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Banking Hours
Banks in Cyprus are only opened from 8.15am until 12.30pm from Monday to Friday. They are not opened in the afternoon except on Mondays from 3.15pm until 4.45pm. Airports' banks however are open the whole day.
Currency
Prior to Cyprus joining the European Union, the legal tender used to be the Cyprus Pound. Since 1st January 2008, the legal tender has been changed to the Euro. One euro comprises of 100 cents. The euro notes comes in 7 denominations namely, €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500. Euro coins comes in 8 denominations namely, 1, 2, 5,10,20,50, €1 and €2. One side of the coin shows the national identity while the other side of the coin reflects the same design throughout the EU. The legal tender for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish lira. For those to wanting to procure non Cypriot currencies through Cypriot banks for commercial transactions, prior arrangements are needed.
ATM, Credit Cards and Traveller's Cheques
International Credit Cards are widely accepted in Cyprus . ATM can be found in most tourist spots and in the major towns. Visitors to Cyprus holding traveller's cheques can cash them at any banks in Cyprus . However to avoid paying additional charges, you are advised to use traveller's cheques denominated in Euros or British pounds.
Business Hours
Most shops are opened from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7.30pm during the summer. During the winter, the shops close at around 6pm. In addition, shops are only opened until 2pm on Wednesday. Late night shopping falls on Friday where most shops close at around 8.30pm.
Public Holidays
All Banks and most shops are closed during public holidays. The exceptions to the norm are those shops located within the resorts and along the coastal areas. Cyprus observe the following annual public holidays:
- New Year's Day on the 1 st of January
- Epiphany Day on the 6 th of January
- Greek National Day on the 25 th of March
- National Anniversary Day on the 1 st of April
- Labour Day on the 1 st of May
- Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the 15 th of August
- Cyprus Independence Day on the 1 st of October
- Greek National Anniversary Day on the 28 th of October
- Christmas Eve on the 24 th of December
- Christmas Day on the 25 th of December
- Boxing day on the 26 th of December
- Green Monday
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Pentecost (The Festival of the Flood)
Etiquette
In Cyprus , it is considered rude if you refuse a drink offered to you as a guest. When you are invited for any occasion, bring along a small gift for the host or hostess. Greeting others by shaking hands is the customary way of greeting in Cyprus . You are expected to wear formal clothes for any business function or social functions like weddings. At other times, casual attires will suffice. Confine wearing beachwear to the beaches or pools.
Photography
You are not allowed to take photographs of military installations or camps. If you wish to photograph any artifacts in the museums, obtain a license first from the relevant authorities. This license can sometimes be obtained at museum's ticketing counter. While taking photographs in Churches, observe the proper courtesy with regards to religious beliefs. Also note that you are not allowed to use flashlights when taking photographs of murals or icons in the churches.
Tipping
All bills have a service charge added to them. However tipping is still allowed and is dependent upon your own discretion.
Food
Bars and restaurants can be found in all major resorts. Most of them feature international cuisines catering to the tourists. If one wishes to opt for some thing simpler, western fast food restaurants are also available in Cyprus . However visits to Cyprus will not be complete without a taste of the local culinary delights.
The Cypriot Cuisine is largely influenced by Greek and Turkish origins. There are also remnants of its rich history infused into the style of cooking found here. One can see traces of British, French, and Italian inspirations in the way the Cypriots prepare their food. Middle Eastern influences are also weaved into the preparations of popular dishes.
One of the popular national dishes is “ Tava” , a stew of meat prepared with a combination of aromatic herbs and spices. “ Stifado ” is another dish worth tasting. It is a preparation of beef or hare meat bathed with wine and vinegar then stewed together with onions and exotic spices. If one is into roasted food, then the authentic charcoal grilled Cypriot's kebabs is a must. For dessert, there is “ Loukoumades ”. This is the Cypriot doughnut coated with honey syrup.
Drinks
Popular traditional beverages found in Cyprus include the “Ayrani”, a yogurt based beverage made from whey and the “Triantafylon” syrup made from the Cyprus rose. The triantafylon syrup is served as a refreshing cordial. Although imported Carlsberg beer commands a major share of the beer market, locally brewed KEO beer is also a popular drink. Cyprus has been making wine since the beginning of ancient Greek history. Thus it is not surprising to find wine as part and parcel of Cypriot culture. One of the more popular labels of local wine is the Commandaria wine. This wine is usually served as a dessert wine.
Since 1871, Cyprus has been producing brandy at its Limassol based distilleries. The Cypriot brandy is usually drunk as an aperitif in conjunction with mezze snacks. Zivania, distilled from grape juice, is also a popular spirit among the locals.
Health
Cyprus provides free or subsidised medical assistance to tourists at all the Accident and Emergency wards of Government Hospitals. In addition, visitors can also use their medical insurance to cover their medical expenses, provided their policy coverage extends to their stay in Cyprus . EU nationals however are required to produce the E111 form or a European Health Insurance card (EHIC) issued by their respective country's health authorities.
Internet
Internet access is available at all the major hotels, phone centers, and internet cafes. Available bandwidth is dependent on the company providing the internet connection. Services are normally charged by the hour.
Language
Cyprus has two official languages, which are Greek and Turkish. About 80% of the populations, who converse in Greek, are found within the Greek Cypriot sector. While about 11% of the population who speaks Turkish, they reside within in the northern sector of Cyprus . At the major tourist spots, English, French, and German are spoken as well. Scholars believes that the Cypriot Greek dialect although related to mainland Greek have more in common with ancient Greek than any modern Greek dialects.
What to Pack
What you need to pack for your trip will depend on the period and duration of your visit to the island. But generally during the month of April and August where the days are warm and enjoyable, summer clothes are recommended. However, you are also advised to pack some light jackets as the night can get slightly chilly as the temperatures drops.
Towards September and October as the summer winds down, the days and evenings will get cooler. Summer clothes with long sleeves are recommended during the daytime while light jackets may be required for the cool evenings.
November to January represent the winter months of Cyprus . For those from Europe, the Cyprus winter is relatively mild comparable to autumn in most European countries. Winter clothes are definitely necessary but not winter coats.
During February and March, the days are fairly cool with the occasional rain. The evenings however can get quite chilly. As such, it is advisable to pack winter clothing for visits during this time of the year.
Post
Daily airmail services are available to all the developed countries. Mail to Europe usually takes between three to four days to get delivered. The post office hours during the winter are as follows:
Monday to Friday, the opening times are 7.30 am to 1.30pm and 3pm to 5pm except Wednesday. On Saturdays, the post office is only opened in the morning from 8.30am to 10.30am.
For summer, the opening times are as follows:
Monday to Friday, the opening times are 7.30am to 1.30pm and 4pm to 7pm except Wednesday. Saturday's opening times remain the same that is, from 8.30am to 10.30am.
Safety
Cyprus is a relatively safe place for tourists. The Cypriots are also well known for their friendliness. However it is still prudent to take a few precautions while holidaying in Cyprus as with any places we go.
Cyprus 's Crime
Anywhere we go, there will always be some level of crime likewise too in Cyprus . However crimes against tourists are not common in Cyprus . One is only advised to be aware of indiscriminate attacks by international terrorists on civilians especially at places frequented by tourists. (Based on information provided by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.)
Road Safety
While driving in Cyprus , note that seatbelts are compulsory for both the front and back seats. In addition, it is illegal to use the mobile phone while driving. Lastly, do not drive while intoxicated. It is a criminal offence to drive while drunk. Rush hours times are between 7.30am to 8am in the morning, 1pm to 1.30pm in the afternoon and 5pm to 6pm in the evening. To avoid getting caught in the traffic jam, plan your journey around these times.
Beach Safety
As Cyprus is an island exposed to the elements of the sea, strong currents are to be expected. Swim only at approved beaches and be constantly aware of the currents.
Shopping
No holidays are complete without any keepsakes of the places we had visited. Due to its indelible links to the past, Cypriot craftspeople are some of the most talented in the world. The Lefkara lace uniquely identified with Cypriot workmanship is world famous. Jewellery making is also an art which had been practiced by the Cypriots since the beginning of the Greek settlements on the island. The craftspeople are able to produce extremely fine and beautiful pieces of jewellery based on traditional designs as well as contemporary designs. Cypriots silverware is also ideal for gifts or souvenirs. Other locally produced goods worth purchasing as keepsakes are leather goods, pottery, silks, woven curtains, and tablecloths. Last but not least, the local wines and local brandies which are of high quality will make an excellent addition to one's wine collection.
Public Telephones
International Direct Dialing service is available in Cyprus . The international country code for Cyprus is “357”. To call from aboard to Cyprus , you will need to dial “00357” followed by the 8 digits telephone number. Conversely, to dial aboard from Cyprus , you will need to dial “00” first then followed by the country code of the country that you wish to call. To call locally, you just need to dial the 8 digit telephone number. Public telephones are also widely available within Cyprus . They are either coin operated or Telecard operated.
Mobile Phones
The country has mobile phone roaming agreements with International mobile phone companies. Coverage exists for those wishing to use mobile phones in Cyprus .
Timezone
Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of the Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT+ 2). The time is adjusted for daylight saving from the last Sunday of October to the last Sunday of March.
Electricity
The voltage of the electrical power supply adopted by Cyprus is 240 volts AC at 50Hz. Plugs type is 13amp 3 pin plugs (UK Version).
Tap Water
Tap water in Cyprus is safe to drink and every home has running tap water.
Measurement System
Cyprus uses the metric system for weight and measures. Temperatures are calibrated in degrees Celsius.
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