Cyprus Travel Guide

Cyprus — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

The family, including extended family, is at the center of Cypriot society, and particular respect is shown to elders, as well as religious beliefs. It is customary to shake hands on greeting, and other normal courtesies should be observed. It is viewed as impolite to refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink, and it is typical to bring a small gift of wine or confectionery, particularly when invited for a meal. For most occasions, casual attire is acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. More formal wear is required for business, and in more exclusive dining rooms and social functions.

Photography: Photography is forbidden near military camps or installations. A license from the appropriate authorities is required to photograph museum artifacts - this can sometimes be purchased from the museum's ticket desk. No flash photography is allowed in churches with murals or icons.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Cyprus Airways (CY) (www.cyprusair.com). All flights to the north are via Turkey with Turkish Airlines (TK) (www.thy.com) or Cyprus Turkish Airlines (YK) (www.kthy.net). Tourists can also now fly into the south and travel across the border in Nicosia into the north.

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Larnaca (LCA) (www.larnaca-airport.info) is 5km (3 miles) south of Larnaca and 50km (31 miles) from Nicosia. To/from the airport: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Facilities: Duty-free shop, tourist information, bank/bureau de change, bars and restaurants, Cyprus Hotel Information and Reservation Office, car hire and post office.

Pafos (PFO) is 22km (15 miles) east of the city . To/from the airport: Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Facilities: Tourist information, duty-free shop, Cyprus Hotel Information, cafeteria and car hire.

Ercan (ECN) is 8km (5miles) east of Nicosia, in the north. To/from the airport: Hire cars, taxis and coaches are available outside the terminal. Facilities: Duty-free shops, tourist information, cafeterias and car hire.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Passenger ships from the ports of Limassol and Larnaca (www.cpa.gov.cy) connect Cyprus with various Greek and Middle Eastern ports, including Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Haifa, Port Said, Jounieh and many Greek islands. Services are reduced during the winter months.

For detailed information on ferry boats and shipping lines, contact the Cyprus Tourism Organization (see Contact Addresses). One-day cruises are organized from May to October, weather permitting. Several cruise lines call at Cyprus.

Note: Since 1974, the Cyprus government declared the ports of Famagusta (Ammochostos) and Kyrenia, and the airport of Ercan, all in the northern part of the island, as illegal ports of entry to Cyprus.

Duty Free

Overview

Cyprus is within the European Union. If you are traveling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. There are no longer any allowance restrictions on these tax-free items.

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Cyprus by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits (over 22% volume) or 2L of fortified wine or sparkling wine, 2L of still wine.
• 50g of perfume and 250mL of eau de toilette.
• Goods (excluding jewelry) up to €175. The limit is reduced to €90 for travelers under 15 years of age.

Prohibited Imports

Agricultural products and propagating stock, such as natural fruit, flowers, seeds etc. without the approval of the relevant authorities; the importation of a number of other articles such as uncooked meat, fish and dairy products, animals, fire arms and explosives, pirated or counterfeit goods, obscene publications is also prohibited or restricted.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the left.

Bus: Services connect all towns and villages on the island every day except Sunday and public holidays (limited services only). The main operators are Intercity Buses (tel: (22) 665 814) and Nicosia Buses (tel: (22) 778 841; www.nicosiabuses.com.cy).

Rural buses: Limited to one or two services each day and can be slow; however, they are a good way of seeing the more remote villages.

Taxi: These run 24 hours between all the main towns on the island. Fares are regulated by the government and all taxis have meters. Shared taxis operate every 30 minutes between major cities. Rural taxis can only be hired from the base station and do not have a meter.

Car hire: Cars are one of the best ways to explore the island. They should be reserved well in advance during the summer season.

Motorcycles: Riders and pillion passengers must wear crash helmets if the motorcycle is over 50cc.

Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18, but drivers often need to be 21 years old and to have held a valid license for three years to hire a car. The maximum speed limit is 100kph (63mph) on highways, 80kph (50mph) on most other roads and 50kph (32mph) in built-up areas. Road signs are in both Greek and English. There are strict repercussions for those not wearing seat belts or a crash helmet, or using a mobile telephone/under the influence of alcohol while driving. Children under the age of five must not sit in the front passenger seat. Children aged between five and 10 may sit in the front seat but only if an appropriate child’s seat belt has been fitted. Use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit or national driving license is valid for one year. Visitors wishing to bring their car to Cyprus can do so for up to three months provided the car has a valid registration license for its country of origin.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Nicosia Buses operates an efficient bus service in the capital. Services in Limassol are run by the Limassol Urban Bus Company (E.A.L.) Limited. Smaller operations service other Cypriot towns and cities, though few services are frequent or used often by tourists. Taxis are widely available; a 15% surcharge is in operation from 2300-0600. Tipping is expected.