Money
The valid currency in Cyprus is EURO (€). Banks are open from Monday-Friday 08.30-13.00hrs and they exchange all major currencies in either cash or travellers cheques. There are plenty of ATMs and most hotels, shops, restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations accept Credit Cards.
- Centrally located banks provide "afternoon tourist services"
- Banks at the Larnaka and Pafos International Airports provide services in the daytime, as well as a night service for most flights
- Bank holidays are the same as Public Holidays.
Time
Cyprus is two hours ahead of GMT/UTC, but has summer time during the summer months. Clocks go forward one hour on the last weekend in March and back one hour on the last weekend in October.
Post & Communications
Post offices are located in all major towns and villages as well as public telephones and Internet Cafes. Some hotels offer public internet access or wireless connection for a small charge.
Photography & Video
Usually it is ok to take a photograph. To be sure please ask before entering religious or cultural/archaeological places.
Local Transport
There is a public bus service in the resorts and taxis are available.
Tipping & Bargaining
A 10% service charge is mostly added to the bill. If not you are free to give a small tip which is always appreciated. Bargaining is not normally part of the shopping scene in Cyprus.
Medical Services
There are General Hospitals and private clinics with excellent doctors in all areas. Should you require any medical assistance during your stay, please contact your representative.
Drugs
Under Cypriot law the importation, possession and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.
Electricity
The supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amps, square-pin in most buildings. Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception. Before use, ensure any electrical equipment that you have brought with you from home, is compatible with the local electricity supply.
Customs
Items that can be imported duty-free are 250g of tobacco or 200 cigarettes, 2 litre of wine or 1 litre of spirits. Please check with your representative about export restrictions to your country.
Public Cardphones and Payphones
Telecards or coin operated public telephones are installed at various central locations in all towns and villages, as well as at the International Airports, Harbours, Marinas and other locations.
Coin operated telephones accept coins of 2, 5, 10 and 20 cent denominations.
All public cardphones and payphones may be used for national and international calls. Dialing instructions, international codes and charges are available in all public telephones.
The Authority offers reduced telephone rates for trunk and international calls during off peak hours:
Trunk calls (between districts) 20:00 - 07:00 every day
International calls 22:00 - 08:00 every day and all Sunday
Mobile Telephony (GSM 900)
Travellers may use GSM phones while in Cyprus provided that a Roaming Agreement has been signed between CYTA and a service provider from their country. Guests from all regions of Russia have roaming all over Cyprus.
Byzantine Churches and Monasteries
Many of churches on Cyprus can be reached by public transport. Others, however are accessible only by private car, or by private taxi, as they stand away from main roads and inhabited areas.
Because of the eminent importance of the icons and frescoes, most churches and monasteries are kept locked. Therefore, visitors wishing to see any of these churches should organise their visits either on their own or by organised tours with the assistance of the representative.
General
Please try not to waste any water as it is very precious for the island of Cyprus.
Before visiting religious or cultural places make sure that you are dressed properly (cover shoulders and knees).
