Essential Tips for a Hassle-Free Trip to Cyprus

Currency: In the southern (Greek) part of Cyprus, the euro has been the official currency since 2008. In the northern (Turkish) part, the Turkish lira is the official currency. However, euros are often accepted there, but usually at a poor exchange rate.

Tipping: A tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill is customary in restaurants, but not tipping is not necessarily considered rude.

Cash or Card Payments: You can use your card in most places in the cities. However, it is useful to carry some cash if you are traveling outside the cities, as many rural areas only accept cash.

Electricity: You will need a travel adapter as Cyprus uses Type G power outlets, the same as in the UK.

Telecom & Internet: With a European union SIM card, you will have standard EU roaming coverage in southern Cyprus. This does not apply in northern Cyprus, so you may need to purchase a local SIM card for better rates.

Tap Water: The tap water in Cyprus is safe to drink, but it may have a chlorine taste. It is recommended to buy bottled water from the supermarket.

Traffic: In Cyprus, people drive on the left side of the road, which may take some getting used to. Generally, Cypriots drive calmly and cautiously, and roads are in good condition except for unpaved roads, which should be avoided. One unexpected fact: it can snow around Mount Olympus. Roads are not salted or cleared, and rental cars do not have snow chains. Always check the weather forecast before heading into the mountains.

Wildlife & Insects: Cyprus is home to scorpions, but they are rarely dangerous to humans.

Tourist Scams & Rip-offs

While scams are not very common in Cyprus, tourists can sometimes be overcharged for souvenirs or food at markets and attractions.

Overcharging by taxis is a common issue worldwide, so always ensure the meter is on or agree on a price before getting in.

The next one is not a scam, but something many people overlook. Northern Cyprus is much cheaper, and in Nicosia, you can easily cross the border. However, when returning to the south, you must pass customs checks, and there are limits on alcohol, cigarettes, and other goods you can bring back.

Languages

The official language in the south is Greek, but many people speak English fluently due to Cyprus’ British colonial past. Locals appreciate it when visitors try to speak a few Greek words:

Hello: Γεια σας (Gia sas)

Good morning: Καλημέρα (Kaliméra)

Good afternoon: Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra)

Good evening: Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra)

Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)

Please: Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)

Yes: Ναι (Ne)

No: Όχι (Ochi)

Where is…?: Πού είναι…? (Pou íne…?)

Goodbye: Αντίο (Adíos)

In the north, Turkish is the official language, and English is spoken less frequently. Here are some useful Turkish phrases:

Hello: Merhaba

Good morning: Günaydın

Good afternoon: Tünaydın (rarely used, usually "İyi günler")

Good evening: İyi akşamlar

Thank you: Teşekkür ederim (or "Teşekkürler")

Please: Lütfen

Yes: Evet

No: Hayır

Where is…?: … Nerede?

Goodbye: Hoşça kalın *(if you are leaving) / Güle güle (if someone else is leaving)

Is Cyprus expensive to travel?

Taxi: €40 for a 15 km ride.

Bus: €10 for a 100 km trip.

Luxury hotel: €200 (1 night)

Budget hotel: €50 (1 night)

Guesthouse: €50 (1 night)

Hostel: €25 (1 night)

Campsite: €30 (1 night)

Breakfast at a hotel: €9

Bakery sandwich: €2.50

Coffee at a café: €2.50

Main dish at a restaurant: €12.50

3-course meal: €35

Beer: €3.50

Prices in northern Cyprus are generally cheaper than in the south. Enjoy your trip to Cyprus! 🇨🇾

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