Since January 2008 the official currency in Cyprus is Euro.

Cash
Having cash is always a fail-safe way to carry money around from one country to another. It is also the least safe method. In the South apart from Euro you can pay with UK Pounds or US dollars. In most of the tourist centres these hard currencies are widely accepted or easily exchanged. Local exchange rates are favourable, and airport or seaport exchange offices are open for all arrivals.

Travellers Cheques
Without restrictions you may import traveller’s cheques, but cash amounts in excess of USD$1000 equivalent should be declared on entry if you intend to re-export a significant quantity of it. Euro cheques and traveller’s cheques are accepted by all banks and some shops and restaurants. The cheques can be exchanged with subject to fees.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely used in stores, restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations. Usually the card symbol is displayed in the shop-window or at reception. Plastic is extremely useful as cash dispensers are located throughout Cyprus. Screen instructions are given in English on request. Remember to memorize a PIN number before departure.

ATMs
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are popular among Cypriot people as well as tourists. They are generally a convenient way to withdraw cash at any time. Most banks now allow you to access your regular bank account directly, though in some cases you may have to use your credit line to access cash. Transferring money to your credit card before you leave is a good solution. Bear in mind, however, that your bank may levy a hefty charge each time you withdraw money from an ATM. These are found in most towns and larger villages across South Cyprus.

Nicosia: population 217,606

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, the island’s largest and leading city. Located in the centre of the island, in the Mesaoria Plain, flanked by the beautiful northern range of Kyrenia Mountains with its distinctive ‘Pentadaktylos - the five finger mountain, it is geographically center of the country.  Nicosia is the administrative, commercial, cultural, educational and religious centre of the country. Besides the Government offices and the foreign diplomatic and other missions, the capital hosts all the financial institutions, trade fairs, the Cyprus Stock Exchange, the Conference Center. As an cosmopolitan business and cultural center of the country  has  to offer a great variety of sights, tourist attractions and places of interest.  It combines both old and new in a busy modern commercial and business centre and a centuries-old culture.

Limassol: population 172,056

Lemesos, (Limassol) is the second largest city in Cyprus, after Nicosia. It is located on Akrotiri Bay between the ancient towns of Amathus and Kourion. The city is well known for its biggest port in the Mediterranean transportation trade. This richly cultured city has become one of the most important tourism destinations in Cyprus. It is also a hub for trade and services in the area.

As well as the awesome sea sights and attractions, Limassol provides luxurious accommodation facilities for tourists, offering some of the most impressive hotels in Cyprus.

Larnaca: population 53,484

Larnaca is a major city and one of the six districts in the Republic of Cyprus, which has continuous and uninterrupted history extending for 4000 years. In ancient times, the city and the whole of Cyprus was referred to as Kition, or (in Latin) Citium. The city is located on the southern coast of Cyprus. Larnaca holds a major international airport and the island's second most important commercial port. It has a nice marina for yachts and is an important tourist resort. Larnaca International Airport is situated to the south of the city and island's oil refinery is to the north of the city.

*2010 population calculation
Source; World-gazetteer.com

Free import to passengers arriving with goods purchased within the E.U. which are for personal use only:
1. tobacco products: 800 cigarettes; 400 cigarillos (max. 3g each); 200 cigars; 1kg smoking tobacco;
2. alcoholic beverages: 10 lt of spirits over 22%; 20 lt of alcoholic beverages less than 22%; 90 lt of wine (though no more than 60 lt of sparkling wine); 110 lt of beer.

Prohibited:
Products of animal origin, not originating from an EU member state, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland, are not permitted to be imported into an EU Member state, with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries.

Greek, Turkish, English

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Cyprus Tourism Organisation

Leoforos Lemesou 19,
PO Box 24535, 1390 Nicosia,
Tel: (22) 269 1100.
Fax: 22 233 4696
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Www: www.visitcyprus.org.cy