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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:
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Hello
My name
is
Where
is
Where?
What?
When?
Thank
you
Please
Yes
No
I'd
like
How
much?
Is there?
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Khérete
Meh
léneh
Parakalo
Pou?
Ti?
Pote?
Ephcharisto
Parakalo
Ne
Ochi
Thélo
Poso?
Iparchi?
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Turkish:
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Hello
My name
is
Where
is
Where?
What?
When?
Thank
you
Please
Yes
No
I'd
like
How
much?
Is there?
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Merhaba
Adim...
dir
Parakalo
Pou?
Ti?
Pote?
Tesekkür
ederim
Lütfen
Evet
Hayir
Istiyorum
Ne kadar?
Var
mi?
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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.
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