- English is the second language and is widely spoken. A greater Knowledge of French and German is increasingly noticeable.
- The currency of the Republic is Euro
- Banks in Cyprus open for the, public from 08:30 to 12:30 midday. Certain banks in tourist areas open during the afternoon.
- The voltage on the island is 240 Socket outlets are of flat 3 pin-type.
- All types of medication are available in well stocked pharmacies all over Cyprus.
- Telephone : Cyprus automatic telephone dialing system reaches 206 countries. Telecards can be purchased from Post Offices, kiosks and souvenir shops.
- There are two international airports in Cyprus, at Larnaca and Pafos.
- The two main ports are in Lemesos and Larnaca.
- Around 30 airlines connect Cyprus directly with most European and Middle-East countries, which provide ongoing services to anywhere in the world.
- As from May 2004 Cyprus is a full member of the European Community
Cyprus Currency
The European Union's Council of Ministers has approved the entry of Cyprus into the Eurozone.
European finance ministers (collectively known as Ecofin) set fixed rates of one euro to 0.585274 Cypriot pounds and euro is the official currency used in Cyprus since January 1, 2008.
The design of the Cypriot euro coins
- 1 cent, 2 cent and 5 cent: The Mouflon, the most characteristic species of fauna in Cyprus, representing the island's nature and wildlife.
- 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent: The Kyrenia ship of 4th Century B.C., representing Cyprus's history and its character as an island as well as its importance in trade.
- €1 and €2: The Idol of Pomos, a cross-shaped idol dating back to the Cypriot chalcolithic period (3000 B.C.), found in Pomos, a village in the district of Paphos. It is a characteristic example of prehistoric art in Cyprus, representing the island’s antiquity, culture and civilization.
Depiction of Cypriot euro coinage | Obverse side |
€ 0.01 |
€ 0.02 |
€ 0.05 |
|
|
|
The Mouflon
|
€ 0.10 |
€ 0.20 |
€ 0.50 |
|
|
|
The Kyrenia ship
|
€ 1.00 |
€ 2.00 |
€ 2 Coin Edge |
|
|
2 ΕΥΡΩ 2 EURO |
| The Idol of Pomos |
Banking hours for the public
For months: May, June, July, August & September
Monday to Friday: 8:15 -13:30
For the rest of the Year:
Monday: 8:30-13:30 & 15:15- 16:45
Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 - 13:30
Banks are closed at weekends and on public holidays and Easter Tuesday. Christmas Eve is a working day for banks.
Bank Holidays in Cyprus for 2008
|
|
1 January |
Tuesday |
New Year's Day |
10 March |
Monday |
Green Monday |
25 March |
Tuesday |
Greek Independence Day |
1 April |
Tuesday |
Cyprus National Day |
25 April |
Friday |
Good Friday |
28 April |
Monday |
Easter Monday |
29 April |
Tuesday |
Easter Tuesday |
1 May |
Thursday |
Labour Day |
16 June |
Monday |
Whit Monday |
15 August |
Friday |
Assumption Day |
1 October |
Wednesday |
Cyprus Independence Day |
28 October |
Tuesday |
Greek National Day |
25 December |
Thursday |
Christmas Day |
26 December |
Friday |
Boxing Day |
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS |
| Emergency |
Cyprus |
199 |
| Telephone Service |
Cyprus |
11892 |
| Tourist Information |
Pafos |
26932841 |
| Postal Service |
Pafos |
26940223 |
| Water Service |
Pafos |
26932374 |
| Electricity Authority |
Pafos |
26932395 |
| International Airport |
Pafos |
26422833 |
| International Airport |
Larnaca |
24635405 |
| General Hospital |
Pafos |
26940111 |
| Police Headquarters |
Pafos |
26806060 |
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany Day
Variable: Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
March 25: Greek National Day
April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable: Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
May 1: Labour Day
Variable: Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
August 15: Assumption
October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Notes: All Public Services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays.
In resort and coastal areas, however, shops and certain services remain open. Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday but not on Dec. 24.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
The health facilities in Cyprus are of a high standard. The latest technologies and operating techniques are standard practice, with heart bypass surgery and kidney transplantation operations routine in the islands hospitals. The accident and emergency departments of all the hospitals are manned with English-speaking personnel, but it's advisable to seek the assistance of an interpreter for more complex medical matters.
Emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency department, is free to tourists.
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