What is your name?Dale
What is your current age or age range?
37
What country are you native to?
UK
What area of Libya do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
Tripoli, 2 minutes from the Corinthia Hotel
How long have you lived in Libya?
6 Months
When you moved to Libya, did you bring your family? What do they think?
Nope, family to busy at the moment, they visit and we will look at moving over at a later date
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
Skype, MSN ect makes things a lot easier, you can chat "Face to face" over the internet.
Why did you choose Libya, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Libya?
I was offered a job here, I don't research countries where I work, preferring to make up my own mind once I have arrived.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
Oh Yes, Documents are a hassle, laws, procedures, contacts change daily, you need a REALLY good PR guy to handle this or you soon get lost
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
Nothing really, if you are patient, accept that some things cant be changed, follow all the procedures without "losing it" everything works out.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
I return for 6 weeks a year but am happy in Libya and will stay as long as I can
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Yup, Darts, Bowling (Though I have now found a 10 pin bowling alley) I was a drinker in the UK but alcohol is not readily available here, It can be found but I think if you want to come to a country like this respect thier laws, if you need a drink that badly then stay away. There's a lot of talk about respect ect but then Expats come over and expect to be able to do everything they could back home, respect is a two way thing and I think a lot of Expats forget that.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Beer, Bacon Sandwiches, Mcdonalds.
Are there the same recreational activities in Libya?
It's getting better, it's slow but it is improving almost daily. If you want Vegas then go to vegas.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Libya?
The people are good really friendly, helpfull and patient, I wander around Tripoli at night, alone and have never had any trouble.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Libya?
A few, I haven't really "Networked" yet but I am sure I will in the future
What are your favorite activities that are available?
10 pin bowling, the beach, eating out, People who say there are no cafes or resurants in Tripoli just don't look, there are 100's some good some bad, same as everywhere
Do you speak the language of Libya?
A few words, am working on it
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Libya, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
It's not crucial but it does help
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
Nope, Bupa readily available
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
Currently Working
How do you earn your living in Libya?
Branch Manager of an Oilfield Supply Company
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
Yes, Same Job, Different Office.
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Prayer time can be annoying if you are non religious, also if looking for an apartment be aware that call to prayer is sometimes VERY early in the morning, so if there is a tower near you it may disturb your sleep
What are the top ten things you like about Libya?
The people, every time
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Libya?
Driving, you are either Mad or suicidal, they are your only two options whilst driving
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
Rent
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
2200 LYD Per Month for a four bed apartment.
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
Nope, it's easy.
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
It's cheap, A Good meal for under 5 GBP, If you smoke you can get a pack of 20 for under 30 pence. Taxis are dirt cheap, they do try to hike the price for non locals but haggle, refuse to pay, get loud, once they realise you live there and wont throw money around they are pretty easy to haggle down. Fuel is less than 3 GBP for a full tank
List some things that are more expensive in Libya
Haven't found any
List some things that are less expensive in Libya
Everything
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Yes, helpfull always
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Libya?
Do it but don't expect all the comforts of home
Do you think you will stay in Libya, or it is not suitable for the long run?
I'll be here till they kick me out
