Practical Info A–Z

Cyprus uses the British plug type G (three rectangular pins) — a legacy of colonial times. You need an adapter! The voltage (230V) and frequency (50 Hz) are identical to Germany, only the plug is different.

• Buy adapter: Best to order before the trip (from 3€ on Amazon). They are also available at Larnaca/Paphos airport, but more expensive (5–8€).
• Hotels: Some hotels have Euro sockets or lend adapters at the reception — but don't rely on it.
• North Cyprus: Also type G — same adapter as in the south.

Cyprus hosts two sovereign British military bases — Akrotiri (near Limassol) and Dhekelia (near Larnaca). These 254 km² areas are formally British territory — not part of the Republic of Cyprus and not part of the EU.

For tourists, the bases are largely irrelevant: You pass through them on the road without noticing. The beaches on the base grounds (e.g., Lady's Mile Beach on Akrotiri) are publicly accessible. Occasionally, you see British soldiers in nearby restaurants.

Cyprus has been an EU member since 2004. For German citizens:

• Identity card or passport is sufficient (both must be valid)
• No visa required
• Cyprus is NOT part of the Schengen Area — so there are border controls at the airport (quick, but present)
• North Cyprus: EU citizens can cross the Green Line with an identity card or passport. No visa, no stamp in the passport (it is stamped on a separate paper).

Important: According to EU law, entry to Cyprus must only be via Larnaca or Paphos airports — NOT via Ercan airport in North Cyprus. Entry via Ercan is considered an "illegal border crossing" by the Republic of Cyprus.

South Cyprus: Euro (€)

Since 2008, the Euro has been the official currency of the Republic of Cyprus. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere — even at kiosks and beach loungers. Debit cards (Girocard/Maestro) work at ATMs, but not always in stores.

ATMs: Available everywhere (Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank). Fees: Most German banks charge a 1.5–2% foreign transaction fee. DKB and N26 cards: free withdrawals.

North Cyprus: Turkish Lira (TRY)

The official currency in the north is the Turkish Lira. Euros are accepted almost everywhere, but at an unfavorable rate (10–15% loss). Better: withdraw Lira at an ATM in Kyrenia or Famagusta, or exchange small amounts at the border crossing.

Price examples north: Coffee 20–30 TL (approx. 1–1.50€), lunch 150–300 TL (approx. 5–10€), museum 15 TL (approx. 0.50–1€).

Cyprus is a very safe travel destination. The crime rate is one of the lowest in Europe. Health risks are minimal.

• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Valid in the south. Travel health insurance is still recommended (repatriation!).
• In the north: The EHIC is NOT valid. Private travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
• Pharmacies (Farmakeio/Eczane): Well-stocked, many medications available without prescription. At least one 24-hour pharmacy in every city.
• Sun protection: UV radiation is extreme in summer. SPF 50+, hat, and plenty of water are mandatory. Sunburns occur even on cloudy days.
• Heat: Heatstroke is a real danger in July/August. Avoid midday heat, drink plenty (3+ liters/day), use air conditioning.
• Snakes: The Cypriot Blunt-Nosed Viper (Macrovipera lebetina) is the only venomous snake. Found in rural areas, but shy. Wear sturdy shoes on hikes and watch the path.
• Sea urchins: Common on rocky coasts. Water shoes are mandatory on non-sandy beaches.
• Emergency: 112 (Europe-wide) or 199 (Cyprus police) in the south. 155 (police) in the north.

South Cyprus: EU roaming applies — you use your German data package without extra charge. Wi-Fi is standard in hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

North Cyprus: EU roaming does NOT apply! Your German mobile network switches to a Turkish or North Cypriot network at the Green Line — and high roaming charges apply (up to 5€/MB with some providers!). Immediately disable data roaming or buy a local SIM card (Turkcell/Telsim, from 5€ with 5 GB).

Cyprus has 340 sunny days a year — the sunniest country in Europe. Summers are hot and dry (up to 40°C+), winters mild and wet (12–18°C on the coast).

What to Pack?

For churches and mosques: Covered shoulders and knees. Women: bring a scarf to wrap around. In the Selimiye Mosque: remove shoes.

Cyprus drives on the left — a legacy of British colonial times (1878–1960). The steering wheel is on the right, shifting is done with the left hand. For German drivers, this is the biggest challenge in Cyprus.

Survival Tips

• Rent automatic: Shifting with the left is an extra difficulty. Automatic eliminates this problem.
• Roundabouts: Clockwise! Priority goes to those already in the roundabout. Look right when entering.
• Turning: Right turn = large curve over the opposite lane. Left turn = small curve.
• After breaks: The most dangerous are the first minutes after a break (refueling, parking). The brain automatically switches to "drive on the right." Mental reminder: "Steering wheel right, drive left!"
• Parking: Exiting is particularly tricky — you quickly forget the side.
• Pedestrians: Before crossing the street: look RIGHT first, then left!

Cyprus's 648 km coastline offers a mix of sandy beaches, pebble beaches, and rocky coasts. 66 beaches carry the Blue Flag (2024) — one of the highest rates worldwide.

• Sandy beaches: Mainly in the east (Ayia Napa, Protaras) and north (Golden Beach, Kyrenia). In the west and south, more pebbles and rocks.
• Loungers & umbrellas: 5–7.50€ per set/day at organized beaches. Many beaches also have free areas.
• Cleanliness: Generally very good. Blue Flag beaches are cleaned daily.
• Nudism: Forbidden in Cyprus (fine). Topless is tolerated at tourist beaches but not the norm.
• Water temperature: May 21°C, June 24°C, July–Aug 27–28°C, Sep 27°C, Oct 25°C — perfect for swimming from June to October.
• Water shoes: Strongly recommended at pebble and rocky beaches (sea urchins!).

Cyprus offers the full range: from backpacker hostels to 5-star resorts, from holiday apartments to agrotourism stone houses in the Troodos.

Guidelines (Double Room/Night)

Tips

• Package tours are often the best value for Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paphos — flight + hotel + transfer cheaper than booking separately.
• Agrotourism: Stone village houses in the Troodos, lovingly restored. Perfect for those seeking peace. Booking via agrotourism.com.cy.
• North Cyprus: Hotels 30–50% cheaper than in the south. Boutique hotels in Kyrenia from 40€/night.

South Cyprus

North Cyprus

Turkish holidays: April 23 (Children's Day), May 19 (Commemoration of Atatürk), July 20 (Peace and Freedom Operation Day), August 30 (Victory Day), October 29 (Republic Day), November 15 (Proclamation of the TRNC). Additionally, the Muslim festivals Ramadan (Bayram) and Sacrifice Feast (Kurban Bayramı) — dates vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar.