Fast Facts: Cyprus

This westernmost Mediterranean island is a Middle East destination with a European atmosphere. Cyprus's history of tourism dates back to the days of the Greeks, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines. Today the sunny island offers visitors a sun and sand vacation as well as plenty of history, from Roman ruins to the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.

Ancient Greeks worshipped Aphrodite as well as Apollo in temples throughout the island. Those ancient people believed that from that sea the goddess Aphrodite had been born nearby. Here, on a rock that petrudes from the sea, Aphrodite was allegedly born from the waves; today locals say will bring eternal youth to those who swim around it three times.

Capital city
Nicosia

Time zone
Cyprus is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Cyprus observes Daylight Savings Time from the end of March through the end of September.

Entry Requirements:
Residents of the United States, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and France will need a valid passport for a stay of up to 90 days.

Language:
Greek and Turkish are the official languages, but English is widely spoken all tourist areas. French and German are also spoken at many of the hotels.

Greek:

Hello My name is Where is Where? What? When? Thank you Please Yes No I'd like How much? Is there?

Khérete Meh léneh Parakalo Pou? Ti? Pote? Ephcharisto Parakalo Ne Ochi Thélo Poso? Iparchi?

Turkish:

Hello My name is Where is Where? What? When? Thank you Please Yes No I'd like How much? Is there?

Merhaba Adim... dir Parakalo Pou? Ti? Pote? Tesekkür ederim Lütfen Evet Hayir Istiyorum Ne kadar? Var mi?

Currency Exchange:
The official currency is the Cyprus pound. Notes of 1,5, 10 and 20 pounds are issued as well as coins of 1,2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, in major hotels, and in banks. Visitors can import any amount of foreign bank notes or Cypriot pounds.

Credit Cards:
Visa, American Express, Eurocard, and MasterCard are widely accepted throughout the island.

Electricity:
Throughout the island, the current is 240 V AC at 50Hz. The standard plug is 13 amp, square pin.

Calling Codes:
The country code for Cyprus is 357. Cyprus has good telecommunications through Cyprus Telecommunications Authority.

Business Hours:
Business hours vary by season. During the summer months (July 1-August 31), most public places are open 7:30-2:30, Monday through Friday. During the winter months, public places are generally open 7:30-2:30 during weekdays, except on Thursdays when they reopen from 3-6.
Business offices are generally open 8-1 and 4-7 weekdays from June through mid-September; from 8-1 and 3-5 during winter months.
Shops are generally open from about 8 or 9 until 7:30 weekdays during peak season, from June to mid-September, although most close from a lunch break from 1-4. On Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays, most close at 2pm and remain closed. During the winter months, shops generally close at 6pm; shops are generally closed Wednesday afternoons.

Public Holidays:
During public holidays, expect all government offices (including those needed for marriage licenses!) and most retail establishments to close.
January 1 New Year's Day
January 6 Epiphany
March/April Green Monday (50 days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
March 25 Greek National Day
April 1 Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable Greek Orthodox Easter
May 1 Labour Day
June (variable) Pentecost Monday
August 15 Assumption
October 1 Cyprus Independence Day
October 28 Greek National Day
December 24 Christmas Eve (banks are open)
December 25 Christmas
December 26 Boxing Day

Tipping:
A service charge of 10% is automatically included in all bills.
* Restaurants: included in bill; add 5 percent of bill is service is exceptional.
* Bars: included in bill; change is appreciated
* Airport skycap/porter: CL 50 cents per bag
* Taxis: 10 percent of fare
* Hotel bell desk: CL 50 cents per bag
* Hotel housekeeping: included in bill
* Hotel room service: included in bill
* Parking attendant/valet: CL1
* Haircare/personal services: 10 percent of bill

Health and Security:
No immunizations are required for entry into Cyprus. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the island although many restaurants serve bottled water.

Most doctors speak English. Doctor's hours are 9-1 and 4-7 weekdays.

Safety Precautions:
Day trips into the northern section of Cyprus are available from the city of Nicosia. However, travelers should be aware that no foreign governments other than Turkey are represented in this occupied region. Also, all day trips must be completed prior to 5 p.m.; after that time travelers are not permitted to return to the southern section and will have to leave the island from the occupied side through Turkey. The Republic of Cyprus tourism offices cannot give advisories on the present state of safety in the northern sector but recommend that travelers contact their embassies for safety updates.

When to Go:
The peak season in Cyprus is from May through September, with the months of July and August being the busiest. Prices are somewhat lower from November through March.

The weather is comfortable most of the year, although too cold in the winter for all but the most devoted swimmers. January and February are the rainy season, with snow in the Troodos Mountains. Temperatures average about 60 degrees F, 15C during these months. By April the temperatures rise to about 75F, 24C. July and August are very hot months, with many days reaching about 98F, 37C.

Dress:
Cyprus is a casual destination. Few restaurants require coat or tie; most travelers feel at home in casual sportwear. Beachwear is the order of the day at the beach resorts, although coverups are appropriate off the beach and away from the pool. Sweaters will be needed by travelers in the spring and fall months; winter coats are usually only necessary during January and February.

How to Get There:
*By Plane:
The Republic of Cyprus is served by the Larnaka International Airport on the east coast. No direct service is available from the US. The national carrier is Cyprus Airways with connections from Amman, Amsterdam, Athens, Bahrain, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Cairo, Damascus, Dubai, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rhodes, Riyadh, Rome, Salzburg, Tel-Aviv, Thessaloniki, Vienna, and Zurich. Alitalia flies from Rome. KLM flies from Amsterdam and Olympic Airways from Athens.
* By Ship:
Cruise ships dock in Limassol and Larnaka. the Limassol port is the largest with tourist facilities including currency exchange, telephones, duty free shops, and more. The port is served by both cruise ships and ferries from Greece, Israel and Egypt. Many two- and three-day cruises from Cyprus to Egypt and Israel are available.

How to Get Around:
* By Car:
Although taxi service is widely available, rental cars are more economical for visitors who wish to explore the island. Drivers need an international drivers license or a valid driver's license from their home country. Driving is on the left side of the road.
* By Taxi:
Taxi service is available throughout the island and can be caught on the street or at your hotel.

For More Information:

The Cyprus Department of Tourism has an excellent web site on the Internet: http://www.cyprustourism.org.