Libya

Travel tips for Libya: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Libya is a strictly cash-based economy where international ATMs and foreign credit cards do not work, meaning travelers must bring all the cash (USD or EUR) they need for their entire trip to exchange locally.

Try the food

  • Bazin (بازين): A dome-shaped unleavened bread made from barley flour, served surrounded by a rich tomato-based meat stew.
  • Kuskusi (كسكسي): Steamed semolina grains traditionally served with tender lamb, root vegetables, and a spicy tomato sauce.
  • Asida (عصيدة): A warm, soft boiled flour pudding dough typically eaten by hand and served with honey, date syrup, or melted butter.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)
  • Thank you: شكراً (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: لو سمحت (Law samaht)
  • How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hatha?)
  • The bill please: الحساب من فضلك (Al-hisab min fadlak)
  • Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)

Essentials

Plugs
Type C / Type D / Type F / Type L
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Tap water
Avoid — buy bottled
Emergency
1415 (All emergencies), 1515 (Police, Fire), 193 (Ambulance)
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Almadar or Libyana at official stores in major cities, as airport kiosks may be unreliable or closed.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, greeting, and passing items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Airports in Libya