Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, located in the northeastern part of the country along the Mediterranean coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of about 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Libyan Dinar (LYD) - Approx. 1 USD ≈ 4.6 LYD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommended to use bottled water |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C, and Type L sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Libyana and Almadar, with prepaid options available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited international banking options; Cash is preferred, some cards accepted |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is predominantly used |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agents; prices vary between LYD 150 - 300 per night |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel Ostro; prices around LYD 60 per night |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Center, near the Mediterranean coast and the main attractions |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center; offers more amenities and access to coworking spaces |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Benghazi - offering reliable internet and a collaborative environment |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Al-Mahari - good coffee and Wi-Fi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups on Facebook |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Benghazi Expat Community Meetups, often hosted at Cafe Al-Mahari |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem - available for quick rides around the city |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; local bike rental services may be available |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Marsa al-Brega beach, about 20 minutes drive from the city center |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Libyan Airlines |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Libyan Airlines and Tunisair for flights to neighboring countries |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads connecting to surrounding cities and regions are accessible |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Benghazi Train Station is operational with services to nearby locations |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are limited; buses are available, but generally not used by expats |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Benghazi to other major cities such as Tripoli and Al Baida |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Jala Hospital - offers emergency services and general healthcare |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; local gyms may offer yoga classes |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Benghazi - equipped with basic gym facilities |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available in the City Center |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food - service offering delivery from various local restaurants |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Libyan Couscous - a traditional dish served at local restaurants |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local restaurants offer vegetarian options, but choices are limited |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Al-Mahari Sweets - famous for Libyan sweets and desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souq Al-Arab - a traditional market with budget-friendly shopping |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com for online shopping in Libya |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services; most locals prefer going to markets |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Main Street has several establishments, but nightlife is minimal in Benghazi |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Benghazi Brewery - offers local beverages but no alcoholic options due to regulations |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Al-Mahari Wine - limited availability of imported wine |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street food vendors serve traditional sandwiches and snacks |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some restaurants offer Italian and Middle Eastern dishes |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Benghazi Old Town and the Cathedral of Saint James |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Benghazi National Museum - showcasing history and artifacts |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ptolemaic Citadel and Italian-era architecture scattered throughout the city |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Great Mosque of Benghazi and other local mosques |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festivals in spring, celebrating Libyan heritage |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Souq Al-Hout for traditional shopping and local crafts |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host occasional cultural performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souq Al-Sabaa - popular local market for spices and crafts |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Traditional music events may occur in local cafes |
| 🎨 Street Art | Incidental street art found in various neighborhoods |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes offered by community centers focusing on traditional dishes |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited; mostly local exhibitions held at community centers |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Italian colonial buildings along the waterfront |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Libyan Flag heritage is prominent through the communities |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parks and open areas along the coast, such as Al-Mashtal |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Awjila National Park, about a two-hour drive from the city |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Minimal pathways available; coastal walkways are preferred |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Northern coastline views along the Mediterranean |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal areas provide opportunities for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches may allow bonfires; check local regulations |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal services available but can be slow |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic tech repairs; parts may be hard to find |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local cafes or community centers may have table tennis facilities |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private tutors available for Arabic language learning |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited options; public library services exist but may not cater to expats |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers host various community-based activities |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges available; console gaming popular among locals |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present due to local regulations |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LYD 1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = LYD 40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LYD 800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = LYD 32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LYD 1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = LYD 72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LYD 1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = LYD 60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LYD 1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = LYD 88,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LYD 900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = LYD 72,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Local taxation system is primarily on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT applicable |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules in place |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes exist, but rates vary |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax considered within the property market |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | If residing temporarily, tax obligations may reduce significantly |