Organize your stay Cyprus
Covid-19 : current situation Cyprus
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Cyprus. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Cyprus
There are two currencies: the euro in the south and the Turkish lira in the north. The pound rate in the north is the same as in Turkey (at the time of writing, €1 = TRY34.6 and TRY10 = €0.29).
In the northern part of Cyprus, if you wish to exchange euros for Turkish pounds, please note that exchange charges may vary from one office to another. The easiest way is often to withdraw cash directly from an ATM using your bank card. As the southern part of Cyprus is part of the euro zone, you can make withdrawals and payments with your bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) just as you would in France.
Budget & Tips Cyprus
If you don't have to travel during school vacations, go in May-June or September-October. The advantage is threefold: cheaper, less crowded and cooler too! During this period, you can expect accommodation at €50-60 a night, except in Nicosia where it's still a little more expensive.
Passport and visas Cyprus
On both sides, a valid identity card or passport is sufficient for a tourist stay of less than three months. Only those wishing to spend more than three months in Cyprus are required to apply for a permit from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Cyprus.
Driver's license Cyprus
If you come from a country in the European Union, Switzerland or Canada, a national driving license is all you need. So you can rent a vehicle without needing an international license.
Health Cyprus
If there are no particular risks to report (apart from the sun), still leave with your European Health Insurance Card (valid only in the southern part) to be treated if necessary. For local calls, the European emergency number 112 provides access to the fire brigade, ambulances and the police.
Mandatory vaccination Cyprus
Cyprus presents no major health risks. No vaccinations are required.
Security Cyprus
On both sides, Cypriots are friendly and welcoming. A priori, no problem for a single woman, but no need to venture into deserted areas of the cities, no matter which part of the island, Greek or Turkish.
Time difference Cyprus
Cyprus is +2 hours from the Greenwich meridian. It is therefore necessary to add one hour to the French time, both in summer and in winter.
Spoken languages Cyprus
Greek is spoken by Greek Cypriots, Turkish by Turkish Cypriots. English is generally spoken everywhere, especially in hotels, restaurants, bars, taverns, stores and cab ranks. French is rarer. So, while you may be "content" to speak English in Cyprus (60% of Cypriots speak it), it's obviously more interesting to know a few words of Greek and some common phrases in Turkish when you cross over.
Communication Cyprus
Electricity and measurements Cyprus
Here 240 volt, three-pin flat plugs in modern buildings (hotels lend a small adapter). Hotels are very often equipped with 110-volt sockets for electric shavers. In terms of weights and measures, however, Cyprus has adopted the metric system. We therefore speak, as in France, of metres and kilometres for distances and grams and kilograms for weights.
Luggage Cyprus
In summer, July and August are very hot months. Summer dresses, shirts and shorts are worn until October. Bring swimsuits and beachwear. Only the months of January and February can be quite cold and rainy. Bring thick woollen clothes.
