General Information

  • English is the second language and is widely spoken. A greater knowledge of French and German is increasingly noticeable.
  • The currency of the Republic is the Cyprus Pound (CY£) which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued in £20, £10, £5 and £1 denominations.
  • Banks in Cyprus open for the public from 08:30 to 12:30 midday. Certain banks in tourist areas open during the afternoon. Automatic Exchange Machines operate on a 24-hour basis. Most currencies and denominations are accepted.
  • The voltage on the island is 240. Socket outlets are of flat 3-pin type.
  • All types of medication are available in well stocked pharmacies all over Cyprus.
  • Telephone: Cyprus automatic telephone dialing system reaches 206 countries. Telecards can be purchased from Post Offices, kiosks and souvenir shops.
  • It is forbidden to remove antiquities from the bottom of the sea, or to take any antiquities out of Cyprus without a special export license.
  • Visitors should respect ecclesiastical tradition and avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless garments in churches and monasteries.
  • Public holidays: January 1,6, March 25, April 1, May 1, August 15, October 1,28, December 24,25,26. There are another four public holidays whose dates are variable. These are: Green Monday (50 days before the Greek Orthodox Easter), Good Friday and Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Easter) and Pentecost.
  • Short cruises to the Greek islands, Egypt, Lebanon and the Holy Land can be taken on on e of the many comfortable cruise ships which offer full board accommodation and entertainment at very reasonable prices.

Shopping Hours

  • April, May, Sept. 15 - October
    08:00-19:00 (Friday: 08:00-20:00)
  • November to March
    08:00-18:00 (Friday: 08:00-19:00)
  • June-Sept. 14
    08:00-14:00 and 17:00-19:30 (Friday: 16:00-20:30)
  • Shops are closed all day Sunday and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Climate

  • The climate is equable, with an abundance of sunny days throughout the year.
  • The average daytime temperature from June to September is 32 degrees C, from December to February 16 degrees C, and from March to May, and October to November, 25 degrees C.
  • Very cool , cotton clothes are recommended for the hot summer months. Jackets and light sweaters may be required for the evenings during May and June, September and October, and warm clothes are worn during the winter months.

Getting around the island

  • Driving is on the left hand side of the road.
  • Distances between towns are not lengthy.
  • The transurban service-taxis are shared taxis, very reasonably priced, connecting (during daytime) the main towns of Lefkosia, Lemesos, Larnaka and Pafos during daytime.
  • There are many car rental companies in Cyprus, and the top international names are all represented. Petrol stations in all seaside areas and major towns are equipped with automatic pumps, accepting bank notes and operating on a 24-hour basis. On Sundays and Public Holidays, petrol stations in rural areas may open.
  • A number of experienced tourist companies organize efficiently run tours, in modern air-conditioned coaches, with multilingual guides.
  • Buses connect the main towns of Cyprus, and there is a yellow bus service run by the Municipality within the old city of Lefkosia.
  • Yacht charter is available in Lemesos and Larnaka with or without crew.