Things to Know about Cyprus

Religion

The Greeks are Greek Orthodox Christians which represent 78% of the population while the Turks are Muslims represents 18% of the population and Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, Latin, and others 4%.

Weather and Climate

Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate, warm and rather dry, with rainfall mainly between November and March. In general, the island experiences mild wet winters and dry hot summers which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. The higher mountain areas are cooler and moister than the rest of the island.

Cyprus Languages

The official languages are Greek and Turkish with English often used as a second language and widely understood by both ethnic groups.

Cyprus Currency

The official currency in North is Turkish Lira (TL) and the currency in South is Pound (CP) however the English sterling is highly accepted.

Currency in South Cyprus

The legal tender of the South Cyprus is the Cyprus Pound (CYP£). Although not traded internationally, it is a fairly strong and stable currency. 1 Cyprus Pound is up to date worth EUR €1, 76 or USD $2, 11. The international market is being the Central Bank of Cyprus which quotes daily rates against the USD$, EUR€ and other currencies. Check current exchange rates.

Currency in North Cyprus

The New Turkish Lira (YTL - Yeni Türk Lirasi) is the current legal tender of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, issued on January 1, 2005. The currency was accompanied with its inflation mostly in 1994; in summer 2001 seven banks failed. At present unit of 1 YTL is equivalent to 1 million old Turkish Lira that was introduced in 1983 (and remains valid until the end of 2005). The New Turkish Lira is divisible into 100 new kurus (cents).

Electricity

Throughout Cyprus, voltage is supplied at 220/240 volts AC, supplied at 50 Hz. Plugs at 5 amp or 13 amp are generally of British type with 3 pins, but also exist some 2 pinned. Most anti-mosquito machines are fitted with the continental 2-pin type of plug, so an adaptor is required. These are widely available in supermarkets, grocery shops and electricians, or provided by holiday hotel itself. Since not many accommodations have a shaver point, it is better to take wet razors. Power cuts are quite often. Larger hotels and holiday villages have their own generators. A torch is therefore useful to bring, as there is little or no street lighting in the villages and along the minor roads. Batteries (including alkaline and Ni-Cad) are manufactured locally or imported, and are available in all popular sizes.

Time

Cyprus is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC), and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Clocks go forward one hour for summer time at 3 am on the last Sunday in March and back again at 3 am on the last Sunday in October. In South Cyprus a recorded time message can be heard by dialling 193.

Cyprus Traffic

In Cyprus traffic circulates on the left, the traffic signs are international and seat belts must be worn. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr and vehicles entering Cyprus must be insured upon arrival.