I may be moving to Tripoli for several years with my husband. I would like to make contact with some expatriates already living in Tripoli to discuss living conditions and restrictions for foreigners. In general, I am interested to know the positive and negative experiences, recommendations and overall experience. I used to live in Tripoli with my wife, and still go there on business trips.
Getting decent living accommodation, in an area with a reasonable number of other expats is the most important problem to be dealt with - this should be sorted out by your husband before you arrive. Yup - the locals are very friendly. Threr are really no restrictions on women there - you can must drive, no need for headscarves etc. But most expat women wouldn't wear sleevless dresses, or have bare misrifs, if only to prevent 'over attention' by the young men. Yes it can be boring. The shopping is not interesting and quite primative.
There are still not many restaurants for eating out, no bars theoretically a dry country , only 1 half decent cinema, and no toursity things to do. Most embassies have social events so you meet up with other country folk. Getting a job secretarial, teaching or nursing is almost essential. Your post was VERY informative and helpful.
We really are in two minds about going or not. It would be a fantastic adventure. Although we are not alcoholics, it is nice to have a beer after work or glass of wine with dinner. I guess you just get use to not having it. I have heard rumours of some expats brewing their own but I imagine the penalties would be tough if you got caught.
You can buy guide books in English and German. Make your own home made beer and wine. Beer can be made from malt and hop extract, wine from Oranges not many local grapes, and most bottled grape juice contains sulphite, which stops yeast from fermenting it. Sugar is very cheap. I just got back from Tripoli it was my first time visiting and enjoyed it, It was a bit of a culture shock to begin with as I have only ever been to Malta and Tunisia which are quite westernised.
