General Information

About Cyprus

Located in the Eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Cyprus’ strategic position has played a key role in shaping its history and in developing the island into a centre for trade and international business. Cyprus enjoys around 340 days of glorious sunshine a year and boasts a coastline teeming with endless stretches of golden sands, secluded bays and rocky coves. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the island is dotted with the fascinating remains of history.

Living in North Cyprus

Why North Cyprus ?

North Cyprus has 20+ sandy beaches, over 300 days of sunshine a year, 2000+ years of history, magnificent mountains, friendly people and it’s way cheaper than Euro zone countries .

Climate

Cyprus enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring and autumn are balmy (20-25°), summers are hot (up to 35°) and winters dry and sunny (up to 16°).

Language
Turkish is the official language however English is widely used and understood in both official and commercial circles.

 

Time
Local time is two hours ahead of UK.

 

Accommodation
North Cyprus has a wide selection of accommodation to suit all needs, from 5-star hotels, small family run boutique hotels, motels, self-catering villas, apartments and camping facilities.

 

Border crossings

Crossing the border between south and North Cyprus is quick and easy; you will need to fill out a simple visa entry form and show a valid passport.

Electricity

North Cyprus has a 240v electricity supply and uses British 3-pin rectangular blade plugs, so you don’t have to take an adaptor for UK electrical device, mobile phone chargers etc.

Driving
Like the UK, we drive on the left. Road signs are international and easily understandable. Maximum There are many car hire companies with a variety of vehicles at affordable prices.

 

Transportation
You can travel to North Cyprus by air or by sea. Ercan Airport is 7 miles (12 km) east of Lefkosa. There are ferry-boats operating between ports of Girne and Famagusta in Northern Cyprus and ports of Mersin and Antalya in Southern Turkey. There are daily bus services between the towns and many Taxi firms to get you around in Northern Cyprus.

 

Car Hire

North Cyprus car hire should always be booked in advance as there is usually a shortage of cars available during the summer months.

Major Towns
The capital of North Cyprus (TRNC) is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which has a population of approximately 35,000, this is where the main administration and business centers are. Other major towns include Girne (Kyrenia) a town of touristic importance with a wonderful yacht harbour and historic value. Gazi Magusa (Famagusta) which is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial center, as well as being the country’s principle port.

 

Banks & Currency

North Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TL), so prices are approximately 30{5fcad43dfe7eb41b9ffb3c97fef1a7754ca96e01f5368af064dc47245404006e} cheaper than in Euro zone countries and south Cyprus.
Numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks have branches in North Cyprus, as well as internationally recognized HSBC branches. All currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus and hotels. Visa card, Master card, and travelers cheques can also be used in place of cash.

Foreign Exchange
North Cyprus has a flexible exchange policy. Foreign currency accounts can be opened with local banks, foreign currency can be brought into the country and taken out through the banks without any restriction or control, the source of such income is not investigated.

 

Consumer Market
The consumer market in North Cyprus offers a wide selection of high quality goods. In addition to locally produced goods almost all foreign brands are available.