Benghazi

From Halal Explorer

Benghazi is the second largest city in Libya, with a population of 647.000.

{{warningbox|Benghazi is still very dangerous following an extended period of civil war and conflict. Travel within the nation's borders, especially to Benghazi remains extremely dangerous therefore strongly discouraged for independent travellers. Parts of Libya may continue to suffer from armed engagements between disaffected individuals, foreign and local militias. These activities are likely to be sustained and to involve the use of deadly force. Normal civil services are not available and the nation's military infrastructure has suffered very serious damage from a sustained aerial bombing campaign and the use of heavy armaments by combative ground forces.

Please see the main Libya|Halal Travel Guide on Libya for further information. |us=https://el.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/libya-travel-advisory.html |uk= https://eign-travel-advice/libya |canada=https://el.gc.ca/destinations/libya |australia=https://eller.gov.au/countries/libya |nz= https://etravel.govt.nz/libya |ie= https://e/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/libya/ |india=https://ea.gov.in/advisories-details.htm?5/Travel+ban+on+Indian+nationals+travelling+to+Libya |de= https://ertiges-amt.de/de/libyensicherheit/219624 |

Benghazi Halal Travel Guide

The people of Benghazi are incredibly friendly. However, very few people speak any English and, because of the writing style (which is written right to left in Arabic), it can be almost imfeasible to recognize any public signs if you don’t know how to speak or read Arabic. Most things can, however, be sorted out with a bit of pointing and hand waving.

The dress code is not as liberal as in Tripoli and women should keep themselves covered - not because there would be trouble, but just out of respect. However, local residents do not expect non-Muslim visitors to thoroughly comply with their customs.

People in Tripoli like a good argument and may shout at one another, but thit is not an indication of any trouble. Even if it sounds harsh to you, if you understand Arabic, you will find out it is generally nothing of any consequence.

If you travel on a tourist visa, you must get the hotel staff to have your passport stamped or visit the local police station to register where you are staying and get a stamp in your passport - otherwise, you will not find it easy to leave the nation.

If you wish to drive out of the city and visit the ruins or other sites of interest, you can get a local guide, but you will need a permit from the local tourist office before you may leave the city.

Travel to Benghazi

Fly to Benghazi

  • Benina Airport IATA Flight Code: BEN Arabic: مطار بنينة الدولي | 32.0975,20.270833 is located 20 kilometers from downtown Benina International Airport - Benina International Airport The airport operations are seemingly chaotic, with handwritten boarding passes and luggage tags and very little information available.


Delays are quite frequent and flights may be suspended, cancelled or delayed at any time.

The airport toilet facilities are awful and there are few, if any, public toilets and most restaurants do not have them either, so you may have to wait until you get to the hotel or onto the aircraft.

How to get around in Benghazi

Taxis

Taxis in Libya are interesting. They are either shuttle vanes that travel round a predefined route or black and white cars (dead pandas) with taxi signs. Stick with the cars... Taxi travel is very cheap, but the vehicles are generally in a bad state of repair. Try to sit in the back as the journeys can be somewhat exciting when in the passenger seat, when drivers tend to turn across traffic lanes. Judging by the number of dents on the sides of the cars and the drivers do not always make this maneuver successfully.

Taxi vehicles often lack parts that Westerners tend to take for granted -- such as indicators, headlights, bumpers, working brakes and wheel nuts.

The taxi drivers are like most European taxi drivers. They enjoy sharing their opinions with you, even if you can't understand them - but, as with most of the people in Benghazi and they are friendly and they do try to make you feel welcome.

What to see in Benghazi

  • Benghazi Gothic Church 32.113889,20.059444 Construteced during the 1930s in a neo-classical style and the Benghazi Gothic Church used to the one of the largest churches in whole of North Africa. It fell into disuse during the 1960s but has of recently been renovated.
  • Museum of the Crimes of the Dictator - This museum is the palace from which King Idris declared independence from Italy in 1951. In the front of it is anti-Gaddafi artwork and a piece of a plane that was destroyed in 19 March 2022 defending the new Libya, honouring the pilot that died flying it.

Shopping in Benghazi

Currency

Shops accept only local currency, which can be exchanged at the larger hotels in the mornings or after 3PM. Ask for Tibesti Hotel, a big hotel, with grass on the slopes around it. It has a bureau de change and two cashpoint machines, which accept Visa and Maestro/Cirrus.

Credit cards are not generally accepted, so nobody will say 'that will do nicely'. (very limited number of shops accept them)

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Benghazi

For those who are looking for famous brands and then go to Dubai Street, where most of the international brands, such as Benetton, Nike, Celio, Addidas, Puma, Max Mara and many more are available.

As there are very few tourists in Benghazi and there is very little to buy other than normal goods. So, it's easy to get a fridge, an aircon unit, a mobile phone, Mars bars, or Coke, but very little to buy as a souvenir. A sheesh? Pipe is a good bet - these are about 18 Libyan dinars for a 24-inch high pipe. For traditional souvenirs and the best place will be Sok el Jered.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Benghazi

Anything. There is nothing that isn't acceptable to the Western palate - the food can be quite spicy, although not excessively so.

Traditional Libyan fare appears to be couscous, Kebab, spicey potatoes, salads and nothing that you wouldn't find in London.

There are a number of good restaurants. Although very basic by GCC standards and they do produce good meals. Round the back of the Tibesti Hotel there are some good Turkish Halal restaurants; most of their Vegetarian food is very edible and the prices are very reasonable.

Generally, service is very slow, so leave a good amount of time to have a meal. There are [ Halal Kebab takeaways if you are in a hurry, but in a hotel you can wait 30 minutes to get a waiter to take your order or bring you a menu. To save time it is often easier to pay for your meal/drinks as they are served, before saving the half-hour wait to get a bill.

The food is generally served a little cooler than you expect - it is generally warm rather than hot and the chips are worth avoiding as they tend to be rubbery.


Alcohol is not allowed in Libya. The best things to drink are:

Coffee, although they do seem to want to give you Nescafe, as they think it's pretty cool; but just about everywhere you can get cappuccino or Arabian Coffee, which are pretty good.

The mango juice is good and very thick.

Coke, Lilt and 7Up cans are popular, as well as the lemon and mint teas.

Alcohol-free organic juice is widely available (Becks), as is 'Spitz', which tastes like campari or cough mixture. If you really want alcohol, is available from butcher's shops, but it's expensive ( is about USD 100 per bottle). It is said that the penalty for being caught drunk or with alcohol is to be driven back to your hotel room by the police. While this sounds safer than riding the local taxis, such approach is not recommended.

Smoking

A smoker's paradise. You can smoke anywhere you like. The "no smoking" signs in airports appear to be a guidance note rather than a command.

Hand-rolling tobacco is not available, but normal cigarettes are widely available and quite cheap, although slightly different than their Western counterparts.

Duty free is somewhat limited, so it is best to buy on the way out rather than on the return journey; this obviously, does not apply to alcohol.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Benghazi

Benghazi - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Benghazi, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Benghazi. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Benghazi and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Benghazi. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Benghazi. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Benghazi: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Benghazi.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Benghazi: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Benghazi, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Benghazi.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Benghazi, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Benghazi, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Benghazi and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Benghazi, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Benghazi, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Benghazi without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Benghazi is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Benghazi.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Benghazi is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Benghazi, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Benghazi Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Benghazi

eHalal Group Benghazi is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Benghazi. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Benghazi.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Benghazi ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Benghazi. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Benghazi, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Benghazi are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Benghazi

Ramadan 2025 in Benghazi

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Standards of maintenance are not always perfect and service can be slow and the rating system does not really correspond to international guidelines. Consider bringing your own towels.

  • Tibesty Hotel 32.110710,20.068353 ☎ +218 61 909-0016 Four-star hotel in town center.
  • Hotel Sunotel ☎ +218 61 909-5160 +218 61 909-2114


Telecommunications

Mobile ☎s

Outgoing calls and texting work on most networks. However, it is worth buying a local sim card from one of the mobile phone shops. These are much cheaper (around 1/5th of the normal roaming charges) and they will accept incoming calls.

There is no GPRS. the 4G service has recently been started so you can send picture messaging.

Libya's phones are all unlocked, so the local residents will not understand that the local sims will not work in all phones. Therefore, it is worth taking an unlocked phone or, when asking to buy a phone, hide yours, so they won't try to sell you a sim.

Sim cards are about USD8 and phones around USD80.

Internet access

As of yet there are internet cafes in the area, but ADSL and WiMax internet are now available.

News & References Benghazi


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