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Tips for the Traveler in Cyprus

Sent by E. Kane (United States) on 03 October 2007

Cyprus is a beautiful island, full of possibilities for travelers of all ages. Any overseas trip, while exciting, can present challenges. Travel itineraries and jet lag are known challenges, but once you arrive at your destination, feeling like a damp rag, a whole new set may welcome you, for which you are unprepared. It is the hope of this author that the following tips will make your trip to Cyprus more relaxing.

A tourist visa of 90 days will be given at the airport upon arrival. There is no need for prior application.

The health system is quite good. If you require hospitalization, ask to be taken to a private hospital or clinic rather than to a government-run hospital. Prices for medical care are generally much less expensive than in the U.S. No immunizations are needed for a visit to Cyprus.

Rent a car if you are able, but only if you are a confident driver. Traffic flow is on the left side of the road. It’s a bit disorienting at first, but not difficult. Drive defensively. Cypriots will try to nose into traffic and will expect you to let them in. Do so; someone else will let you in. Roundabouts are common in each major city, and will present some confusion for the inexperienced. Simply stay in the left lane, watch for drivers on your right trying to get off, and look for your exit. Read your map carefully before you begin your journey and know exactly where you want to go.

Public transportation is not great, but you can find for some routes, or call for a taxi. Service taxis to other cities will allow you to share the cost of the ride with others.

Cyprus is scheduled to adopt the Euro in January 2008. Until then the only acceptable currency is Cypriot pounds. Some shops will exchange dollars.

Tap water is potable, though you may prefer the taste of bottled water. Be sure to keep a bottle of water with you when sightseeing to keep hydrated, since the climate can be very hot and dry.

Electricity is 240 volts. The outlets require UK-type large three-pronged plugs. Some hotels might have rounded two-hole outlets, as in Europe.

Buy food and drinks from the large or local supermarkets, never in the tourist district.

Be sure to taste: halloumi (soft, salty cheese made from sheep or goat milk), all of the varieties of olives (there are many), lountza (smoked pork loin), fruits in season, coffee (Turkish coffee, but don’t call it that in the south), and village bread.

Buy round village bread from a bakery only when fresh from the oven (feel for warmth or springiness) and ask to have it sliced if it is not too warm. Wrap it up tightly. The lack of preservatives in the bread means it will not stay soft and fresh for long – but that’s what makes it good.

Do not buy gold on the street in tourist sections. The only exception is in the quaint village of Lefkara, where reliable gold jewelry can be found reasonable prices. Lefkara is better known for its silver and handmade lace, totally unique to that village. Prices are very high for the lace, but watching the old ladies sewing is a treat.

Sometimes a shopkeeper will offer a glass of juice or coffee. They do not expect payment; take the opportunity to chat with them about their life.

If you are invited to a Cypriot wedding, go! Be prepared to stand through the Greek Orthodox service, and to give a small cash gift to the couple during the reception.

When you visit an orthodox church, monastery, or mosque, conservative dress is expected. That means no shorts or tank tops, and in the case of the mosque, a veil for women. Some of these historical places of worship will not allow pictures taken inside.


Watch Out For...

Political conversations – In 1974 Turkey “invaded” the north and since then the island has been divided into south (Greek Cypriot) and north (Turkish Cypriot), with vehement feelings on both sides. If you dare enter conversations about this, avoid expressing your opinion.

Car rental dealers – They may offer to skip insurance. Don’t skip the insurance.

Road rage – Not as you’d expect in L.A., but Cypriots can spout off their anger over traffic disputes in the middle of the road in such a way that you half expect an all-out war. Violence is very rare in such cases; the men especially have to ‘save face’ by shouting. Do not entangle yourself in such an ordeal, and if you are involved in an accident, try to remain calm.

Toilet paper – Do not flush it. It may be okay in some large hotels. A covered trashcan will be provided.

Other tourists – Be watchful of your purse or wallet in crowds where tourists congregate. Crime in Cyprus is otherwise remarkably low. I once left a camera on a stone ledge at Tomb of the Kings in Paphos. Shortly after a Cypriot approached me with it, and said, “It’s a good thing a tourist didn’t find it.”

Snakes – Vipers are out there, but don’t give it a second thought if you stick to the path. Be watchful if you want to wander through orchards or the rocky remains of abandoned villages.

Too much sun – Many is the time we drove down Limassol’s beachfront road and saw at least a dozen tourists with lobster-red sunburns. Take a hat and breathable long-sleeved clothing if your skin can’t tolerate much sun, even with sunscreen.

With these tips and proper planning, your island experience can be perfectly enjoyable and memorable. Once you arrive, follow the Cypriot laid-back example, and relax.

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