Area
9,251 sq. km. (3,572 sq. miles)
Location
Europe, Eastern Mediterranean
Population
748,301 (as per estimates of 2006) and Population Density of 80.9 per sq. km.
Capital City
Nicosia (Lefkosia) with a total population of 208,900 (excluding Northern Cyprus under Turkish control).
Language
Greek is the major language with over 80% people comfortable with Greek dialect in the local language (Greek Cypriot). Turkish is the popular language in the northern region among Turkish Cypriots. The tourists have no problem in communicating with the locals with English, French and German speaking people in the major tourist centres.
Electricity
AC 240 volts, 50Hz. Square 13-Amp Three-Pin plugs (UK style) are commonly used.
Currency
Euro (EUR, symbol €). 1€ = 100 cents.
Notes prevalent = €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500
Coins prevalent = €1 and 2; Cents 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50.
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at banks, railway stations, airports, and most first-class hotels (at a reduced rate) in the country. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards prevalent = All major cards accepted in large cities. However, smaller hotels may require bills to be paid in cash. ATMs are located at convenient places in major towns and tourist areas.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are also accepted at most places in Cyprus. All banks offer the facility of cashing the travellers cheques. The travellers are advised to carry travellers’ cheques in major currencies, like Euros, US Dollars, Pounds Sterling etc., in order to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Banking Hours
Banks in Cyprus function from Monday to Friday from 0830-1230 in June, July, and August; Monday to Friday from 0815-1230 and Monday 1515-1645 for rest of the year. Some banks are also open from Tuesday to Friday in the afternoon. And banks in Larnaca and Pafos International Airport are open all day.