THE CULTURAL GUIDE TO WHAT TO DO AND NOT TO DO WHILE VISITING LIBYA

What's culturaly accepted and not accepted in libya
• 1- shaking hands is very common whenever you meet someone strange or you already know, so do offer a warm hand shake whenever you meet any libyan. That goes for men only. For women, only do so when she offers the handshake first and when you do make it a snappy and light one.
• 2- do take off your shoes, no matter how long or how hard it is to do so, when you enter a libyan house. All shoes are left by the main entrance to the house and do not walk into the living room with your shoes on.
• 3- do chat back to people who approach you in the street, they are not after your money. Libyans are very friendly, and if they speak any english they will try to use it to welcome you to their community.
• 4- if you are offered a drink, do accept it even if you are not very keen. Such gesture is regarded more than just an offer of drink, but rather an offer of friendship, so do not reject it.
• 5- if you are invited into a libyan's house for a meal, you may ask in advance for your meal to be mild rather than spicey, although most shouls realize that on their own. It's better to be safe than really sorry.
• 6- do not stare at women or girls you meet on the street or in shops, libyans may get offended by that especially if they are accompanied by relatives or husbands.
• 7- loud whistling, any farting, spitting and burping (the noise one makes after a good meal) are to be avoided since these habits are consudered very rude by libyans.
• 8- if you are entering a public office, shorts and t-shirts are not allowed. Chewing gum is not preferred.
• 9- drinking soft drinks while walking is seen as rude. If you want to drink something then go to the nearest cafe. That goes for ice cream too. It's against the law to eat or drink on streets in libya.
• 10- long hair for men is not desirable and considered as imitating the females and is scorned upon by the traditional libyans, less so by younger generations. Women should wear modest clothes and if possible cover the hair which will be regarded highly since that reflects respect for local traditions.
• 11- if you come into contact with older libyans who might not speak any english, do say a few wrods in arabic which will be appreciated and this can prompt providing help sought after from your guest.
• 12- tourists are still a novelty to most libyans and they would love to host them in their own houses to show hospitality. Under no circumstances should you offer a libyan money for the help he offers you, it's highly offensive for them.
• 13- kissing, snogging, sitting on your partner's lap and any expression of affection in public is considered as having sex and a private thing that must be exercised at home. Such behavior in public will definitely result in somebody approaching you with harsh language to remind you that you are not doing the acceptable thing.