INFORMATION

CLIMATE AND NATURE

North Cyprus is blessed with endless sunshine and has one of the healthiest climates in the world. The average annual temperature is about 20C /68F. The summer months are hot with temperatures rising over 30C / 90F during July and August. The coldest months are January and February when temperatures are as low as 10C / 50F. The water temperatures of the Mediterranean sea is about 32C / 90F in August and 16C / 61F in January.

The formalities required to enter North Cyprus

Passport
Tukish Republic and foreign citizens can enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) with valid passports.

Identity Card
Turkish Republic citizens can enter North Cyprus with their identity cards as visitors. However, they can not enter North Cyprus with any other type of identification other than their national identity card. Citizens of all countries who don’t need a visa to enter Turkey may enter North Cyprus via connecting flights to Turkey.

Transportation in North Cyprus

Travelling to North Cyprus can be done by air or by sea. Air travels are provided by Turkish Airlines, Anadolu Jet, Pegasus and Atlas jet. Travelling by sea can be done all year round from Tasucu to Kyrenia or from Alanya to Kyrenia during the summer months. Furthermore, it is possible to land at the airports at Larnaca and Pafos situated on the South side of the island and cross over to the North side at the checkpoints. You can easily leave the island from Ercan Airport without complications.

Taxi
Taxis can be found at taxi stands only. Although the charges are reasonable, there are metres displaying the fares. It is advisable to agree upon the fare with the driver before setting off.

Bus Services
Buses frequently travel between the main cities on the island during the day.Public transport becomes less frequent after 7pm and at weekends the services are less regular. The system of sharing a long taxi ,called a Dolmush, with other passengers travelling to the same area is widely used in North Cyprus.

Car Rental
Renting a car in North Cyprus is easy and cheap (between UK £10 to £15 per day). Car rental services are widely available in the main cities, and petrol is cheap. A valid driving licence together with your passport is all that is required. You drive on the left just as you would do in Britain. The speed limit in the city centre is 50 km per hour.

Currency & Credit Cards

The currency used in North Cyprus is Turkish Lira (TL). The approximate exchange rate fluctuates daily, so it's best to check the rate at the many banks, exchange offices or at your hotel before you change your money. Most businesses will also happily accept payments in main foreign currencies such as Euro, British Pound and US Dollars. Most major international credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Health

Health services are extremely good in North Cyprus and there are a number of good hospitals and medical facilities. Visitors to Northern Cyprus do not require any medical treatment or vacinations before they enter the island.

Traffic & Driving

People drive on the left in North Cyprus, as they would in Britain, and the traffic signs are international. There are well constructed dual carriageways connecting the major cities.

Banks

There are 21 banks in North Cyprus with branches in all the main cities. The opening hours for most banks change during the summer and winter months. The cashier desks open at 8:30 am and usually close for lunch. Banks close at 17:00 pm and are closed on the weekends. Also,Most larger banks have ATMs which accept primary credit cards.

Shopping

The opening hours of shops may vary depending on the seasons. In the summer, they are open between 08.00 – 13.00 and 16.00 – 19.00; and in the winter they are open between 09.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 18.00. In the souvenir shops on the island, you may find Lefkara lacework,embroidery, rugs, and hand-made pottery.You will also be able to find a number of expert stamp collectors, specialising in North Cyprus’s postal history, baring their goods at small shops.

Telephone

North Cyprus has excellent telecommunications facilities which continually upgrade their systems. When calling from abroad the code is 0392. Then you add the local dialing code and number. Mobile phone lines need to be open to international calls in order to be used on the island.

Electricity

The electric voltage in North Cyprus is 240; and the standard is BS. Sockets are the British 3-pin variety. Therefore, converter adapters are required.

Time

The time system used in Northern Cyprus is within the “Eastern Europe Time Zone”. Therefore, the clocks are 2 hours ahead of Greenwich (Londra) time. ( The Time system is the same as the one used in Turkey).