Northern Cyprus

An island unlike any other..

Northern Cyprus enjoys a unique position at the strategic crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa. Repeatedly invaded throughout its history, exquisite influences and traces of various civilizations are plain to see throughout the island. Situated 65 km from Turkey’s southern coast and neighbouring Syria (97 km), Lebanon (108 km), Egypt (370 km), Israel and Greece, this country with its curious combination of ancient civilization and young economy is truly the last untouched piece of the Mediterranean.

Following partition in 1974, Turkish Cypriots have lived in the northern part of Cyprus, with Greek Cypriots residing in the south. Northern Cyprus established itself as an independent country (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) in 1984 and has hit the ground running in terms of investment opportunities. Essentially, northern Nicosia is a commercial centre with some 35,000 residents. Further east is the port town of Gazimagusa (Famagusta), a thriving university town, itself steeped in history and popular with the café crowd and artisans alike. Kyrenia (Girne) is the north’s main touristic centre, its famous harbour and bustling atmosphere being its main draw.

Savvy leadership has recognized and sought to utilize the potential power of this small country: its incredible beaches, rural charm, ecological richness and diversity have all been harnessed and put in the hands of an eager and industrious population to great effect. As a result, Northern Cyprus offers the visitor and investor a genuinely satisfying experience. Northern Cyprus exists as a jewel in the Mediterranean dust. With virtually no crime to speak of, as well as limited international investment, Northern Cyprus is an idyllic, unspoiled haven. No high rises, overcrowded beaches or neon-lit pub and bar ‘strips’; the pure and unsullied beauty of Northern Cyprus as well as its unique and rich history combine to reward visitors and investors alike. Northern Cyprus has grown in confidence in recent years and, as a result, so has the standard of living. And yet, despite offering all the mod cons wanted by today’s modern traveller, the country retains an unexpected air of another age. Warm hospitality and friendliness are the norm, the pace of life relaxed. Northern Cyprus is a unique blend of its history and offers a distinct alternative to the usual Mediterranean getaway.

You can reach Northern Cyprus by air from all major UK airports. Turkish Airlines and Cyprus Turkish Airlines (CTA) are the main operators to the north, maintaining regular schedules to and from Ercan airport, with more than 80 flights arriving at Ercan every week during the summer season. Flights from the UK involve a touch down in Turkey where, if flying with Turkish Airlines, you transfer to another aircraft; if on CTA, you remain grounded, on board the aircraft, for around an hour. You can also fly to Larnaca or Paphos in the south of the island, and cross over into the north. Ercan airport is North Cyprus’ official airport. Pronounced air-jan, it is situated approximately 15 minutes from Nicosia/Lefkosa, 30 minutes from Kyrenia/Girne and 30 minutes from Famagusta/Gazi Magusa.

There are also daily ferries from Turkey.

Once here, it is a good idea to hire a car as the public transport system is quite basic and as in the UK, driving is on the left. Road signs are international.

Passports and Visas

The citizens of Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Mexico, Malta, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Northern Cyprus. All other nationals should check their status with regard to visas with the nearest Embassy or Office of Representative for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Visitors do not require an entry visa, and may stay for up to three months. The stay can be extended by a day trip to Turkey (for which a £10 visa is payable upon entry to Turkey). Re-entry to Northern Cyprus then provides a further three months’ stay. On arrival at Ercan, visitors can obtain an entry form which will be stamped instead of the passport. The form is necessary if you want to visit South Cyprus as the South Cypriot authorities will not permit entry from the TRNC. You must keep this form until you leave as it will be requested at Ercan when you depart.

The New Turkish Lira (YTL) has been the legal tender of the TRNC and Turkey since its issue on January 1st 2005, ousting the old Turkish Lira and, with it, a whole load of zeros. The New Turkish Lira is divisible into 100 new kurus (cents). Banknotes are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 and coins are 1 YTL and 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 new kurus.

When in Northern Cyprus you can pay with UK sterling, Cyprus pounds, US dollars and euros. Sterling is however, the most widely used foreign currency. Cash is available from an ever-increasing number of ATM machines. Bringing Turkish Lira is not recommended as the exchange rates are much better in Northern Cyprus. Credit cards are widely accepted as are travellers cheques which are also easily exchanged.

There are no restrictions for the import of foreign currency into North Cyprus, however, the export of currency is restricted to US-dollars $8000, or the equivalent in other currencies.

Banking in Northern Cyprus has evolved rapidly in recent years. There are two types of bank in Northern Cyprus: satellite branches of large banks based in Turkey and local Cypriot banks. Branches of HSBC can be found in Nicosia/Lefkosa, Kyrenia/Girne and Famagusta/Gazi Magusa. Opening an account is easy and, due to a massive increase in demand, many banks offer services outside the typical remit of small island bank: insurance, hire purchase finance, investment and consulting as well as asset management services. Internet banking is also the norm.

Tipping

In more expensive restaurants, tipping is customary. Even if a service charge is added to your bill, you're expected to give around 5% to the waiter directly and perhaps the same amount to the maitre d'. Porters expect a couple of YTL; in taxis you might like to round up the bill; in other situations, for example, helpful tour guides or the hamam masseur, use your discretion.

Northern Cyprus enjoys a superb climate which makes the island one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live. A long, hot summer and a relatively dry, short winter mean that year-round, outdoor living is entirely possible. Spring and autumn are virtually non-existent. The country enjoys approximately 330 days of sunshine annually, and the lowest sea temperature is rarely below 16°C (61ºF). Hottest in July and August, the temperature easily tops 40°C (105ºF). Winters are mild with some rain and only occasional quick-melting falls of snow on the Kyrenia Mountain range.

Telephones

Country Dialing Code: 00 + 90 + 392.

Telephone services can be temperamental in Northern Cyprus. Calls are routed through Turkey and so Northern Cyprus shares its international code with Turkey. Calling from abroad, dial international code 00 90, then the code for Northern Cyprus land lines 392 and finally the seven-digit local number. To call the southern part of the island from the north, dial international code 00357 before the local land line or mobile number. The UN lines which used to operate between the two halves of the island were closed after the ‘Green Line’ opened.

Telephone booths are widely available and you can buy telephone cards from the Telecommunications Office (PTT) in Kyrenia, opposite the post office. Metered counter phones are a good alternative. Prominently signposted and common in central Kyrenia/Girne, you pay after completing the call.

You can buy a cheap, local SIM card for your mobile phone to let you use your phone locally without the roaming charges. Together with your new SIM card you will be given a new phone number starting with 0533 for KKTCell or 0542 for Telsim, the two GSM providers.

There are several internet service providers in Northern Cyprus offering a variety of options, including broadband. Depending on where you live there are different options available to you. If you are lucky enough to have a land line, you will be able to connect to the Internet using one of the many Internet Service Providers, although you will be constrained by dial up speeds

Power

Mains power 240/415 volts AC. 50Hz. Plugs are usually English standard although it is a good idea to bring an adaptor with you. Power cuts are the norm so it is a good idea to unplug any electrical item when not in use in order to protect them from the inevitable power surges.

Although Northern Cyprus may be small in size, it certainly packs a punch in terms of activities on offer to visitors. Whether you’re after an action-packed surge of adrenaline or prefer to explore quiet, beautiful beaches and stunning slices of history, you’ll find pretty much everything you need here on this little island. Recreational activities have generally centred around Northern Cyprus’ biggest asset, its natural beauty. Caving, paragliding, deep sea fishing and water sports as well as hill walking, mountain biking and quad biking have long been on offer. However, recent increases in international investment have had the dual effect of boosting the options available to the visitor to Northern Cyprus as well as streamlining the quality of those on offer. The true value of the miles of deserted sandy beaches, ancient towns, basilicas, ruins and tombs waiting to be explored has suddenly been recognised by local government and entrepreneurs alike. As such, the beaches are clean, the ruins protected and yet, best of all, prices remain low and the warm hospitality constant. The country’s infrastructure is constantly being improved, with a huge focus on the tourist: the Esentepe Championship Golf Course is now fully open. Action-packed or restful, young or old, whatever your needs, Northern Cyprus really can meet them all.

Exploring Northern Cyprus, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you had stepped back in time. Seeming to have quite literally sidestepped the frenzy and influences of modern life, villages around the Karpaz ‘pan handle’ are about as picture perfect idyllic as it gets in the Mediterranean. Olive and carob trees, orchards and palms are dotted with wild donkeys and flowers. Ancient ruins crumble quietly in the fields against a backdrop of minarets studding the majestic Kyrenia Mountain Range.

Influenced by many, many cultures, including the Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian and Byzantine dynasties, Northern Cyprus retains aspects of all and yet has managed to carve out its own identity. The Muslim culture coexists comfortably with the growing expatriate community as does the modern with the old. A bustling arts and music scene, together with great international restaurants and bars, good communication services and beaches to die for make for a Mediterranean hotspot with a palpable buzz in the air. Northern Cyprus is coming into its own and it’s an exciting time to be here.

People often think that Northern Cypriot cuisine is simply Turkish cuisine. The truth couldn’t be more different. Cypriot cuisine has been influenced by different cultures throughout history and therefore there simply is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Cypriot dish. While the ingredients may be similar, the outcome of a particular delicacy will vary according to where and by whom it is cooked. The many ‘mezes’ or little starters, usually offered before the main meal are quite literally innumerable: fresh mushrooms, aubergine, humous, olives, cracked wheat, grilled cheese, the list is endless, as is the number of ways in which they are prepared and presented. Meat plays a large role in Turkish Cypriot cuisine, whether as kebabs, stuffed vegetable dishes, fish or the typical kleftiko (oven, slow-baked lamb or chicken) but there is plenty for the vegetarian. Sweets and desserts play an important role in Turkish Cypriot cuisine and are often very, very sweet and sticky but always uniquely delicious. As for what to drink, do as the locals do and enjoy a glass of aniseed-imbued raki or a brandy sour. Alternatively, Turkish beer (Efes) or an ayran (yoghurt and milk or water, often mixed with mint) are good choices. Turkish coffee (known as Greek coffee in the south of the island!) is unique: small and very strong, prepared according taste. A word of warning, though: beware the sludge at the bottom of the cup!

Health care in North Cyprus is of moderate standard, with both government hospitals and private clinics, the latter often operated by English speaking and English or American trained staff. The State Hospitals are in Nicosia/Lefkosa and Famagusta/Gazi Magusa, with other smaller hospitals around the island. Fees and prices for medications and treatment vary wildly so make sure you have international medical insurance. Note, however, that Northern Cyprus is not an EU member and, as such, European medical insurance is invalid. Most prescription drugs are available over the counter and pharmacies are often well-stocked with a wide range of additional items such as cosmetics, sun care and baby items. Dental and eye services and treatments are of a particularly high standard in Northern Cyprus, with high quality frames and lenses widely and cheaply available.

No inoculations are needed, although mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer. Help prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening; use mosquito repellents on exposed areas.

Bottled water is recommended for drinking.

Personal effects

With the right people assisting you, purchasing an overseas property can be an enjoyable and rewarding affair ... one, we at PCI Cyprus are familiar with. If you still have questions having read this section, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Some of the information in the information sections has been supplied by third parties, and PCI Cyprus and its associated companies cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Professional advice should always be sought at the time of purchase.