QUICK INFORMATION

• 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 the Cyprus Pound (CY£) which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued in £20, £10, £5 and £1 denominations . The exchange rate is CYP1.00=+/-EUR1.75
• 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 currency of Cyprus is the Cyprus pound - CY£, which is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes and coins currently in use:
Notes: C£20, C£10, C£5, C£1.
Coins: 50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents, 1 cent.

The Cyprus pound is not traded internationally. Commercial Banks will quote daily exchange rates for the Cyprus pound against all major foreign currencies.

Banking hours for the public

September:
Monday-Friday -08:15 - 13:00
Monday 15:15 - 16:45

October to April
Monday-Friday 08:30 - 13:00
Monday 15:15 - 16:45

May to August
Monday-Friday 08:15 - 13:00

Banks are closed at weekends and on public holidays and Easter Tuesday. Christmas Eve is a working day for banks.

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.