The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported into Libya duty-free (persons aged 18 and over): 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 250 ml perfume for personal use.
Prohibited Imports
There is a strict import ban on alcoholic beverages, drugs and pork products. Also prohibited are all other beverages, food (including canned foods), pornographic items, and items made either in Israel or by companies that trade with Israel. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Prohibited Exports
Antiques (including stones, potsherds, etc.) and parts of meteorites must remain in Libya.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the State of Libya
Tavelweg 2, PO Box 633
Bern
Switzerland
+41 (0)31 350 01 25. Consular Dept.: +41 (0)31 350 01 22.
Mon-Fri 09.00-15.00.
Embassy of the State of Libya
Blaasstrasse 33
Vienna
Austria
+43 (0)1 367 76 39.
Embassy of the State of Libya
Podbielskiallee 42
Berlin
Libya
+49 (0)30 200 596 0. Consular Dept. +49 (0)30 200 596 10/24.
http://de.libyanembassy.de
http://de.libyanembassy.de
Mon-Thu 08.30-15.30, Fri 08.30-13.00. Consular department: Mon and Wed 09.00-12.00.
Business
Business etiquette
On hot summer days, you can definitely show up for a business appointment in short sleeves. Suit and tie or costume are reserved for larger occasions. English is generally understood, but the usual language of business is Arabic and business people should be prepared that all official documents are in Arabic. Appointments must be arranged in advance. Business cards are not used everywhere. Business hours: Generally Sat-Wed 7am-2pm.
Business contacts
Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Garrisonkirchplatz 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany Tel. +49 (0)30 278 90 70. Website: ghorfa.de/de Austrian-Arab Chamber of Commerce Lobkowitzplatz 1, 1010 Vienna, Austria Tel. +43 ( 0)1 513 39 65. Website: aacc.at Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Tripoli and North Lebanon Bechara EL-Khoury Boulevard, PO Box 47, Tripoli, Lebanon Tel. +961 (0) 6 42 56 00. Website: www.cciat.org.lb/en
Communication
Phone
International direct dialing.
Mobile phone
GSM 900 and 1800. Network operators are El Madar Telephone Co, Orbit and General Post and Telecommunications Company.
Internet
Main provider: Libya Telecom and Technology (Internet: www.lttnet.com). Internet cafes can be found in Tripoli, Misurata, Benghazi, Zleetin and Alkhomus.
Post office
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, there are post offices only in larger towns; the service is unreliable, sometimes letters are censored. Airmail to Europe takes about two weeks to arrive.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
