use coordinates for things like stores or restaurants. I thought that the no address ... Read More
Are western expats walking around with targets on their backs?
Thanks to both of you for cheering me up. I'm not in Libya now but someplace far worse and was so looking forward to returning to Tripoli for relief from the hell that is Benin. Just 17 weeks to go at most...I'm trying to talk hubby into using ... Read More
Are western expats walking around with targets on their backs?
Come on guys, tell me it aint so. I'm due to be back in a few months on a more or less permanent basis. Read More
Ain Zara, Tripoli. What's it like? by jamied
Hi, I have accepted a job offer to work and live in Ain Zara. I've done a little research on it but can't seem to find much else on google other than the fact it was home to a notorious prison and palace of one of gaddafi's sons. Does anyone know ...
Ain Zara used to be a farm area but now just like any other rapidly developed area, the infrastructure was not well thought out... especially the main road is too small for the current volume of traffic. Welcome to rush hour! Especially when the ... Read More
Is Corinthia Hotel in Tripoli nice? by amandaburton1983
Salam, I am planning InshaAllah on coming to tripoli next september. I am researching descent places to stay. I was wondering if anybody had an idea of how this corinthia hotel is? I'm looking to stay for 2 weeks. It will be me, the hubby and three ...
If you are looking for big, fancy, and expensive then I guess you can look into those mentioned above. On a lesser quality there is the Kabir http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-355371-al_kabir_hotel-i which has the convenience of a money exchange and ... Read More
rent,electricity,food 4 family of 5,taxi cost,cell phone,abaya costs?? by amandaburton1983
Hi all!! My family InshaAllah would like to move to Libya in September 2013. I am grateful you all are posting the cost of rent on Expat.com. Rent just AIN'T gonna cut it lol. These inquiries are all per month. Specifically speaking, I need an ...
Given that you are currently in Denver, there should be plenty of mosques with Islamic schools for the children. They probably also have classes for the adults. Muslim women in the US are used to being able to go to classes and even pray in the ... Read More
Safety in Tripoli by Bechir33
Dear all, My company is proposing me to move to Tripoli. I'am ok with that except with security conditions that make me still hesitate. What about gunshots, the 2 attempts these last 2 or 3 weeks? I really would enjoy to know your ...
Thanks Tariq, if I come to your restaurant it will be to enjoy the food with my friends from Zawia, we are always looking for a good place to hang out for lunch. To be honest, I don't like drama and 2 non Libyans debating about Libya is a ... Read More
Safety in Tripoli by Bechir33
Dear all, My company is proposing me to move to Tripoli. I'am ok with that except with security conditions that make me still hesitate. What about gunshots, the 2 attempts these last 2 or 3 weeks? I really would enjoy to know your ...
Jeez Doug.... what crawled up your ... and died to make you in such a bad mood as to go into attack mode? What, you think verbally going after an American woman and a S. African woman will give you "street cred" with the Libyans? Jenni and I were ... Read More
Safety in Tripoli by Bechir33
Dear all, My company is proposing me to move to Tripoli. I'am ok with that except with security conditions that make me still hesitate. What about gunshots, the 2 attempts these last 2 or 3 weeks? I really would enjoy to know your ...
@ FatmaKumru I don't know about Tripoli but in Benghazi there are US drones in the sky. Some people wanting to "take a shot" at America are shooting up into the sky. This makes it rather unsafe for all airlines trying to take off or land given ... Read More
Safety in Tripoli by Bechir33
Dear all, My company is proposing me to move to Tripoli. I'am ok with that except with security conditions that make me still hesitate. What about gunshots, the 2 attempts these last 2 or 3 weeks? I really would enjoy to know your ...
I have nothing to gain or lose by advising expats to be ready to leave. I have been on this site for a long time now and have concerns for the people on it especially those with families living there. If you look at my posts, you will see nothing ... Read More
Safety in Tripoli by Bechir33
Dear all, My company is proposing me to move to Tripoli. I'am ok with that except with security conditions that make me still hesitate. What about gunshots, the 2 attempts these last 2 or 3 weeks? I really would enjoy to know your ...
During the beginning of the Feb 17 revolution, if you remember, notification and evacuation of expats did not exactly happen smoothly. Pets, belongings, money in bank accounts, etc. had to be left behind. What I am saying is that expats (especially ... Read More
Safety in Tripoli by Bechir33
Dear all, My company is proposing me to move to Tripoli. I'am ok with that except with security conditions that make me still hesitate. What about gunshots, the 2 attempts these last 2 or 3 weeks? I really would enjoy to know your ...
My gut feeling on this is that everyone should have a evacuation plan and the money on hand to execute it. Read More
Traditional Libyan wedding by rumary
I would like to collect here all information about Libyan wedding traditions :) Not only about the ceremony, but also also celebration, what gifts sould be given, what clothers sould be wearing and so on.. All what be good to know for not Libyan ...
What about hair styles? Do most go to the beauty shop to have a special style? Did the ladies for the most part wear their hair up or down? I am invited to a wedding after Ramadan but in a small town in the Eastern part of Libya. Do you think it ... Read More
tripoli university by meenameena
Anybody have any news about how Tripoli Uni is progressing. My daughters wish to start October 2013 studying medicine, and geography/meteorology (if meteorology is available to study there). I know it's not the best uni in the world but we are ...
@ Reyhana I have a friend who goes to LIMU in Benghazi. I have personally visited the campus before the Feb 17 Revolution and while small (compared to the US campuses) it seemed well equipped and under control at the time. It is private though. ... Read More
flying with parrot! by meenameena
Anybody have any information on travelling with small animals specifically parrot. I wish to take mine to Libya with me when we emigrate, I have been told that some flights allow small animals to be transported in a suitable box (such as a cat ...
If you do manage to bring him/her, make sure you bring supplies, foods, vitamins, and medicines for common parrot ailments. Try to make arrangements with your vet to ship new supplies to Libya when you need them. If he gets sick, there are not many ... Read More
US Chamber of Commerce Libya set to establish in Tripoli- Advice ? by US Chamber of Commerce
Dear All, As a career Foreign service worker, I am have now taken the role as President of the US-Libya Chamber of Commerce. My first role is to establish a real presence in Libya, with offices in Tripoli ( other offices may open at a later ...
OK, it seems that the USLCC is as legit as any other Chamber. It is not accredited by the US Chamber but neither are the vast majority of the 1,000's of city and state chambers. (I have not called them but they have phone and email) I am a bit ... Read More
US Chamber of Commerce Libya set to establish in Tripoli- Advice ? by US Chamber of Commerce
Dear All, As a career Foreign service worker, I am have now taken the role as President of the US-Libya Chamber of Commerce. My first role is to establish a real presence in Libya, with offices in Tripoli ( other offices may open at a later ...
US Chamber has PM'd me and I will check out his affiliations. Will get back with you all next week. Read More
US Chamber of Commerce Libya set to establish in Tripoli- Advice ? by US Chamber of Commerce
Dear All, As a career Foreign service worker, I am have now taken the role as President of the US-Libya Chamber of Commerce. My first role is to establish a real presence in Libya, with offices in Tripoli ( other offices may open at a later ...
Being an American, I see a few "red flags" popping up concerning US Chamber of Commerce. As a "career foreign service worker" and having an "official status" he would have specific channels to work through rather than asking the silly question "is ... Read More
Aids Agencies and Rebuilding Process for Libya by douglas1969
I realize it's too early to be asking this question, but I would be interested to hear from anyone on the ground as to what activity they are seeing with regards to the process of rebuilding the country, rebuilding the schools and universities, ...
lol - so much for change! Read More
Aids Agencies and Rebuilding Process for Libya by douglas1969
I realize it's too early to be asking this question, but I would be interested to hear from anyone on the ground as to what activity they are seeing with regards to the process of rebuilding the country, rebuilding the schools and universities, ...
Did I just enter the twilight zone? Douglas1969 used to be the one saying that Libya was F'd up and Sandman was the insider. Oh well... the only thing in life that is constant is change. Anyways, back to topic, Libyans are comparatively very ... Read More
For anyone interested in current LYD exchange rates: by Thebigtuna
At the Egyptian border the rate is 1.56 LYD per US dollar. On the black market here in Benghazi the rate is anywhere between 1.7 to 2 LYD to a dollar (depends on your negotiating skills really). The black market can be found in the "Souk al-Jareed" ...
From leveled stone and drifting ash mixed with sand and the blood of all souls lost, she will rise beautiful and sanguine on the backs of all those who love her. Rest assured my return is imminent. Read More
For anyone interested in current LYD exchange rates: by Thebigtuna
At the Egyptian border the rate is 1.56 LYD per US dollar. On the black market here in Benghazi the rate is anywhere between 1.7 to 2 LYD to a dollar (depends on your negotiating skills really). The black market can be found in the "Souk al-Jareed" ...
Hi BT, I'm still here in the US but will be coming back within the next month or two. Hope all is well with you in BG. Got a couple questions in relation to your post: (1) You said Western Union is open... If someone sends money from the US to ... Read More
libyan dinar exchange...? by Gager
Anyone know if and where I can exchange libyan dinar? I left with 900 dinar in my wallet and am now in Italy...not sure anyone will take the money...
Don't know if anyone is interested but perhaps a good way to disopose of those useless dinars might be to send them to some sort of Aid agency in Libya. I am checking into shipping from "the world" to Libya. I have already contacted the Red ... Read More
LEAVING FROM, GOING TO... LIBYA by chid0ry_kaname
WHEN all and everyone seem to leave Libya, I am wanting to GO TO LIBYA. On Feb. 12, 2011 I was on my second to the last step of going to Libya... to work in TRIPOLI MEDICAL CENTER to work as a nurse, see, I'm a filipino nurse, and the slim ...
- I am single. =) Ummmm.... just for the record, I'm straight! Read More
LEAVING FROM, GOING TO... LIBYA by chid0ry_kaname
WHEN all and everyone seem to leave Libya, I am wanting to GO TO LIBYA. On Feb. 12, 2011 I was on my second to the last step of going to Libya... to work in TRIPOLI MEDICAL CENTER to work as a nurse, see, I'm a filipino nurse, and the slim ...
I agree with Sleepy...am sick of hearing people complain about gas prices here in the US. Someone came to my office the other day to complain about how hard it was for them. My response to her was: "This is my worry - one of my best friends is ... Read More
libyan dinar exchange...? by Gager
Anyone know if and where I can exchange libyan dinar? I left with 900 dinar in my wallet and am now in Italy...not sure anyone will take the money...
I'll put the word out in the States to see if any Libyans here want to swap - my bet is that they will want to wait until the end of this to see what the dinar is going to do. At that point you can Fed Ex each other. Read More
An email I received by MoEl
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25945468@N03/5452995493/ I told them I don't speak English.
I received a similar message, I guess because my location still says Benghazi. I am in contact several times a day with friends loved ones there. What is going on there is real. People were being killed. The citizens there were afraid that no one ... Read More
Nice budget hotels in Tripoli
Hi V, I stayed at the Marhaba in Dahara ($50 US) but as I was alone, I couldn't tell you about the chance of them giving your friends a hard time about staying in the same room. This is actually a really good thing to know - how do unmarried ... Read More
Tourist visa from USA by Sea Angel
Does anyone have any idea how much a tourist visa from the USA might be? Thank you.
Hi Sea Angel, Just got off the phone with the People's bureau in DC...and I got the same crap that I always get - "we don't issue tourist visas". Canada says they do on their website for $102 Canadian or US. According to all that I have read, you ... Read More
Tourist visa from USA by Sea Angel
Does anyone have any idea how much a tourist visa from the USA might be? Thank you.
Hi Sea Angel, It was 150 but I will try to remember to call tomorrow - I have to call them about something else anyway. Will let you know :) Read More
Need help! by JessieJ
Hello,everyone,my name is Jessie and i come from Bulgaria.I graduated from university studying arabic language and my only dream is to live in an arab country as far as i love this culture,life and everything else you can think of.So long story cut ...
I used Delta to get from the US to Egypt where I visited a friend of mine. From Egypt I used Alitalia and yes, Alitalia was expensive and I had to fly first to Rome.... but it was EID and I considered myself lucky just to get the flight. I have ... Read More
Need help! by JessieJ
Hello,everyone,my name is Jessie and i come from Bulgaria.I graduated from university studying arabic language and my only dream is to live in an arab country as far as i love this culture,life and everything else you can think of.So long story cut ...
I'll give you the details of my 2009 trip to Libya as that seems to be what is most applicable to you. You may have a better ability to check things out because you speak/read Arabic. The prices are for a US citizen and in US dollars. Visa: ... Read More
want to arrange a meet and greet in benghazi
Count me in - if I'm around I'd love to come. Read More
soon to be moving to Tripoli by ellisec
Hi all I am a 23yo female and In 1-2 weeks i will be moving to Tripoli, Regatta to be more precice so i have been told by my employer. I am just wondering how people meet over there since there isnt really any nightlife. Are there many things to ...
Im new here too (from the US) but am in BG. If you ever make it out this way shoot me a PM and I'll give you my cell #. I've noticed some late night hanging out in coffee shops by the fellas here but I don't know what would happen if we did the ... Read More
Single woman living in Tripoli by avaritia7
I'm applying for a senior position in a new hotel opening in Tripoli soon. I'm a single female, so the previous posts about husbands, children blah blah don't apply to me. I lived in Doha and have travelled throughout the Middle East and other ...
If all goes according to plan (hahaha) I might be able to make it out to Tr sometime around the 18th. I'm in Alexandria now. Thanks to those who gave me the travel advice for London. I managed to get to London but midstream there was a strike or ... Read More
Laws of having a baby in Libya by polstar
As a UK citizen possibly moving to Libya with my boyfriend, would we have to be married to have a baby? I know in Dubai it is within the Islamic law to be married, but not sure if these laws necessarily apply to me in Libya. Can anyone help answer ...
I'm not in Libya yet and I don't really know the answer to your question but I have one of my own. Is your BF Libyan or Muslim? Not sure but I think sometimes laws might be more enforced if either of the above is true. Read More
Single woman living in Tripoli by avaritia7
I'm applying for a senior position in a new hotel opening in Tripoli soon. I'm a single female, so the previous posts about husbands, children blah blah don't apply to me. I lived in Doha and have travelled throughout the Middle East and other ...
Sorry ella.za I forgot you! Read More
Single woman living in Tripoli by avaritia7
I'm applying for a senior position in a new hotel opening in Tripoli soon. I'm a single female, so the previous posts about husbands, children blah blah don't apply to me. I lived in Doha and have travelled throughout the Middle East and other ...
Ok, so far it looks like Rocko and Patricia899 are the only ones "in country" as of yet. I'll be there baring any incidents in a couple weeks. How about you Avarita7? Have you heard anything more about the offer? Read More
Some quick safety guidelines on taking taxis in Libya by Thebigtuna
There are two types of taxis here. The first is the black and white cars with the sign on top. The second is just regular citizens who own a car and wanna make extra money/a living off of it (Libyans call them "private cars"). The black-and-white ...
Good taxi story..... Last year when I arrived in Tripoli, my expected driver didn't show. I don't speak Arabic at all. One of the airport officials got me a taxi driver. This guy was fantastic. He spent half the day driving me around and making ... Read More
Single woman living in Tripoli by avaritia7
I'm applying for a senior position in a new hotel opening in Tripoli soon. I'm a single female, so the previous posts about husbands, children blah blah don't apply to me. I lived in Doha and have travelled throughout the Middle East and other ...
Personally, I think it is funny as hell! "unfortunatley for you I am married" From the sounds of things, Libya is not the most entertaining of places... and I just laughed my @$$ off at that one. I wonder if it gets any better in person? Read More
Single woman living in Tripoli by avaritia7
I'm applying for a senior position in a new hotel opening in Tripoli soon. I'm a single female, so the previous posts about husbands, children blah blah don't apply to me. I lived in Doha and have travelled throughout the Middle East and other ...
avaritia7, I'll be staying in London for a couple of days before I get to Libya. Can you suggest a good yet cheap hotel? I would like to see a few sites before I head up to Newcastle and then on to Cairo and Libya. I have never been to London ... Read More
In search of violin by Genie
I am in search of violin....haven't found it anywhere I live..Can anyone suggest me shop/s that sell musical instruments in Tripoli! If yes, do give some directions or atleast what to tell the cab driver so that he can drive me there..Just to make ...
Good for you. Check out smartmusic.com I don't play anything but my niece has this and it is cool. It gives you all of the Suzuki books and you can practice by playing along with the computer. I wish you the best of luck in your musical endeavor! Read More
Single woman living in Tripoli by avaritia7
I'm applying for a senior position in a new hotel opening in Tripoli soon. I'm a single female, so the previous posts about husbands, children blah blah don't apply to me. I lived in Doha and have travelled throughout the Middle East and other ...
Hi Avarita & Rocko, good to see that I'm not the only one! I guess you'll be heading to Terabulus tho.... I'll be in Benghazi (in December). We we might be able to get enough girls to start a "single chicks" group! hahaha Read More
In search of violin by Genie
I am in search of violin....haven't found it anywhere I live..Can anyone suggest me shop/s that sell musical instruments in Tripoli! If yes, do give some directions or atleast what to tell the cab driver so that he can drive me there..Just to make ...
Just out of curiousity, is there a classical music scene in Libya.... don't laugh, I'm serious! Read More
General Advice for a female moving to Benghazi by LittleSpoon
I'm a 27 year old, potentially moving to Libya to be with my partner who has worked in Benghazi since the beginning of 2009. The plan is move either in January or April but we're still waiting to hear from his employers. January seems so soon and I ...
Hi to LittleSpoon (and all others) I'll be arriving in BG from the US in a few weeks. I guess you have been there for a bit now so you can clue me in on how to keep myself entertained. I have been to Benghazi once before but it was such a ... Read More