OKCyprus

Climate - The sunniest island in the Mediterranean many people are attracted by the long hot summers and mild winters.

Language - Although Green and Turkish are the official languages, English is widely spoken with street signs, directions and most shop signs are written clearly in English.

Travel - The two international airports in Larnaca and Paphos connect Cyprus with all countries of the world. More than 40 airlines operate over 260 flights weekly to and from Cyprus, also low cost airlines have arrived recently to Cyprus.

Shopping - There's a wonderful choice of shopping in Cyprus.  The modern supermarkets offer a large variety of local and imported goods.  Many areas of the Cypriot commercial and retail structure still reflect British influence - even down to the British shops and goods available across the island.

Driving - Driving in Cyprus is on the left and distances between towns are relatively short.  Driving is most advisable as regular transport service is not available to all remote areas where many places of interest are to be found.  Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link the towns and the various villages.  Four lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia with the coastal towns of Lemesos, Larnaka and Pafos.

Visitors in Cyprus can drive using a valid International driving licence, or their National driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive. The cost of a permanent Cyprus Driving Licence is 40.00 Euro. (one off payment)

Education - There are Greek, English, Armenian and French junior and secondary schools, a Greek university and a number of private English colleges with close relations to UK and USA universities, located all over the island.

Cuisine & Entertainment - Numerous taverns and restaurants provide local food and international cuisine, excellent local and imported drinks.  The best way to try Cypriot delicacies is by ordering a Meze, which consists of numerous dishes and specialities.  There are nighclubs and bars in all major towns and tourtist resorts.

Medical - Medical care-needs in Cyprus are met through Government General Hospitals and Private Clinics/Hospitals.  Almost all brands of manufactured medicines are available in Cyprus.  Local newspapers list pharmacies which are open during the night and on weekends/holidays, as well as the names of doctors who are on call.

Food Safety & Drinking Water Quality - In Cyprus the safety of food and drinking water quality is monitores by the Health Inspectors of the Medical and Public Services of the Ministry of Health and the local authorities.  Food and drinking water are of high quality, absolutely safe and no food or water-bore diseases occur.

Money - The currency system is based on the Euro.

The exchange rate in relation to other currencies is issued daily by the central bank.  There are both domestic and foreign banks operational within Cyprus, to international standard offering a range of services, from investment, Hire Purchase, to mortgage facilities, Most credit cards are accepted and used in Cyprus including Visa, American Express, Master Card and Diners Club.  A number of Automatic Exchange Machines operate on a 24hrs basis in central places of all towns.  Most currencies and denominations are acceptable.

Banking- The banking system closely follows the British process and ist is well developed and organized.  There are branches located throughout the towns and offer efficient service and are normally open between 8.30 - 12.30 Monday to Friday.  Non-Cypriot citizens can quite easily open a foreign currency and local deposit account.

Communication - A good telephone system offers a large number of services and connects Cyprus to over 200 countries. There are six T.V. stations which air a high percentage of programmes in English and British Forces radio station as well as a number of local ones.

Newspapers - English newspapers and a number of magazines are published in Cyprus and most, well known national papers and international magazines are imported.