Cyprus Travel Guide

Cyprus — Shopping

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Shopping

Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basketwork, pottery, silverware and leather goods. Jewelry is an art which has been practiced on the island since the Mycenean period; craftspeople working in contemporary and traditional styles produce some very fine pieces. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality. Lefkara lace is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship; the name originates from the village Lefkara, situated on a hill on the Nicosia-Limassol road. Local wines and brandy also make good purchases. Imported goods sell at competitive prices, including cameras, perfume, porcelain and crystal.

Shopping Hours: 0800-1300 and 1600-1930 (summer; until 1900 in spring and autumn); 0800-1300 and 1430-1800 (winter). On Fridays, shops are generally open until 2000/2030. Shops are closed Wednesday after 1400, as well as all day Sunday.

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Non-Cypriot currency can be bought and sold at most banks Nicosia and other large towns.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

All major credit cards are accepted at most places. There are ATMs in main towns and tourist areas.

Travelers Checks

May be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if traveling from or to a country outside the European Union; and amounts over €12,500 or equivalent must be declared if traveling from or to a country within the European Union.