Cost of living in Libya

Did anyone respond to these questions? I would also like to know this information. Thank you.

House on rent for foreigners is costly compared to locals and as natural all over the world. The house in Libya are big and having 4/5 rooms minimum. A semi furnished house in Tripoli cost 900 LYD with 4 rooms and and a drawing, one kitchen , two bath rooms, Little kitchen items one bed room fully furnished and others with typical mattresses.

Expat.com wrote:

Hi everybody,

It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Libya.


> prices of a beer

Dream on....Libya is a dry country

Cost of a decent brew-you-own beer kit is around a tenner and makes up to 40 pints

Based upon the current exchange rates of:
USD 1 = 1.295 LYD
EUR 1 = 1.770 LYD
GBP 1 = 1.945 LYD

accommodation prices:

Good quality hotels in downtown Tripoli are $200 - $300 per night. Don't expect a bar or alcohol served in the restaurant though.

Accommodation (apartment or 2-3 bedroom town house type) in a managed development such as Regatta or Palm City starts from around $5,000 per month. If you want to live in a secure but sanitised environment surrounded by other expats, these places are for you.

Accommodation in popular expat suburbs 15-20km west of the city centre such as Siraj (5-10 mins from Regatta roundabout), or Jazour start from around $2,500 for a basic 2-3 bedroom house. $4,000 - $5,000 per month will get you a very nice 3-4 bedroom villa in it's own spacious compound and probably a 6m x 3m swimming pool. Rents are charged in advance per 12 month contract. Most villas are single storey (great for young kids) but don't have much storage space. Some villas come with an external garage/storage building and usually a small block for your gate boy.


public transportation fares (tube, bus etc ...)

There are no trains in Tripoli and public transport is limited to taxis and 7.5 tonne bus type vehicles. A ride from the city centre to Siraj or Janzour is LYD 6-7, on the bus it's LYD 1-2.

Some employers provide a car and driver, but this can be a real pain in the a$$ in the evening and at weekends. Many spouses either hire a car and driver on a “wet lease” basis, where fuel, servicing, drivers wages are all included. The going rate is around LYD 1,000 per month. Handy if you're only here short-term but pricey for more than 6 months.

There are plenty of used vehicles available and a good condition 4-5 year old 4 door saloon or 5 door hatch can be picked up for around LYD 10,000. Best bet is to try and buy from another expat who is leaving Libya.


food prices(per month, how much does it cost you?)

I won't put a monthly cost, because eveyone's tastes and costs are different…

Packaged good from the “supermarkets” are generally similar prices to Europe. Fresh fruit and veg is widely available and very cheap. Fresh meat is also widely available (no pork though), but can be of very variable quality. Fresh milk is available from several of the supermarkets, though not every day. When you see it, buy a few and freeze it.

The biggest (and best IMO) supermarket in Tripoli is at the big blue glass building on the big roundabout at Tuesday Market. If you want a 1-stop-shop, this is the place to go. It's open every day from around 10am. Fridays from 4pm. The first floor also has quite a good household goods store and there are many other retail outlets here.


health prices (for those who need medical insurance)

Healthcare is generally provided by employers. Most expats have access to the Medilink clinic just off Gargaresh Road close to Regatta.


education prices (if you need to pay)

Generally coverered by the employer from 4 yrs old. There are British, French, German, Italian and American schools here amongst many. Pre-school/playgroup/nursery is generally organised by spouse groups and LYD 250 per month seems to be the going rate.


energy prices (oil, electricity)

Petrol is cheap cheap cheap at LYD 0.2 per litre. Owners of V8 gas guzzlers & Chelsea Tractors will love Libya! Electricity is billed once a quarter by a guy who comes to your house and expects payment upon demand, otherwise he may decide to cut you off! Quarterly charges are typically LYD 3-400 for a 3 bedroom villa.


common bills (Internet, television, telephone, mobile phone)

Internet connections outside of the workplace are DIRE. You have the option of either dial-up (for which you'll need to buy a phone line) and good for no more than basic web browsing and email, or the fledgling WiMax...

LTT (Libya Telecom & Technology) are currently in the process of rolling out a WiMax service: The USB dongle system costs LYD 520 but only works within 800m of a transmitter i.e. city centre + 5km radius. The modem based system costs LYD 620 but wait for it…….modems won't be available for 2-3 months!

There are several other ISP's but don't bother unless you're prepared to wait an hour for a page to load….

If you work from home really need a connection for your business, Vsat and microwave based VoIP systems are available starting from LYD 500 per month plus modem/switch/router/antenna cost.

There are several satellite TV service providers in Libya, the most popular being Nilesat at around LYD 250 a year. Don't bother bringing your Sky box to Libya, it's on the edge of the Astra footprint and you'll need a 3.8m dish for a decent signal.

There are two main cellular network providers – Almadar and Libyana. To get a SIM, you'll need to go to their main offices downtown Tripoli with a copy of your passport. Local calls are cheap, international very expensive. Many places including local shops sell recharge cards. Your European/US SIM probably won't in Libya as roaming agreements are limited.


prices of a good menu in a traditional restaurant

There are kebab/shwarma kiosks just about everywhere and for LYD 4 you can stuff yourself. The best kebab place is Booma on the opposite side of the roundabout to the bus park in Dhara, city centre. Plenty of other Maccy D type fast food outlets are around and 2 can eat comfortably for LYD 10.

A starter plus main course for 2 in a good restaurant will set you back LYD 40-60.


prices of a beer and or a coffee in a regular pub

Libya is dry, unless you bring in brewing kits and make your own. It's not illegal to import brewing kits and most of us make our own supply arhmmmm…

There are thousands of coffee bars (mostly frequented by the men, who hang out there to smoke the water pipes), coffee is very good and costs anything from LYD 1 to 5 depending where you choose to go.


price of the cinema

Western style cinemas don't exist…..bring plenty of DVD's


Getting cash

Cash is the only generally accepted transaction method outside of the hotels and airlines.

ATM machines are all over Tripoli now and accept Visa & Mastercard debit and credit cards. Aman bank seem to have the most machines. The only problem I've found with the ATM's is that the banks let them run dry of notes regularly and you may have to visit several machines before you find one working.

Leave your Amex and Diner's cards, they are not accepted generally.


Domestic staff

Most families who stay in a villa employ a “gate boy” (to call them “guard” does the word an injustice…), on a casual basis. They'll answer calls to the gate, sweep the yard, mow the grass and wash the car and some expats also use them for cleaning the house, ironing and even cooking. For a gate boy who lives in the room in the yard, LYD 250-300 per month is the going rate, double this for one who doubles as a housekeeper/cook.

Re DVDs

We are definitly bringing lots of DVDs - buying used ones via the local store plus craigslist.  I imagine there is a fair amount of loaning/swapping among expats there.

Worth mentioning too is the fact that people moving there should plan to buy a multi system DVD player since, we learned the hard way living overseas the first time, our Amerian DVDs are coded (NTSC) for American players and would not play on the PAL players we had in the Midest. A multisystem takes care of that handily. 

From what I was told, the different coding systems is due to different movie release dates and is an attempt to thwart piracy.

Myself and my husband are planning to move to Tripoli within the next few months.

This site has answered a great deal of my questions. One other question I have how easy is it for expat women to find work. My main work is administration.  However, I am able to do CAD.  Having being taught by my husband who is a Civil Design Engineer.  Perhaps someone would require someone with my skills.

Sitting around 24 hours 7 doesn't sound too good.

Also, what leisure activities and beauty therapy are there for women available?

thanks

Sandman6 wrote:

Dream on....Libya is a dry country

Cost of a decent brew-you-own beer kit is around a tenner and makes up to 40 pints

Sandman,

I definitely need to have some lessons and tricks about that subject ;-)

Expat Joe wrote:

Sandman6 wrote:

Dream on....Libya is a dry country

Cost of a decent brew-you-own beer kit is around a tenner and makes up to 40 pints

Sandman,

I definitely need to have some lessons and tricks about that subject ;-)

Ever wondered why you see expats in the supermarket with a trolley full of the "Raush" 900ml grape juice bottles (the green ones with the flip top stopper)? At LYD 4 a bottle it's expensive stuff....but the bottles are easily the best for your home brew

I found a website with food prices for Libya - they are 2008 prices, but it should help to give people an idea of the cost of living in Libya.  I don't know how accurate it is though..

The link: http://www.temehu.com/Prices.htm

Soon2B Expat MJ wrote:

I found a website with food prices for Libya - they are 2008 prices, but it should help to give people an idea of the cost of living in Libya.  I don't know how accurate it is though..

The link: http://www.temehu.com/Prices.htm

Good find...the food prices are fairly accurate.

this blog is really helpfull. sandman 6 can i ask if its ok to have a male friend who'll be joining us in renting an apartment in libya. we're concidering the contribution for the house rent so it wont be that much... thanx!

shawi18 wrote:

this blog is really helpfull. sandman 6 can i ask if its ok to have a male friend who'll be joining us in renting an apartment in libya. we're concidering the contribution for the house rent so it wont be that much... thanx!

Hmmmm...three similar profiles all from the Philippines suddenly appearing - could this be a conspiracy, I wonder? Are they all related by some coincidence?

We should call this Uncle Fookin Sandman's agony column...

If you wanna bring blokes back to your apartment for a bit of slap and tickle or whatever, that's your business. By the way, what's the going rate and do you do extras?

Expat.com wrote:

Hi everybody,
Ok guess you have not been to libya before? Transport is free its called walking, pubs n a beer is happy hour everyday but you won't get drunk, utility bills are free jusy hook to your neibours electric, the local brew home made tequila will run your car for a year cost you 10 dinars, as for internet you can go to the next town by the time you come back your page will be loaded! Any more questions feel free to contact me, have fun bye for now.
Donna.
It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Libya.

Don't forget to mention where in Libya you are living.

How much does it cost to live in Libya?

> accommodation prices

> public transportation fares (tube, bus etc ...)

> food prices(per month, how much does it cost you?)

> health prices (for those who need medical insurance)

> eduction prices (if you need to pay)

> energy prices (oil, electricity)

> common bills (Internet, television, telephone, mobile phone)

> prices of a good menu in a traditional restaurant

> prices of a beer and or a coffee in a regular pub

> price of the cinema

Do not hesitate to add items to this list!

Thanks in advance for your participation!!

International City Cost Guide
Susa, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

    LYD    USD    GBP    EUR
Accommodation
Furnished 2 bedroom house in good area - monthly rent    LYD 525.00    $414.04    £251.07    €297.20
Unfurnished 2 bedroom house in good area - monthly rent    LYD 325.00    $256.31    £155.43    €183.98
Furnished 2 bedroom apartment in good area - monthly rent    LYD 375.00    $295.74    £179.34    €212.28
Unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment in good area - monthly rent    LYD 260.00    $205.05    £124.34    €147.18
Room in shared apartment in good area - monthly rent    LYD 75.00    $59.15    £35.87    €42.46
2/3 star hotel - 1 night stay    LYD 45.00    $35.49    £21.52    €25.47

Food and Drink
Milk 1ltr./2.11pints    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Butter 500gr./1.10lbs.    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Plain yoghurt 180gr./6.35oz.    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Cheese 500gr./1.10lbs.    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Eggs 12 (large)    LYD 1.50    $1.18    £0.72    €0.85
Bread (white loaf) 1 kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.63    $0.50    £0.30    €0.36
Bread Whole (wheat loaf)1 kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.88    $0.69    £0.42    €0.50
Rice (long grain) 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Spaghetti 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Sugar (white) 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.63    $0.50    £0.30    €0.36
Flour (white) 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.63    $0.50    £0.30    €0.36
Cornflakes (packet) 375gr./13.23oz.    LYD 2.25    $1.77    £1.08    €1.27
Coffee (instant) 125gr./4.41oz.    LYD 2.50    $1.97    £1.20    €1.42
Coffee (ground) 500gr./17.63oz./    LYD 3.50    $2.76    £1.67    €1.98
Tea bags (pack 25)    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Coca Cola 1lt./2.11pints    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Mineral water (still) 1lt./2.11pints    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Mineral water (sparkling) 1lt/2.11pints    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Orange juice 1lt./2.11pints    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Margarine 500gr./1.10lbs.    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Olive oil 1lt./2.11pints    LYD 3.25    $2.56    £1.55    €1.84
Corn oil 1lt./2.11pints    LYD 1.75    $1.38    £0.84    €0.99
Potatoes 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Onions 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Tomatoes 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.38    $0.30    £0.18    €0.22
Lettuce 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.38    $0.30    £0.18    €0.22
Sprouts 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Spinach 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Oranges 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 0.88    $0.69    £0.42    €0.50
Apples 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 2.00    $1.58    £0.96    €1.13
Bananas 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 1.38    $1.09    £0.66    €0.78
Pears 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 1.50    $1.18    £0.72    €0.85
Grapes 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 1.50    $1.18    £0.72    €0.85
Peas (can) 250gr./8.82oz.    LYD 0.63    $0.50    £0.30    €0.36
Beans (can) 250gr./8.82oz.    LYD 0.63    $0.50    £0.30    €0.36
Whole peeled tomatoes (can) 250gr./8.82oz.    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Peaches (can) 500gr./17.63oz.    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Pineapple (can) 500gr./17.63oz.    LYD 2.00    $1.58    £0.96    €1.13
Fresh beef filet 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 10.00    $7.89    £4.78    €5.66
Fresh roast beef 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 10.00    $7.89    £4.78    €5.66
Fresh minced beef 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 10.00    $7.89    £4.78    €5.66
Fresh veal 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 5.00    $3.94    £2.39    €2.83
Fresh lamb on bone 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 10.00    $7.89    £4.78    €5.66
Lamb chops 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 10.00    $7.89    £4.78    €5.66
Sausages 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 3.00    $2.37    £1.43    €1.70
Chicken (fresh whole) 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 2.50    $1.97    £1.20    €1.42
Fresh salmon 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 3.25    $2.56    £1.55    €1.84
Fresh cod or similar white fish 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 3.25    $2.56    £1.55    €1.84
Shrimps 1kg./2.20lbs.    LYD 15.00    $11.83    £7.17    €8.49
Table salt 500gr./1.10lbs.    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Black pepper 50gr./1.76oz.    LYD 0.40    $0.32    £0.19    €0.23
Frozen pizza 320gr./11.29oz.    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Marmalade/jam 370gr./13.05oz.    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Ice cream 1lt./2.11pints    LYD 1.25    $0.99    £0.60    €0.71
Fresh or frozen apple pie 500gr./1.10lbs.    LYD 1.00    $0.79    £0.48    €0.57
Ketchup 340gr./12oz.    LYD 1.25    $0.99    £0.60    €0.71
Milk chocolate (bar) 100gr./3.52oz.    LYD 1.25    $0.99    £0.60    €0.71
Biscuits (plain) 200gr./7.05oz.    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Beer (local, can) 0.33lt./11.15oz.    LYD 1.25    $0.99    £0.60    €0.71
Cigarettes (20 pack, imported)    LYD 23.00    $18.14    £11.00    €13.02

Household
Laundry detergent 2.5kg./5.51lbs.    LYD 4.50    $3.55    £2.15    €2.55
Dishwashing liquid 500ml./1.58pints    LYD 2.25    $1.77    £1.08    €1.27
Furniture polish 330gr./11.64oz.    LYD 2.00    $1.58    £0.96    €1.13
Insect killer spray 330gr./11.64oz.    LYD 1.38    $1.09    £0.66    €0.78
Shower gel 250ml./8.45oz.    LYD 3.75    $2.96    £1.79    €2.12
Soap (bar)150gr./5.29oz.    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Toothpaste 120gr./4.24oz.    LYD 1.50    $1.18    £0.72    €0.85
Shampoo 200 ml./6.76oz.    LYD 2.25    $1.77    £1.08    €1.27
Deodorant 50ml./1.69oz.    LYD 3.00    $2.37    £1.43    €1.70
Razors/blades (5 pack)    LYD 4.25    $3.35    £2.03    €2.41
Aspirin (100 tablets)    LYD 4.50    $3.55    £2.15    €2.55
Antibiotics (12)    LYD 3.25    $2.56    £1.55    €1.84
Face cream    LYD 4.00    $3.15    £1.91    €2.26
Men's shampoo & haircut    LYD 3.75    $2.96    £1.79    €2.12
Women's shampoo & haircut    LYD 11.25    $8.87    £5.38    €6.37

Utilities
Telephone line (monthly rental)    LYD 25.00    $19.72    £11.96    €14.15
Purchase of low cost Mobile/cell phone    LYD 17.50    $13.80    £8.37    €9.91
3 minute telephone call - home phone    LYD 0.28    $0.22    £0.13    €0.16
3 minute telephone call - mobile/cell phone    LYD 0.45    $0.35    £0.22    €0.25
Monthly energy costs apartment (100sq.m./1076sq.ft.)    LYD 10.05    $7.93    £4.81    €5.69

Eating Out, Entertainment & Health
Three-course dinner in restaurant    LYD 15.50    $12.22    £7.41    €8.77
Fast-food meal    LYD 4.00    $3.15    £1.91    €2.26
Cup of coffee in bar/cafe    LYD 0.75    $0.59    £0.36    €0.42
Taxi rate per km./0.62 miles    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
City centre bus fare (3km./1.86miles)    LYD 0.10    $0.08    £0.05    €0.06
Car hire (up to 1800cc) daily    LYD 52.50    $41.40    £25.11    €29.72
Fitness club annual fee    LYD 275.00    $216.88    £131.51    €155.67
Web cafe (30 mins.)    LYD 0.50    $0.39    £0.24    €0.28
Private doctor GP (30 mins)    LYD 20.00    $15.77    £9.56    €11.32

Clothing
Women's shoes    LYD 20.00    $15.77    £9.56    €11.32
Men's shoes    LYD 22.50    $17.74    £10.76    €12.74
Pair of jeans    LYD 25.00    $19.72    £11.96    €14.15
Men's suit    LYD 90.00    $70.98    £43.04    €50.95
Women's suit    LYD 125.00    $98.58    £59.78    €70.76
Men's shirt    LYD 10.00    $7.89    £4.78    €5.66
Women's dress    LYD 65.00    $51.26    £31.09    €36.80

City Cost Observations
Alcohol and pork are banned in Libya.

These rates are Tripoli based (Tripoli is the capital of Libya). Rates are seasonal. Some items are subject to fluctuation.

Superb information by SANDMAN & DEBASSIS. If someone wants information about DR Congo, Angola, South Africa & Tanzania just let me know or visit TANZANIA Forum here.

Hi Debassis, I think there is no Indian style groceries available right? If you can just give some idea about how Vegetarian Indian can live in Tripoli.

What is cost of traveling From-TO India & which are the Airlines available?

The above informations are really very useful,however can any one tell me the cost of various types of dry fruits available at tripoli and cost per kgs of the individual items

excellent info about tripoli.
I wonder if anyone could help me to know about things in BENGHAZI-- all about it.. I have a 3 yr old who needs to go to school
hsl

anupm wrote:

The above informations are really very useful,however can any one tell me the cost of various types of dry fruits available at tripoli and cost per kgs of the individual items

They have drums full of dried fruit and herbs/spices at Tuesday Market mall. No idea of the prices tho.

HI pals

Simple q. = I have landline at my appartment,it is possible to call only numbers that not start with zero=only Tripoli...
I wonder if it's possible to refill it in order to call outside
Any suggestion??

Ta ...

You'll need to ask your landlord - the telephone company won't deal with 3rd parties.

Regarding places to live. Was shown 3 apartments, one next to the British embassy overlooking the sea , large 1300 Sq ft $3,200 US per month. The 2 other apartments were in Ben Asure (sorry about spelling) next to Danish and Swiss embasseys, quiet area, 3 beds 2 baths, family owns 1 floor , renting the top 2 floors - $2,800 US per month. So I chose to live at Palm City instead, 3 bed apartment about 2000 Sq ft $4,600 per month (luckily not paying for it), however 90% of the units have been spoken for, has tennis and squash courts (the kicker for me), ride into town not that bad as start work at around 7:30am. Food is cheap at supermarkets, selection is good if you are not a food ho.

I hope you're not working in the city center.  The evening commute to palm city would be brutal.

Yes, working in the city centre but don't head home until 8pm and traffic isnt bad + have black land cruiser with tinted windows which all the cars seem to avoid like the plague, like having my own police siren.

The worst time to head back out from the city to Janzour/Siraj etc is between 6 and 7pm. Travel either before or after and the traffic is much easier.

Can anyone tell me what kinds of things I should bring with me to keep on hand. When I lived in Svalbard I had to bring things with me that were short supply or too expensive or just not there. Seems like they have most things here, but as we all know there are just things we like from home LOL...

Bring the 100% maple syrup bottles with you as you can't find them here for sure..........

Siddiqui wrote:

Bring the 100% maple syrup bottles with you as you can't find them here for sure..........

I have to admit I shipped several bottles and cans of pure maple syrup...


I also find it tricky to find certain spices at times - I'm sure you can get them here, I just haven't explored the right shops.  I packed a whole buch of spices just to make life easier.

I also threw in some canned preserves, since I had some extra space to fill.

List of things I am so happy I brought from Canada...

Tampons
Birth Control
Kraft Dinner

Seriously, what else do you need?  Am I right?

Thanks laurieloo I thought I would need those LOL!!!;)Didnt know how to ask though.
Certainly will add the maple syrup to my list. Thanks guys..

hi!

may i ride on this thread for a not so common question pls?  does anyone knows if there are any long term storage facilities in tripoli? we are thinking of  to shipping everythign we have there (cant store it where we are now as we are not in home country) but company housing probably isnt big enough to put all our stuff...

how much does a furnished 3 bedroom apt not inside a "managed compound" cost?  if i have no access to hubby's company drver, is taxi the only way to get around?
thanks...

you can drive, if you can...

or hire a driver with the car, or take random taxies.

the latter is quite bearable if you know where you are going. if you don't know, it is not a problem too: just gesture the driver that you'll give him the phone, and dial the place you want to go to. in most cases the explanation over the phone suffices. the only thing is that since you don't know that your destination is right behind the corner, the fare the driver will ask before you start may be much bigger.

there are sort of minibuses but they do not look safe for one thing, and for sure they are not safely driven!

wow.. so much information.. thanks!!