Cyprus Health Care

Cyprus is free from most dangerous infectious diseases (although AIDS is present) and no immunizations are required. Drinking tap water is safe. However all medical treatment must be paid for and comprehensive travel insurance to cover any hospital and medical charges, as well as emergency repatriation, is advisable.

All government-run General Hospitals have accident and emergency departments.

Listings of local pharmacies can be found in the English-language Cyprus Mail or by dialling 192. These sell a full range of medicines and remedies. Pharmacists can also usually advise and provide remedies for minor ailments and injuries, but if you need specialist prescription drugs it is best to bring an adequate supply with you. All-night pharmacies can be contacted by dialling 192 or leaving a recorded message on 90 90 14 02 (Nicosia); 90 90 14 05 (Limassol); 90 90 14 04 (Larnaca); 90 90 14 06 (Pafos); and 90 90 14 03 (Agia Napa).

As with dentists, hotels can generally recommend a local doctor. Bills must be settled immediately, but doctors will provide a receipt for claiming back on insurance policies.

Cyprus Rules Of The Road

Cypriots drive on the left and road signs are in English as well as Greek in the south. Distances and speed limits are in kilometres – 100 kmph (60 mph) on motorways, 80 kmph (50 mph) on most other roads and 50 kmph (30 mph) unless otherwise indicated in built-up areas. There are on the spot fines for speeding and for failing to wear seatbelts. Drink-driving (more than 39 micrograms per 100ml) is a criminal offence, as is using a mobile phone while driving.

Driving around Cyprus can be difficult for the misinformed. A detailed map of Cyprus is available from the airport or from tourist information centers.

Using front seatbelt is compulsory. If you plan on bringing your children for your Cyprus holidays, do not let them sit in the front seat of the car if they are 5 years and below.

Parking is very cheap and in the major towns there are ample parking space everywhere. Roads are given a scale of rating: like the A used in motorways and the B used in main roads. E and F roads are not so good in terms of quality.

Cyprus Currency and Banking

Currency

The official currency of the Republic of Cyprus is the Cyprus pound (CY£), roughly equal to the pound sterling in value. It is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Banks

Banks are open 8:15am–12:30pm Monday to Friday as well as 3:15– 4:45pm on Mondays. Banks at Larnaca and Pafos airports stay open until the last night flight has arrived.

ATMs

There are 24-hour automatic teller machines in the centre of all main resorts and towns.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are widely accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants in the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus Car Hire

Car hire companies have many offices in all four major towns in the south (Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Pafos) and at Larnaca and Pafos airports. A full national or international driving licence is required, and drivers under 25 may require additional insurance cover. Rental cars may not be taken from the south into Northern Cyprus.

Fantastic vehicles can be found, whatever your needs at Cyprus Car Hire

Cyprus Time Difference

Cyprus is two hours ahead of UK time (GMT).

ie. 2 o'clock in the afternoon in the UK would be 4pm in Cyprus

Hitch Hiking In Cyprus

Hitch Hiking is not restricted in Cyprus, but certainly is not one of the regular means of transportation. Such means of transportation can be tiresome in the hot summer months, but may turn out to be a great pleasure as Cypriot hospitality is legendary, and hikers will certainly experience the friendliness and simplicity of Cypriots, especially among the village folk. Hikers are advised to wear sunhats and sunglasses in summer, while waiting for their free ride. Hitch-Hikers should always remember to keep to the left-hand side of the road, as driving in Cyprus moves on the left.

Cyprus Electricity Current-Voltage

Electricity Current-Voltage

The electricity supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50Hz, the same as the UK . Sockets are usually 13 amp, square pin in most buildings. More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point, by using an adapter. The use of adapters for operating high current rating appliances is recommended. Many hotels provide adapters upon request from the reception, they can also be purchased from supermarkets.