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Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is an island of legends that basks year round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. With a history of 10,000 years, Northern Cyprus has seen civilisations come and go, Alexander the Great and Cleopatra stake their claim here. Aphrodite also made her home in Cyprus and travellers throughout history came here just to pay her a visit.

The crystal waters of the eastern Mediterranean that bathe the coastline of Northern Cyprus offer some of the finest and safest bathing in the Mediterranean with the average sea temperature above 20 degrees for over half the year. North Cyprus also offers one of the longest diving seasons in the Mediterranean, with the most exciting reef formations, where you will find marine life galore and an unbelievable variety of marine species of all sizes, including the Loggerhead and the Green Turtles.

The northern coastal area is backed by the spectacular Beþparmak Mountains, studded with its medieval castles and fortresses. The rugged slopes are covered with Aleppo pines, olives and carob trees, with small villages nestling in the hillsides.

Geography
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus comprises an area of 3,355 square miles and encompasses the northern part of the island of Cyprus, which is the third largest in the Mediterranean. About 45% of the area is arable land, 20% of which is irrigated. Nearly 20% of North Cyprus total area is wooded and there are extensive re-forestation programs in progress. It is only 70 kilometres south of Turkey and 385 kilometres north of Egypt. Owing to the location of Northern Cyprus and its proximity to the rich Middle Eastern countries, it provides an ideal place for foreign investment.

Climate
The climate of Northern Cyprus is typically Mediterranean with long dry summers and short, rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The temperature in midsummer can soar over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea temperature in the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF) . The winter weather is very mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm.

Language
Turkish is the official language however English is widely used and understood in official and commercial circles.

Time
Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Major Towns
The capital of TRNC is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which has a population of approximately 35,000, this is where the main administration and business centers are. Other major towns include :

·         Gazi Magusa (Famagusta) which is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial center, as well as being the country's principle port.

·         Girne (Kyrenia) a town of touristic importance with a wonderful yacht harbour. Town maps can be obtained from the Tourism offices in Lefkosa.

Banks & Currency
Numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks (HSBC Bank has now opened branches in Nicosia and Kyrenia in TRNC),have branches in North Cyprus and they are open from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) between 08.00-12.00/14.00-16.00 hours.

Turkish lira is used as the local currency. There is no restriction on the import of foreign currency into Northern Cyprus, or the equivalent in other currencies. All currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and in hotels. Visa card, Master and euro cards, eurocheques, travelers checks can also be used in place of cash.

Mains Services
Mains power 220/240 volts AC. (British Standard 3 pin plugs are used) Water is by mains supply and in some properties supplemented by wells. International telephone system plus facsimile and internet are available.

Driving
As in the UK, traffic circulation is on the left. Road signs are international. Max. Speed is 100 km./hr. There is a large selection of car hire companies with a variety of vehicles at favourable rates, from £10 per day in the winter to £15+ in the peak season.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

·         Fire 199

·         Police 155

·         First Aid 112

Employment
There is no acute unemployment problem in the TRNC, and the number of registered unemployed has declined steadily since 1978. The official working week is 40 hours in the winter and 36 in the summer. Foreigners must obtain a work permit from Lefkosa.

Household items and Services
Most household items can be bought in Northern Cyprus at about the same price as Europe. Most international makes and models are available (Whirlpool, Kelvinator, Candy, Philips, Pioneer, Panasonic, Siemens, Arthur Martin, Bosch, Tefal, Beko, Sony etc) Auctions are also held monthly where a vast array of items can be purchased at reasonable prices.

Running Costs
Living costs in the TRNC are much cheaper than the UK and most of Europe. There is no rates system or community tax at present. The main costs are electricity which is approximately £30 to £35 monthly per house, water costs the equivalent of £10 per month plus there is an annual council tax of less than £40 (£3.90 per month which includes waste collection, pavement, road cleaning, etc.). Central heating is rare in Northern Cyprus but is usually run on gas or oil. Most cookers are run on callor gas (1 callor gas bottle costs approx. £6 and lasts for as long as 2/3 months) for the hob and electricity for the oven. Prices are based on current exchange rates, correct as at March 2007.

Consumer Market
There is a wide selection of high quality consumer goods available. In addition to locally produced goods almost all foreign brands are available. It can be estimated that the cost of foodstuffs is generally about half or may be less than UK prices. Items such as local brandy, retailing at around £1.20 sterling per bottle, 1 loaf of bread at 13 pence, 1 Lt. of long life UHT milk at 52 pence, a pack of 20 B & H cigarettes at £1.30.  Prices are based on current exchange rates, correct as at July 2005.

Foreign Exchange
The TRNC follows a flexible exchange policy. Foreign currency accounts can be opened with local banks, foreign currency can be brought into the country and taken out through the banks without any restriction or control, the source of such income is not investigated.

Transportation
Visitors can get to TRNC by air or by sea. Ercan State Airport is 7 miles (12 km) east of Lefkosa, which enables flights of Kibris Turkish Airlines and Turkish Airlines. There are several ferry-boats of different lines operating between ports of Girne and Famagusta in Northern Cyprus and, ports of Mersin and Antalya in Southern Turkey. For local transportation apart from taxis and private hire cars, there are daily bus services between the towns. Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island.

Pets
Pets can be brought into the country from Europe with little hassle. The Ministry of Agriculture requires a certificate from a European vet stating that your animal is free of major diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies. Quarantine is approximately 4 weeks at the Lefkosa kennels.

Accommodation
North Cyprus has a large selection of accommodation units, from 5-star hotels, small family hotels, motels, self-catering villas, apartments and camping facilities.

Tourism
The unique climate of Cyprus offers year-round opportunities for a perfect holiday. Rainfall is concentrated in December and January, and the average sea temperature is above 20 ºC for more than half the year. The Turkish Cypriot people are renowned for their generous hospitality and when out shopping or enjoying a meal, you are made to feel particularly welcome.