GENERAL INFORMATION

Public Transport

There is an extensive and inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses between the centres of population and the villages. In addition there are DOLMUS (shared taxis) operating over the same routes. There are numerous taxis, these do not have meters, so discuss the fare beforehand.

Hire Cars

There are a considerable number of hire companies and a range of vehicles. Peak holiday periods create a heavy demand for vehicles. Vehicles with air-conditioning are increasingly available. A valid national driving licence is required to hire a vehicle. In February 2005 petrol cost YTL 1.55 per litre, 0.63p per litre, £2.80 per gallon.

Road use

Drive on the left as in the UK, road signs are International. Seat belts need to be worn, the maximum speed is 62mph (100km/hr) and there are speed traps, a source of revenue ! Drink driving is prohibited and limits are as in Europe. Road quality varies from good to rally special stage, though only the more adventurous will find a saloon car a disadvantage. Maps are less reliable away from the main roads and should not be regarded as accurate

Sporting and other activities

Swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, golf, horse riding, go-karting, 4x4 trekking, walking, bird-watching, flora and fauna, sea fishing, coarse fishing, aquapark, hang-gliding, parascending, jet ski.

Electricity

Voltage is 220/240 50cycles A/C. UK style sockets are standard.

Passports and Visas

You will need a passport, valid for at least 6 months, to enter North Cyprus, a visa is granted on entry. You will need to fill in a form at Erçan airport or at the border if you come in from the South. If you intend travelling to Greece or South Cyprus you should have the entry stamp put on a separate sheet of paper, rather than in your passport. This is a standard procedure and will avoid difficulties with any Greek authorities in the future.

The Climate

The temperature/rainfall graph shows a typical Mediterranean climate with a long, hot summer and mild winters, there are obviously variations to these conditions.

Eating and Drinking

There is a wide variety of national and international cuisine available and a wide range of prices. Many of the villages provide excellent local dishes and very reasonable prices. Ask the locals for their suggestions. Be adventurous and judge the establishment by its clientele rather than the appearance. There are a wide range of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Local beer and spirits are usually more economical than imported alcohol. Licensing hours tend to be flexible in the Mediterranean fashion.

Shopping

Food shops are widespread and there are markets for local produce. Girne now has several modern supermarkets and excellent shops with European and Cypriot produce. One of the unpublicised benefits of North Cyprus is the ready availability of good quality English cloth and tailoring for male and female. Osman in Lefkosa is widely used by the UN.
Spectacles are also available quickly and economically. There is also a wide range of jewellery. The shopkeepers may well solicit your custom but will gracefully accept a negative response.
Opening hours vary, but are generally:
Summer 8.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00; Winter 9.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00

Currency

The local currency is now the New Turkish Lire (YTL), in March 2005 the exchange rate was YTL 2.46 to the pound. Travellers cheques and Eurocheques can be exchanged in the larger towns and many hotels. There are many money changing kiosks in the main towns, Girne especially, and many banks. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, though a premium may be charged, and they should not be relied upon as a means of payment. The fluctuation in the YTL means that hard currency is readily accepted and can often be used instead of YTL.

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