Main airports

Larnaca International Airport (5 km from Larnaca city)
Paphos International Airport (15 km from Paphos city)
Both airports have tourist information, duty-free shops, Cyprus hotel information, cafeterias, taxi and car hire facilities.

Visa Regulations

Citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the EU can stay in the Republic of Cyprus for up to three months without a visa.

The UN Green Line, which separates the Greek and Turkish Cypriot regions, is currently open and travel between the regions is legal and straightforward. Travelers must present their passport, fill in a form and must return to their side by midnight.

Money

The currency used in Cyprus is Euro. Banks throughout Cyprus exchange all major currencies in either cash or travellers’cheques. You can also get a cash advance on Visa at most banks. There are ATMs in most towns and even some

Electricity

240V, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs (UK-type) are used, so those who come from Europe should bring the plug adopters with them or purchase it locally.

Driving

Cyprus follows the British driving system, so the cars drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is located on the right hand side of the car.

The minimum driving age is 18, but drivers sometimes need to be 21 years old to hire a car. The maximum speed limit is 120km/h on highways, 80km/h on most other roads and 50km/h in built-up areas. Road signs are in both Greek and English.

Transportation

Taxis (15% extra charge 23.00 – 06.00) are available 24 h. Cars are one of the best ways to explore the island. Car rentals are very easy to find in most of places on the island, but a reservation should be made well in advance during the summer season.. Public transport is available too, but the driving hours are limited in the evening, on Sundays and public holidays.

Public Holidays

Greece Independence Day 25 March
Greek Cypriot National Day 1 April
Greek Orthodox Easter* 27- 28 April (2008)
Green Monday* 10 March (2008)
Greek Orthodox Good Friday* 25 April (2008)
Labour Day 1 May
Trinity Day* 15 June (2008)
Assumption 15 August
Cyprus Independence Day 1 October
Greek National Day (Ochi Day) 28 October
Christmas 24-26 December
New Year's Day 1 January
Epiphany 6 January

The holidays marked with * are subject to annual changes.

Opening Hours

The shops are open from 09.00 to 20.00, with a lunch break from 13.00 to 14.30. Most of the shops and offices work only half day on Wednesday, till 14.00 – 15.00. The opening hours in tourist areas are more extended.

Drinking Water

Tap water is not really drinkable in Cyprus and has to be purchased from the shops. The water for drinking is also available from the automatic tanks in the streets, where it can be purchased in big quantities at a very low charge.

The supplies of water are limited in Cyprus! Please, bear this in mind and use water reasonably!

What to Buy

Visit handicraft Shops of Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Nicosia, where you can be sure that the goods are truly hand made. Leather is of a good value in Cyprus - you can pick up shoes, handbags, suitcases and jackets. Other goods include: hand-embroidered lace from the village of Lefkara; baskets and wood-carved items; copper and silver jewellery; ceramics and pottery. As to the gastronomy, Halloumi cheese and Chiromeri ham make tasty souvenirs; delicious local honey; Cyprus wines and spirits (especially brandy); fruit preserves and pickles; home made sweets.

Tipping

Tipping (10%) in restaurants and taxi is common.