General Advice for a female moving to Benghazi

no more females they all left the country..lol
just a joke..u welcome.

LittleSpoon wrote:

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 have lots of questions about life in Libya for a twenty-something female.
I'm concerned about a number of things, namely being lonely, feeling harassed and what I perceive to be a lack of freedom. My partner assures me these things shouldn't be an issue but I'd love to hear from other females who can share their own experiences.

Thanks

I have never been to Benghazi.  From what I hear, things are quite different there than in Tripoli therefore a lot of what I know about Tripoli doesn't really apply there.  A girlfriend of mine was stationed out in Benghazi, (she's a young Venezualan lady), and cherished her days back in Tripoli because, in her opinion, there was very little to do over there and she was pretty bored.  She was out there on her own though, no partner, so that may have been a factor as well.

General advice that I give to anyone is ...why the hell not? What does sitting at home in England teach you about the world and yourself? What's the worst thing that's going to happen?  You hate it and go home?  Oh well.  If you don't come, you'll never know.  Do yourself a favor and get over here with a good attitude and willingness to adapt and you won't regret it.  I can't guarantee you'll like it and I can't guarantee you won't turn around and go home but I can guarantee you will be a richer person for it.

@Win: Don't worry, I don't take up much room and am relatively tidy!

@Laurie: Thanks, I know I have to keep an open mind and I'm really excited about the idea of coming out, I just want to feel prepared, as would anybody I suppose. Interesting to hear about lack of things to do but thankfully I will be studying as well as working so it might not turn out to be such a bad thing.

I still await the decision about if and when with bated breath, so have plenty of time to learn more and relax into the idea.

Thanks again.

Things here are not as bad as the media perceives it sometimes. First time i knew i was going Libya, I was thinking that I'd have to cover up and opt for big and baggy clothes instead. I even left my jeans, and nice office blouses back home thinking I won't be needing it...I ended up being the least fashionable chick in the office. So you see, it's quite modern here.

About freedom of taking evening walks alone, I think you'll be fine as long you don't show skin and maybe a light scarf around you head will do. If you're out with other people, you can ditch the headscarf and be yourself

Life in Libya would make you feel peaceful, bored at times, a little down sometimes(if you are single) but one thing I regretted is not having a particular hobby like painting, jewelry making, crochet sewing, etc or something. Better pack your canvases, beads, and balls of yarn just in case!

Dear Little Spoon,

My experience is limited to Tripoli but as heard from my friends most of it holds good for Benghazi as well.

Most of the foreigner women wear here jeans and top. Libyan girls and young ladies also wear the same or full length skirt and top. But they cover their head with scarf which is not essential for foreigners.

My only sincere suggestion is not to invite undesired attention please wear a little loose jeans and long tops. But sleeveless shirts are NO NO. There is NO Burka here.

Libyans in general respect women, eve teasing is less and if caught the punishment for eve teasing is severe. So that way Tripoli the capital I have found quite good.

The usual postal system of sending and receiving letters by post is not organized and very slow so most of people  do not use it. There are no letter boxes and postmen. So letters are to be deposited and collected at post offices only which are very few.  Few courier service are available but are very very costly. So most of the communication is by e-mail and phone.

Most of the credit cards issued in other countries do not work with banks or shops here. You can use them only for online transactions with international websites for payments.

Still buildings, parks and transport is quite good and with some patience you can spend 1 to 3 years happily, but if possible do not resign from your present job. Try to come on lien or deputation

In general crime rate is low in Libya but you have to be careful about your cash and mobile phone.

Please fix up the taxi fare etc before entering the cab. There are no pre paid taxis. Same is true for getting the accommodation on rent. Good bargaining, comparing rents and ensuring what is promised is available in working order in the house is essential before you enter the house or give any advance to broker or house owner. What ever is promised vervbally is usually not executed.

Entertainment facilities are negligible except dining out or visiting sea beaches.So bring along your favourate audio and video CDs novels, magazenes and any musical instrument you love.

Besides above precautions in general Libyans are simple and friendly persons and do not bother you unless you bother them.   


If any other information can make your life easier here please let me know. I will be happy to reply to the best of my knowledge.

With Best wishes
Caring Friend

Thank you Rocko and Caring Friend. Some good advice that I will take to heart.

@Rocko - Thanks for the advice about bringing stuff to keep me occupied. Thankfully I will be studying for a degree so I'll have to keep me busy but I think I will try and bring some other stuff just to be sure.

Still waiting on a date for arrival but it's looking more and more like the end of January. Feeling much more relaxed about the whole thing.

Dear Little Spoon,

I´m also a young Spanish woman moving to Bengazhi on September.
I´m really excited about that: Don´t know how things are going to be there!! Are you already in Bengazhi? Can you tell me how is living in that place?

We can meet there if you want!!

hi im libyan and live in benghzi im married man and very well educated Benghzi is very nice place and people friendly if you have any inquiry my e mail is abofasabotag@yahoo.com and feel free to ask
i wish you good time in my place

caring friend wrote:

Most of the credit cards issued in other countries do not work with banks or shops here.

Nonsense...

Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards work in Aman Bank and Bank Of Credit and Development ATM's here.

If my Nigeria issued cards work, anyones will

Spat wrote:

Dear Little Spoon,

I´m also a young Spanish woman moving to Bengazhi on September.
I´m really excited about that: Don´t know how things are going to be there!! Are you already in Bengazhi? Can you tell me how is living in that place?

We can meet there if you want!!

Spat - I have been in Benghazi for a couple of months now. It's completely different from what I expected but it doesn't take too long to get used to.

I wear fairly modest clothes but don't need to cover up excessively. People pay attention to me and my husband wherever we go but no one has been directly horrible to us so you learn to block out the people looking.

There isn't much to do in terms of entertainment here; a few good restaurants and cafes and a couple of nice shops so bring books, DVDs, maybe something to study. However the beaches here are nice and they make it all worth while. There are also female gyms, a swimming pool and I'm getting to know some nice people in the area so I think socially things will improve.

Would be happy to meet with you when you arrive. Just send me a message on here.

Hey Spat,

I've been living in Benghazi for one month now and think overall it is a nice place. I am an English teacher and have found my Libyan students to be really pleasant and welcoming people.

Outside of work I am quite limited, but I am still enjoying myself. I rarely go anywhere alone and when I do expect to be hassled a bit. The attention however, hasn't been aggressive, I prefer to think it's a result of curiosity rather than malice. I have asked my students about cat calling and a female told me she found England depressing because the English guys didn't give her any attention. Little spoon has already given good advice on clothing, which will reduce the attention a little, but people do stare. Although it is a little intimidating, I personally haven't found it a terrible problem. I suggest bringing sunglasses and a hat (they only sell baseball caps and trilbies here) to deal with the sun and the male population.

In the evenings I stay in (Read, watch TV), visit other people's apartments or go to a restaurant with friends. I'm hoping to join a gym soon! On Fridays the city shuts down as it is the holy day. So my friends and I take a taxi and get out of town to the countryside.

I'm not sure what else to tell you... I wish I'd brought mosquito repellent as there are quite a few here and I haven't found any, there are lots of products like Raid to spray the house but no sprays or creams to apply to skin.   

As I said earlier, I have found Libyan people to be lovely. I haven't had many opportunities to socialise with them outside of work though. The expat community, as far as I am aware, is almost all on this forum and most of us met last night for the England game. We haven't been here that long but seemingly the majority of us want to meet up and hang out.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions and I hope to see you in September.

Wend

LittleSpooner, I'm an Expat, and I spent almost 1 year in Libya, I visited all cities like Benghazi, Tripoli, Sebha, and Musrata and I'm permanently located in TIP now, but still going everywhere.
Benghazi is a nice, cool city; considered the biggest in population within Libya, there is no public transportation such as a subway or public buses, you have to rent a car with a driver because drivers are very crazy, banks are something new and there is no rules and regulations to control the banking system, most locals prefers to open a bank account in a near by country such as Tunisia, there is a lot of local banks but the ATM services is not well known and not guranteed, there is BNP bank here "AKA sahary bank" and it's guranteed.
about the night life, there is no night life in Benghazi as the most known activity is to talk a walk by the sea.

Libyan are very friendly and helpful, english language is a new language, so you will find few people that can understand you by just a sign language or they can understand some basic english words.

the city is very safe but for young ladies I believe that they have to go out in groups and highly recommended to be escorted by a man.

libyans will not hurt anybody but they need to make forign friends so, just try to be cool with them.

it's hardly to find any special food that you used to eat or any special medicine, so it's highly recommended to bring enough stock with you from everything special you need.

the most advantage here in libya that the country located in the heart of Africa so, you can easily take a bi-weekly flight to different destination in EU or North Africa with a very cheap prices, and affordable package, so I used to spend to schedule with my friends a bi-weekly euro trip, or any near by country, I believe that will be very interesting to you. 

if you need further clarification or any help contact me:
hrakmh@gmail.com

LittleSpoon wrote:

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 have lots of questions about life in Libya for a twenty-something female.
I'm concerned about a number of things, namely being lonely, feeling harassed and what I perceive to be a lack of freedom. My partner assures me these things shouldn't be an issue but I'd love to hear from other females who can share their own experiences.

Thanks

Since you're still waiting for your potential employer to call back, there is no need to worry about moving.

Due to time constraints etc. i'll give a simple word of advice that i'm sure will pay dividends in the short/medium/long run...don't go.

@redsaraya - Bit late for that! I moved here in April!

Whooo : )) !!! Honestly was I right ?
Welcome to DamnGhazi ; )

I can only speak for myself, but what I heard about Benghazi, I am not worried for life there. I prefer Benghazi over another cities actually. Hope to move there soon. I am a 25 year old woman from Sweden, married 6 years now with a libyan man and we have a dughter at the age of 4.

I love love
I love being in love
I don't care what it does to me

MoEl wrote:

I love love
I love being in love
I don't care what it does to me

I'm going completely off topic here but MoEl, I googled your quote and because of it, discovered a band unknown to me! Good stuff! Thanks for that!

tonyrfsa wrote:

I'm going completely off topic here but MoEl, I googled your quote and because of it, discovered a band unknown to me! Good stuff! Thanks for that!

Delighted, sir

tony, dude... i saw your blog post: "You know you are confused when… You have to write a post about your identity!"  Love it!!!

I am totally bookmarkin it


Edit: back on topic:

These pills are fine to pass the time
'til I find my new drug
Then
We'll take our chances
we'll last a month
we'll never speak again

Welcome to Benghazi

libyans will not hurt anybody but they need to make forign friends so, just try to be cool with them.
Thanks Vida da Luca , Libyan love who love him

^^^^

Mods,

A) He's not an expat

B) He is unable to offer useful input due to his inadequate communication skills.

C)I don't think I would be alone if I say that I don't feel comfortable expressing my views or sharing my experience when the likes of him are welcome to the board.

D) He's as narrow-minded and as ethnocentric as the rest of them, and, although still in his first week, he's already pushing the Libyans-never-do-evil-and-if-something-happens-to-you-it-was because-YOU-didn't-"understand"-Libya button.

well , from my experience of a year, it seems like, all things are relative to the following:

1. income level and fringe benefits.
2. company, owner, or who the hell is backing you up daily,
3. being outforward, and finding other ex-pats to share and enjoy life.
4.if you are married or share a life, how strong is  it? (this item is a luxary(sp??) to singles like me)

it is mainly simple, you can have the greatest life in the desert or travmatize yourself in New York. up to you.

this place teaches you who you really  are, what do you expect from your life, how adventerous are you and how easy you can find hapiness in small things....

if you already know the answers to manyof these, it will be easy to adapt and enjoy, if not, and ends not so well, at least you will have great answers to these questions which is still positive progress in life.

so come over:)

MoEl wrote:

^^^^

Mods,

A) He's not an expat

B) He is unable to offer useful input due to his inadequate communication skills.

C)I don't think I would be alone if I say that I don't feel comfortable expressing my views or sharing my experience when the likes of him are welcome to the board.

D) He's as narrow-minded and as ethnocentric as the rest of them, and, although still in his first week, he's already pushing the Libyans-never-do-evil-and-if-something-happens-to-you-it-was because-YOU-didn't-"understand"-Libya button.

Boy,....Youre about as unabashed as they come. Who are you to say who should and shouldn't be allowed to contribute on this forum? Ok...so you dont like his views...who cares. I dont like most of yours. There are those of us here who are not particularly fond your inane ramblings, and attempts at literary art....Your penchant for hijacking posts is also rather annoying. You actually provide little by way of any useful input/info for expats living in Libya. However, I try to ignore. I suggest you do the same in your case.

please concentrate on the initial topic.

ps: you can use the "report" button, if you want to report us any issue.

Thank you very much.

Understood. Thanks Christine.

By the way ...

Boy oh boy, that post from uefastriker certainly would teach him a lesson. Thank god I am not the only one who thinks that way.

uefastriker wrote:

Boy,....Youre about as unabashed as they come. Who are you to say who should and shouldn't be allowed to contribute on this forum? Ok...so you dont like his views...who cares. I dont like most of yours. There are those of us here who are not particularly fond your inane ramblings, and attempts at literary art....Your penchant for hijacking posts is also rather annoying.

It pleases MoEl to know that his posts make you grit your teeth and raise your cortisol level.

uefastriker wrote:

MoEl wrote:

^^^^

Mods,

A) He's not an expat

B) He is unable to offer useful input due to his inadequate communication skills.

C)I don't think I would be alone if I say that I don't feel comfortable expressing my views or sharing my experience when the likes of him are welcome to the board.

D) He's as narrow-minded and as ethnocentric as the rest of them, and, although still in his first week, he's already pushing the Libyans-never-do-evil-and-if-something-happens-to-you-it-was because-YOU-didn't-"understand"-Libya button.

Boy,....Youre about as unabashed as they come. Who are you to say who should and shouldn't be allowed to contribute on this forum? Ok...so you dont like his views...who cares. I dont like most of yours. There are those of us here who are not particularly fond your inane ramblings, and attempts at literary art....Your penchant for hijacking posts is also rather annoying. You actually provide little by way of any useful input/info for expats living in Libya. However, I try to ignore. I suggest you do the same in your case.

God said in Quran (( If the ignorant address good people ,  the good people  say peace )

Julien wrote:

By the way ...
[img align=C]http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/images/smilies/co4x4/feedtroll.gif[/url]

Julien,
just wondering as a mod, who do you think the trolls are in this forum?

MoEl wrote:

uefastriker wrote:

Boy,....Youre about as unabashed as they come. Who are you to say who should and shouldn't be allowed to contribute on this forum? Ok...so you dont like his views...who cares. I dont like most of yours. There are those of us here who are not particularly fond your inane ramblings, and attempts at literary art....Your penchant for hijacking posts is also rather annoying.

It pleases MoEl to know that his posts make you grit your teeth and raise your cortisol level.

Blah, Blah, Blah...always that yip yapping!!!

MoEl smiles gleefully at your pathetic attempt to save face

Wow, when did this thread stop being about advice for a female moving to Benghazi? Unfair behaviour from all involved - this forum should be used to support expats and at the moment, any female unsure about a move to Libya may well feel that a) this is the wrong place to get advice/support and b) that it really isn't worth moving.

well spoon
this funny person MoEl  escape from his cuontry libanon and he went to the states after that for some reason he is in libya now eating and drinking in this cuontry and nagging like an old lady in her last days so please ignore him

So Folks, let's get back to the concern of the initial poster in this topic i.e. "General Advice for a female moving to Benghazi", thanks!

I had the privilege of being in benghazi in september. During my visit these are the things I noticed.
Women do not typically go into shops, the men do. Women do not go out at night the men do. Women do wear barikas ALOT. It is looked down on by the men there believe it or not and many women disagree with wearing it. Women do not smoke! Most women wear long skirts and abias and the hijab. Women and men do not mix mostly. No bus. Taxis are available for the brave and private cars are for hire for the brave.women do drive how I do not know you need a million eyes all around your head. You can get anything you need at the big mall all americian products and more at over inflated prices. You can go to the arcade there as well if you want lots of loud music and noise of kids. Beware of the drifters outside the mall driving like maniacs and nearly killing the families going into the mall to spend time at night. A famous passtime for the local boys there that draws much attention and entertainment for the folks (men that is).
Rarely are there women out at any time. But during the day when it hot they do go out. There is a street dedicated to women so they can walk up and down there in the evening for excerise, it is considered safe and no one bothers them. ( stay covered to prevent men from thinking anything) Dubai street has many shops and women tend to shop there in groups. It is expensive however. there are a couple of good resturants opened there and women can sit upstairs usually. Pharmacies are pretty accessible and they are helpful if you can find one with an english speaking pharmicist. they have most medicaiton you may need. ( I was impressed) there is a nice park there where you can sit and drink coffee with friends by the ocean. if you want to swim it is 15 dinars to go in on the beach, but no bikinis. t shirt and leggings are preferred. For the most part if they know you are from outside they are very friendly and kind. I had no problems with any locals and they all were very nice.
I think you can live pretty peacfully and have a decent lifestlye if you do not mind the amount of men everywhere. They are like weeds and pop up in the most remote places so if you want any personnal freedom it can be a challenge.
I would plan for travelling every little while to get out as it can be restrictive for women.
I was disappointed with the lack of sanitation there in regard to garbage disposal, so prepare to see and smell lots of it around.
You may also eat less meat there. the prices are high and i am not sure if they have the same standards for ensuring it is good there. The vegtables are cheap but look out for worms in them. I would assume it is due to the local growing of the produce without pesticides or lime. Camel meat is sold and is very good. the poultry is better bought froozen from an outside supplier. Bread is a mainstay and is everywhere outside if you do not mind the sand blowing on it.
Gas is cheap, electric is cheap, cylinders of propane are cheap.
sat tv is a must there. internet is becoming better slowly. cell phones do not always work but are pretty good considering.
I would suggest talking to other women and getting to know more that way.
Overall benghazi was ok but i have to admit tripoli is better!