A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO NORTHERN CYPRUS

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Turkish Lira. If you have been before you will have been used to being a ‘Turkish Lira’ millionaire but not anymore. As from January 1st 2005, six of the zeros have been removed, so what was once 1,000,000 Turkish Lira is now 1 New Turkish Lira. Both the new and old money will be used side by side for 2005. Some of the restaurants and shops have changed their menus and the prices are shown in YTL (yeni Turkish Lira/New Turkish Lira). Most hotel receptions, major shops and restaurants readily accept foreign currency especially sterling and several will also exchange Traveller’s Cheques for you (with your passport) on the spot. The exchange rate fluctuates daily so it’s best to check the rate before you change your cash (correct rate is shown in banks and newspapers) and not to exchange all your currency at once. Banks are often busy and there are numerous queues! It’s best to think of yourselves as being in a cash society.

The majority of banks are open form 8.00 to 13.00 Monday to Friday.
Exchange Bureaus are open from 9.30 to 18.00 Monday to Saturday.

Credit cards are accepted in several places but there is usually a handling charge. However, if you know your PIN number there are cash point machines in the centre of Kyrenia. The machines pay out in Turkish Lira and you will pay your bank’s handling fee.

POST OFFICE

Stamps are available from the Post Office and a few hotel receptions. Cards are widely available. Light mail will take a good week to reach the UK so always write your cards A.S.A.P.! All post may be either left with reception or posted at the Post Office, which is marked with yellow and black signs. The letterboxes are also yellow in colour. They may not be emptied very frequently!

ELECTRICITY

240 volts

throughout the Country. Sockets are of the 3-pin variety, so there is no need for adaptors.

HAIRDRESSERS

There are a number of traditional men’s Barbers and women’s Coiffures in both Kyrenia and Famagusta. Ask your rep for their favourite! The Hair Studio 815 3300 is opposite the Cyprus Paradise office. This offers hair dressing and a full range of beauty treatments. You will find the prices very reasonable when comparing to the UK.

TELEPHONE

If there is a telephone in your room then please ask reception how to obtain an outside line. It is advisable to check the hotel tariff, as most have a set charge for a minimum of three minutes, then charge per minute thereafter.

There are public telephone boxes outside the telephone exchange in town (opposite the Post Office). These will take your credit card. ‘Holiday Cards’ (pay as you go) for mobile phones are available from the Telsim and Turkce

ll telephone shops in Kyrenia. Take your phone to the shop with you as not all mobile telephones will work with the holiday card.

We have also found that not all mobile phones will work on the local network. If in doubt please take your mobile telephone along to either a Telsim or Turkcell shop. These are the service providers in North Cyprus.

To dial England: 00 44/area code(minus 0)/number e.g. 00 44 20 8333 4444
From: England: 00 90 392/area code/number e.g. 00 90 392 815 7555
Note: Phone calls are expensive, so it’s best to be brief!

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Although you are in a predominantly Muslim country, other religions are catered for. You will hear the Muslim call for prayer five times a day. When you visit a Mosque, please remove your footwear before entering, and remain silent if there are prayers being said.
St. Andrews Anglican Church, Girne (near the castle), is now re-open after being restored to it’s formal glory. Services are held at 8.00am & 10.00am on Sundays. Rev Tony Jeynes 815 4329
Terra Santa Roman Catholic Church (Ersin Aydin St., turning opposite Dome taxi rank). Mass is celebrated at 12.00 midday on the first and third Sunday of each month. Tel 815 2225/815 2285
Maronite Catholic Church of Ayios Georgios, Koruçam. Mass is celebrated every Sunday.
(See your reception/local press/church notice board for further details on services in the area.)

KYRENIA ANIMAL RESCUE

The Kyrenia Animal Rescue is a charity that relies totally on donations. Please do not feed cats in your accommodation or whilst dining as the next visitor may have an allergy or not enjoy animals as much as you do.

FRIENDLY WARNINGS

1. As you travel round the Island you will see the Military areas. Photography of any description is strictly forbidden in and around these sites. There are plenty of signs but if you are in any doubt – LEAVE YOUR CAMERA BEHIND.
2. Although you are in a very low crime rate society, we advise you to treat your valuables and cash as you would at home – with care. Keep them locked in the hotel safe. Do not carry high quantities of cash or traveller’s cheques. Never leave cash or valuables in your car at any time.
3. Very few of the historical sites have adequate safety measures. There are unguarded drops and open cisterns. All visitors are advised to exercise care and attention especially those with children.
4. If you are visiting the Salamis ruins in your own hire car, please do not leave any valuables in your car, this includes the boot.
5. You should stay away from the very bad mountain roads, especially if you have a saloon car. The Buffavento Castle road should be avoided unless you have a jeep.
6. The restaurants and shops, especially those in and around the harbour often show their menu in £ English sterling and the Cyprus Pound. Make sure your bill is calculated using sterling or Turkish Lira.

The Landmark Visitors Guide to Northern Cyprus is essential reading for anyone planning to get the most out of a stay in Northern Cyprus. This informative and entertaining book is an ideal travelling companion, whether you plan to visit the historical sites or just simply take a drive through the spectacular mountains. There is useful information on food and drink, and even a list of recommended restaurants. The ‘factfile’ section will tell you all you need to know about what to pack and gives general information on such varied topics as currency exchange and the weather. The co-authors, Kristina Gürsoy and Lavinia Smith both live in Northern Cyprus, and are actively involved in the tourism industry, so the information contained is very accurate. This 170 page guide book has many excellent colour photographs as well as a useful road map and city maps.