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Time Zone |
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Like most Countries in Europe, Daylight Saving Time is observed in Cyprus, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour, resulting in a time 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). This comes into effect on the last Sunday of March. After the Summer months (last Sunday of October) the time is shifted back by 1 hour resulting in the normal Standard Time (GMT+2). |
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Weather |
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Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year. Long dry summers and mild winters are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer stretches from mid-May to mid-October and means high temperatures, cloudless skies and cooling breezes from the sea. December and January are the months of Mediterranean winter, bringing the possibility of rain, but still an average of six hours of bright sunshine a day. |
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Language |
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The majority of Cypriots speak Greek (80%), and a small percentage speak Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism Industry. |
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Flight Time |
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From the UK the average flight time is 4 hours and 30 minutes. |
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Airports |
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There are two main airports in Cyprus, Larnaca and Paphos. Depending on which resort you wish to visit will determine which airport is best to fly to, both airports have numerous facilities. Transport to and from both airports is very good. There is no departure tax from either airport. |
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Currency |
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The currency is the Cyprus pound - CY£, which is divided into 100 cents. Notes and coins currently in circulation are as follows: Banknotes: CY£20, CY£10, CY£5, CY£1. Coins: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents.
All major credit cards are accepted throughout the island. Travellers cheques can be cashed in all banks, Pound sterling is an accepted currency. Banks are closed at weekends and on public holidays and Easter Tuesday. Christmas Eve is a working day for banks. There are many ATMs outside most branches of banks in all towns and in the main tourist resorts, operating 24 hours a day.
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Telephone Services |
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Country Code: 357
Outgoing code: 00 + your country code (UK = 44, i.e. 00 44)
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Emergency Services |
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Ambulance: 199, 112
Fire Service: 199, 112
Police: 199, 112
Night Pharmacies: 192
English Speaking Operator: 192
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Communications |
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Public telephones are installed at various central locations in all towns and villages as well as at International airports, harbours and other locations. Most mobile networks have international roaming agreements which enable you to use your mobile phone abroad. Please check with your mobile phone provider before arriving in Cyprus. |
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Passport Information |
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A passport is required to enter Cyprus and must be valid for 3 months after date of departure, however it is recommended that your passport is valid for at least 6 months. A return or onward ticket is required, along with sufficient funds for your stay in Cyprus. Contact your consulate before travelling. |
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Visa
Information |
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UK citizens do not require a visa for up to a 3 month tourist stay in Cyprus. |
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Health & Safety/Vaccinations |
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There are no vaccination requirements for any International Traveller, however please consult your doctor/nurse before travelling. Health facilities are generally of a good standard. |
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EHIC (old E111) |
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A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in Cyprus. This is a free card that you should submitted about 6 weeks before you plan to leave to allow the card to reach you on time. Travel insurance is also require on top of this to cover all situations and emergencies. |
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Embassy |
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U.K. British High Commission, P.O.Box 21978, 1587 Lefkosia. Tel: +357 22 86 11 00 (Office hours are Monday - Friday: 07:30 - 14:30) |
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Tourist Offices/Information |
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Cyprus Tourist Office, 17, Hanover Street, London W1S 1YP. Tel: 0207 569 8800
There are tourist offices located throughout Cyprus, the main offices are in Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos and Troodos although you can obtain tourist information from most hotels and shops selling tours.
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Duty Free |
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There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for resale.
For guidance, goods are considered to be for your own use if you have no more than: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits
20 litres fortified wine, (such as port or sherry), 90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine) and 110 litres of beer
The price you pay includes VAT and duty, since these vary from country to country, you may be able to pick up some cheap goods. Shops at airports and on ships may also provide some tax free bargains although duty-free shopping no longer exists when travelling with the EU.
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Electricity |
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Electrical current is 240 volts. Square 13-amp three-pin plugs (UK-type) are used. |
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Tipping |
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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.
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Food & Drink |
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Food and drinking water are of high quality and safe. Like in all countries different products may be used when preparing foods, to be on the safe side ensure vegetables are cooked and fruit peeled. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Cyprus is also free from dangerous infectious diseases. |
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Postal Services |
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There are daily airmail services to all developed countries, with services to Europe taking about three to four days. Poste Restante facilities are available in main cities and resorts. All Post Offices remain closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Stamps may be purchased from: all Post Offices, all Postal Agencies. (Hotels, News-stands Kiosks, etc). |
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Driving in Cyprus |
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There are numerous places of interest located in remote areas, if you like to explore then driving in Cyprus is a must. Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link the towns and the various villages. Use of a mobile phone is strictly prohibited. Visitors in 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. Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right. Distances and road speed limits are posted in kilometres and kilometre-per hour (km/h) respectively. There are an abundance of offices offering car hire, including hotels. Always be careful who you hire a care from, to be on the safe side it is best to book before you arrive using a reputable company. |
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Public Holidays |
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All Public Services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays. However In resorts and coastal areas shops and certain services remain open.
Public Holidays in Cyprus are: 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, Variable: Easter Monday, 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
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