Northern Cyprus useful Information

The TRNC comprises an area of 3,355 km square miles .It is 70 kilometres south of turkey and 385 kilometres North of Egypt. Poulation of 208,886.

Major towns

The Capital of Northern Cyprus is Lefkosa (Nicosia) which is the main business centre. With its border to the South –controlled Greek side. Other towns include Famagusta which is the principal port. Girne (Kyrenia) which is the country touristic industry. With its historic yacht harbour and archaeological interests.

Climate

In Cyprus, where the typical Mediterranean climates are dominant, summers are hot and dry and the winters generally rainy and warm. Approximately 330 days of sunshine annually and the lowest sea tempeture is rarely below 65 degress. In the summer the average temperature is over 30oc (90F) and in the coldest months its around 10oc (50F).

Time

The local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the clocks change on the same day as the U.K

Language

Although Turkish is the official language, English is widely used and understood.

Banking in the TRNC

All types of banking services are provided by many of the banks, such as Turk Bankasi which have branches in London UK .Their are a number of HSBC in and around kyrenia and Nicosia, you can also use your cash/credit cards in ATM machines to withdraw cash in the local currency.

Credit Cards, Access, MasterCard, Euro Cards, Visa, Diner’s Club are acceptable in larger hotels, restaurants and shops; sometimes a surcharge is added if credit cards are used.

Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks operate and they are open from Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays).

Currency

The Turkish Lira has been circulation since 1974.
The official rates for TL are adjusted daily according to changes in International Monetary Markets.

Postal Service

There is one main Post office In Kyrenia, Postage Stamps are available for a normal letter size at a cost of 50 pence.
Telegrams can only be sent form the main post office and it is very important to put the senders name and address on the back of the envelopes. Do not use and glue or cello tape to seal letters being sent.

Medical and Emergency

Hospitals are situated in Lefkosa, Famagusta and kyrenia.There are many doctors’ surgeries in these areas as well.
Dental treatment is of good standard, most dentists abide the govermements scale of fees.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Medical Assistance 112
Fire service 199
Police 155
Water 152118
Electricity 188
Telephone 161

Transportation

A valid British Driving Licence is recognised in the TRNC, for a limited period as is an International Driving Licence .Anyone owing a car in the TRNC is required to own a TRNC driving licence with a year, if this is not obtained and an accident does occur the car insurance will become void.
Passport/Visa
You can be admitted to Northern Cyprus with any Passport, three month visas are given. In order to extend an application is submitted at the immigration office.

Shops

Shops are open with some variations but generally the open times are:
Summer 0800-1300 1600-1900
Winter 0900-1300 1400-1800

Museums

During the summer visiting hours to the museums change, for more information you can ring the Office of museums and O ld Works of Arts (0090 392 227 2916)

Telephones

In order to call TRNC form abroad the area code 0090 followed by 392 for local numbers should be dialled. You can obtain telephone calling cards or Turkish mobile phone sim cards from local shops, supermarkets and post offices.

Traffic

In the TRNC traffic flows from the left. Seat belts are obligatory and international road and traffic signs are used.

Working Hours

Government Offices

Monday - Friday Winter Summer
08:00 – 3:00
14:00 – 17:00 07:00 – 14:00
15:30 – 18:00

Shops and Businesses

Monday - Saturday Winter Summer
08:00 – 17:30 07:30 – 13:00
16:00 - 18:00
except Saturdays

Banks

Monday - Friday Winter Summer
08:30 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00 08:30 – 12:00

Communication in North Cyprus

Broadband

Broadband in now available in Northern Cyprus and most businesses and residential properties are installing it at a low cost.

International telephone system

To dial the UK from the TRNC dial 00 44 and omit the first 0 of the UK code.

To dial the TRNC from the UK dial 00 90 392 and then the area code followed by the number.

Television

Bayrak television provides English-language programmes, including news bulletins.Television programmes can be received via satellite through various packages from Digiturk. These include most Uk channels.Television and radio licences are all included in payment for electricity.