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

Electricity: Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. The UK-style three square-pin plugs are used.

Money: The currency was changed to the Euro (EUR) on 1 January 2008. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, open from Monday to Friday. There are ATMs spread throughout the island, operating 24 hours a day.

Currency Exchange Rates

€ 1.00 =

A$ 2.09

C$ 1.65

IRR 12.09

NZ$ 2.40

£ 0.91

US$ 1.34

R 13.95

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of 90 days, provided the visit is for tourist purposes.Entry requirements for UK nationals: British nationals must have a valid passport. For holders of passports endorsed British Citizen, British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Subject, with right of abode in the U.K. or 'European Union' on the front cover, a visa is not required for a stay of 90 days, provided the visit is for tourist purposes only. In all other cases a visa is required and passports must be valid at least three months beyond the period of intended stay.Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, provided entry is for tourist purposes only.Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, provided entry is for tourist purposes only.Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. However, it is advised to hold a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required.Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must hold a valid passport. No visa is required for tourist visits of up to 90 days.Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, provided entry is for tourist purposes only.

Passport/Visa Note: Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket as well as sufficient funds for period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Nationalities that require a visa are recommended that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled 'green line' are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden change and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. EU passport holders with a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus stamp in their passport will not experience difficulties when entering the Republic of Cyprus.

Health: No vaccinations are required. Samples taken from poultry in north Cyprus on 29 January 2006 have tested positive for avian influenza, but the risk to travellers is believed to be low. Visitors should avoid all situations that would bring them into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds and ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. Health services on Cyprus are of a good standard. UK citizens should bring with them a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which enables them to receive free emergency medical treatment. Medical fees are reasonable in Cyprus, but supplies are expensive. Medical insurance is advised.

Tipping: A 10% service charge is levied in hotels and restaurants so a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi drivers, porters etc, appreciate a small tip.

Safety: The terrorist threat is low, and crime against tourists is rare.

Customs: Avoid taking photographs near military establishments. Religious customs such as Ramadan should be respected, particularly in the north where most of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim; avoid eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during the holy month. Women should dress modestly.

Business: Business in Cyprus is best conducted face-to-face, as developing a working relationship based on trust is important. Business is conducted formally, and dress should be smart and conservative (a suit and tie are the norm). Greetings are usually made with a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. It is common for women to hold high positions and they are generally well respected in the business world. Punctuality is important, but meetings may not begin on time. Business hours can vary according to the season, but are usually 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday in summer, closing at 5pm in winter.

Communications: The international access code for Cyprus is +357. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Area codes are not required. Mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators, but not the United States. There are public phones in all towns and villages and can be used for domestic and international calls. Phone cards can be purchased from shops, banks and post offices. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Duty free: Travellers to Cyprus over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits with higher than 22% alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with less than 22% alcohol volume, or 2 litres of wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; 500g coffee; 100g tea; medicines for personal consumption; and other goods to the value of €175. Prohibited items include fresh fruit, meat and dairy products.