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Things to Know about Cyprus
Religion
The Greeks are Greek Orthodox Christians which represent 78%
of the population while the Turks are Muslims represents 18%
of the population and Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, Latin,
and others 4%.
Weather
and Climate
Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate, warm and rather
dry, with rainfall mainly between November and March. In general,
the island experiences mild wet winters and dry hot summers
which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. The
higher mountain areas are cooler and moister than the rest
of the island.
Cyprus Languages
The official languages are Greek and Turkish
with English often used as a second language and widely understood
by both ethnic groups.
Cyprus Currency
The official currency in North is Turkish
Lira (TL) and the currency in South is Pound (CP) however
the English sterling is highly accepted.
Currency
in South Cyprus
The legal tender of the South Cyprus is the Euro. Former Cyprus Pound was used until 31 December 2008. Check
current exchange rates.
Currency
in North Cyprus
The Turkish Lira (TRL - Türk Lirasi) is the
current legal tender of Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus, issued on January 1, 2005. The currency was accompanied
with its inflation mostly in 1994; in summer 2001 seven banks
failed. At present unit of 1 YTL is equivalent to 1 million
old Turkish Lira that was introduced in 1983 (and remains
valid until the end of 2005). The Turkish Lira is divisible
into 100 new kurus (cents).
Electricity
Throughout Cyprus, voltage is supplied at 220/240 volts AC,
supplied at 50 Hz. Plugs at 5 amp or 13 amp are generally
of British type with 3 pins, but also exist some 2 pinned.
Most anti-mosquito machines are fitted with the continental
2-pin type of plug, so an adaptor is required. These are widely
available in supermarkets, grocery shops and electricians,
or provided by holiday hotel itself. Since not many accommodations
have a shaver point, it is better to take wet razors. Power
cuts are quite often. Larger hotels and holiday villages have
their own generators. A torch is therefore useful to bring,
as there is little or no street lighting in the villages and
along the minor roads. Batteries (including alkaline and Ni-Cad)
are manufactured locally or imported, and are available in all popular sizes.
Time
Cyprus is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC),
and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). Clocks
go forward one hour for summer time at 3 am on the last Sunday
in March and back again at 3 am on the last Sunday in October.
In South Cyprus a recorded time message can be heard by dialling
193.
Cyprus
Traffic
In Cyprus traffic circulates on the left,
the traffic signs are international and seat belts must be
worn. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr and vehicles entering Cyprus
must be insured upon arrival.
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