Facts On Cyprus

Geography

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean . Overs 9,251 square kilometres of land encompass citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains, and some of Europe's cleanest beaches.

As the most eastern island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is approximately 105 kms (60 miles) west of Syria, 75 kms (47 miles) south of Turkey and 380 kms (200 miles) north of Egypt.

The Greek island of Rhodes is the nearest point to Greece which is 380 kms(200miles) to the west.

Cyprus has a mild, Mediterranean climate, with an abundance of sunshine even in the winter months and only a little rainfall.

Driving in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus is advisable as regular transport service is not available to all remote areas where many places of interest are to be found.

Roads and streets which comform to international traffic requirements link the towns and the various villages in Cyprus

There are four lane motorways connecting the capital, Nicosia with the coastal towns of Limassol, Larnaka and one part of Pafos.

Visitors can bring their car to Cyprus for a period of up to 3 months provided the car has a valid registration licence of its country of origin.

Driving Licence

Visitors to Cyprus can drive using a valid International driving licence, or their National driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.

A Cyprus Driving Licence costs £35 for a lifetime.

Emergency Information

In case of emergency, immediate response is given by the following telephone numbers, where English is spoken:

Island Wide

Ambulance: 199, 112
Fire Service: 199, 112
Police: 199, 112

Night Pharmacies

Nicosia 1402
Limassol 1405
Larnaka 1404
Pafos 1406
Ammochostos 1403

Hospitals:

Lefkosia General Hospital:
+357 22 80 14 00
+357 22 80 14 75 (Accident& Emergency)

Lemesos General Hospital:
+357 25 80 11 00
+357 25 30 57 70

Larnaka General Hospital:
+357 24 80 05 00
+357 24 80 03 69

Pafos General Hospital:
+357 26 80 32 60
+357 26 30 61 00

Paralimni Hospital:
+357 23 82 12 11

Electric Current - Voltage

The supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c.

More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point, by using an adaptor (i.e. radios, electric clocks etc.).

Adaptors can be purchased from electricians, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc., at approximately C£1,50.

Public Holidays

January 1: New Year’s Day
January 6: Epiphany Day
Variable: Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
March 25: Greek National Day
April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable: Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
May 1: Labour Day
Variable: Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
August 15: Assumption
October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day

Notes: All Public Services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays. In resort and coastal areas, however, shops and certain services remain open. Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday but not on Dec. 24.

V.A.T.

V.A.T. is paid in Cyprus on the purchase of almost all goods and services. There are currently three VAT rates
The standard rate which is 15%
the rate of 5% and the zero rate (0%).

Restaurants (with the exception of alcoholic beverages - 15%), and hotel accommodation are taxable at the rate of 5%.
Neccesary items such as basic foodstuffs, medical products, children’s clothing and footwear, books, magazines, newspapers, airfares are zero rated.

Bank services, medical and dental services, the sale of immovable property etc., are exempted from any VAT charge.

Tipping

Because of the 10% service charge levied in hotels and restaurants, a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome.
Taxi-drivers, porters, hairdressers etc., always appreciate a small tip.

Safety in Cyprus

Crime in Cyprus is at a very low level. The Police are always ready to assist anyone who needs help.

In case of emergency, one may telephone 199 or 112 (in all towns).
All policemen speak good English.