shopping
For those who are looking for proper shopping 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, 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 dollars, or USD15, for a 24-inch high pipe. For traditional souvenirs, the best place will be Sok el Jered.
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