Trying to figure out if buses and metros in Libya take cards or if Ill need small cash. Any recent experiences?
No, you won't be able to use cards for public transit. The bus system is entirely cash-based, and there is no metro. You will need to pay the driver or a fare collector directly in local currency. Even in the capital, credit card acceptance is very limited. It's best to have a good stash of small bills for all your transport needs.
Your best bet is to carry a lot of small cash. The public transportation system in Libya is not set up to take card payments. The main ways to get around are via public buses or taxis, both of which require cash. Even if you could get cash from an ATM, which is a struggle, you would need to break down large bills at a shop or restaurant beforehand to use them for buses.
Don't even think about using a card on a bus here. I was just in Tripoli, and everything is cash. The country has a shortage of cash, and the banking system is not set up to take foreign cards. The buses and shared taxis are all cash-based, and you just pay the fare directly to the driver. It's a good idea to have small Dinar bills on hand.
You will need cash for all public transport here. There is no metro system, and the buses are generally a cash-only affair. The main way to get around cities like Tripoli is by bus or shared taxi, and the drivers will only accept cash in the local currency, the Libyan Dinar. Card use is virtually non-existent, even in larger hotels, so you should always have cash on hand for all travel.