Welcome to Cyprus 😊

Quick Facts About Cyprus

Money and Finances

The currency in Cyprus is the Euro. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euros. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Cyprus, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Many international cards are accepted.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Cyprus, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly accepted. American Express cards are less commonly accepted but can still be used in some places. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case of any issues with card payments.

Internet and Phones

Cyprus has a relatively fast internet connection, with an average download speed of 45.97 Mbps and an upload speed of 16.43 Mbps. However, there is some government interference with internet use, particularly when it comes to blocking certain websites and restricting online content.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

There are several telco companies in Cyprus, including Cyta, MTN and PrimeTel. The average cost of a mobile phone plan in Cyprus is around €20-€30 per month, depending on the plan and provider. There are no major issues with sim compatibility in Cyprus.

Dialling to Cyprus

To call Cyprus from another country, dial +357 followed by the desired phone number. When dialling within Cyprus, use the area code of the city you are calling. For example, the area code for Nicosia is 22, while Limassol uses the code 25.

Transport Around Cyprus

Air Travel

Cyprus has two main airports: Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport. Both airports offer regular flights to and from major European cities.

Train Travel

Cyprus does not have an inter-city train network.

Metro / Local Trains

Cyprus does not have a local train network within major cities.

Buses

Cyprus has a public bus network operated by the company OSEL. Bus travel is affordable, with tickets ranging from €1.50 to €5.00 depending on the distance traveled. Journey times can vary depending on the route taken.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies Uber and Bolt operate in Cyprus. Prices vary depending on the distance traveled and demand.

Driving by Car

Driving in Cyprus is easy for most tourists. The speed limit is generally set at 50 km/h within cities and 80 km/h outside of cities. Cyprus drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Cyprus, tipping is common in restaurants and cafes, with a customary amount being around 10%. Locals often greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. It is common to address people by their first names. Speaking with strangers is generally friendly and open, although it is polite to ask before initiating personal topics. Men and women typically address each other in a polite and formal manner, especially in business settings.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Cyprus has a public healthcare system, which provides free or low-cost medical services to all citizens and legal residents. Private healthcare is also available but can be costly. A visit to a general practitioner can cost about 30-40 euros, while a specialist consultation can range from 50-100 euros. It is important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as well as emergency medical evacuation.

COVID Situation

Cyprus has implemented strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns and travel restrictions. As of July 2021, the rate of coronavirus cases is relatively low, with an average of less than 10 new cases per day. Vaccination is available for all residents and visitors.

Common Health Risks

The biggest health risks in Cyprus are related to sun exposure and dehydration, especially during the hot summer months. It is also important to protect against mosquito bites and be aware of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease. Food and water should be treated with caution, as there is a risk of gastrointestinal illnesses, such as salmonella and hepatitis A. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of road accidents, which are common in Cyprus.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Cyprus, the legal age for purchasing alcohol is 17. It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under this age. Public drinking is allowed, but drinking in certain areas may result in fines. It is illegal to drink and drive, with a zero tolerance policy for blood alcohol level while driving.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use in Cyprus is illegal and can result in severe penalties. Possession, use, and trafficking of drugs are strictly prohibited and can lead to imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Cyprus has no specific laws affecting pre-marital relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Cyprus since 1998. Same-sex couples are recognised by law, and joint adoption by same-sex couples is permitted. However, discrimination and social stigma against LGBTQ people still exists in some parts of Cypriot society.

Firearms / Guns

Cyprus has strict regulations on firearms. If a person wants to own a firearm, they need to have a valid reason, pass medical and psychological evaluations, and complete firearms training. People with a criminal record or mental health issues are not allowed to own firearms. Additionally, carrying firearms in public is strictly prohibited.