Travelling soon - any advice if hostels accept cards in Libya or I have to give them cash
Here’s the reality: in Libya you cannot rely on cards. Hostels and guesthouses in Tripoli, Misrata, or Benghazi will only take dinars in cash. No hostel has card facilities, and foreign cards don’t work at ATMs due to banking restrictions. The only smart option is to bring euros or dollars, exchange them once you arrive, and use that for all payments. If you’re heading into smaller towns, make sure to carry enough cash with you before leaving the city.
When I stayed in Tripoli, the small hostel my group used was run by a local family-super hospitable, but when I asked about card payment, they laughed. Everything is in Libyan dinars, cash on the spot. No ATMs worked with my Visa or Mastercard, so I relied on the euros I had in my bag. Exchanged them through the host’s contacts and that kept me going. Basically, bring cash or you’ll be stuck.
I went through Tripoli on a guided trip last year and stayed at a guesthouse arranged by my tour operator. Payments were cash only, but honestly it was manageable because I had brought euros to exchange into dinars. The staff were friendly and helpful, even though facilities are basic. If you plan ahead with cash, you can enjoy Libya’s amazing Roman sites and coastline without worrying about cards.
Libya is very much a cash-only destination right now. Hostels and small guesthouses in Tripoli or Benghazi will not accept foreign credit or debit cards. International card systems are blocked, and there are no ATMs that work with foreign cards. You’ll need to bring euros or US dollars and change them locally into dinars for your stay. Don’t expect to use a card at any hostel.