Money changing in Libya

[kitmax]

The exchange restrictions on Libyan dinars appears to be finished. Last visit to Libya (November 06) I was able to exchange UK Pounds and US Dollars into Libyan dinars at the border. No paperwork, no questions, no passport copies, no hassle.
The rate was the same as ‘Honest Ahmed’ was offering in Ben Guerdane.
The bank is a temporary looking building just inside the border where drivers wait for their Libyan number plates.
Best of all, I was able to change all surplus currency back into Euros on leaving. No currency declarations requested.
Exchange rate for Euros into Dinar was 1.65
Exchange rate for Dinars back into Euros was 1.7
There is now a ATM cash dispensing machine at the border, and another one in the car park at Sabratha.
PS Surplus desert gear for sale, see my website at www.kitmax.com

[Richard K]

Looks like a fascinating trip Kit, and a nicely written report.

[PanEuropean]

I had the same experience last week in Libya - very simple to change money anywhere, at the airport, the hotel - no-one asked for any form of identification, in fact, at the airport, I had to ask THEM for a receipt for business expense purposes.

I saw several ATMs, but they are not yet widespread enough to rely on ATMs as your sole source of money. Be aware that if the phone or internet connection goes down, so does the ATM, and so does your ability to pay for anything with a credit card. I stayed at the Bab El Bahar hotel (big convention hotel in downtown Tripoli), and the credit card machine was 'broken' both times I stayed there.

In short - it's still a cash economy, but at least now it is quick and easy to exchange the cash.