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CYPRUS
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USEFUL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO CYPRUS
LOCATION. 60 miles west of Syria, 47 miles south of Turkey, 200 miles north of Egypt and 200 miles west is the Greek island of Rhodes.
INOCULATIONS. None needed. (Could consider Hepatitis).
LANGUAGE. Greek is the official language but English is very widely spoken especially in the Tourist areas.
RELIGION. Greek Orthodox.
ELECTRICITY. Same voltage as UK 220-240 AC with three pin plugs.
WATER. Safe to drink, but please don't waste it.
TIME DIFFERENCES. GMT + 2 hours.
WEIGHTS & MEASURES. Metric
TELEPHONE. Phone cards are available in many outlets. Cyprus has direct dialling to ninety countries.
TEMPERATURES. July and August can reach 34c, cooling a little by the end of September. October about 28c. Winters are very mild with temperatures ranging from 22c in January but cooler in the mountains which are popular as a ski destination so expect snow. Visas are not required by UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the EU nationals and can stay in the Republic of Cyprus for up to three months.
SPECIAL NOTE. If you entered Cyprus from the North (Turkey) it is ILLEGAL to cross to the Republic of Cyprus (the south). Travel from the Republic of Cyprus to the North on a day trip is legal (possible) and straightforward, but if you are late coming back your name may be placed on a black list and you will not be allowed to cross to the North (Turkey) again. It is legally IMPOSSIBLE to travel from the Republic of Cyprus to the North (Turkey) and then continue on to Turkey (Mainland). You are not allowed to take luggage with you across the Green Line, If found trying to do so you may be placed on the Republic of Cyprus black list, which will most likely prevent you from ever entering the Republic of Cyprus again. Also note that Turkish-Cypriots or travellers who have a Greek family name will almost certainly be refused a day pass to visit the North. Travellers may enter the Republic of Cyprus only through the legal ports of entry: Larnaka and Pafos International Airports, or the sea ports of Larnaka, Lemesos and Pafos. These general rules are correct at the time of writing, it is advised to check with your tour operator or Contact THE TRAVEL ADVICE UNIT of the FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE. www.travelcareonline.com Phone 0207 238 4503/4504. Fax 0207 238 4545.
CURRENCY. Cypriot Pound divided into 100 cents.
POST OFFICES. Opening hours Monday to Friday 07.30-13.00.
EMERGENCIES. 199 for Police, Fire and Ambulance, all telephone operators speak English.
SUN PROTECTION. Take care especially with the very young and the elderly between the hours of 11.00-15.00 when the sun is at it's strongest. Where sun protection, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day non-alcoholic. Wear a hat and loose clothing during the hottest part of the day.
BEST BUYS. Lace, Spectacles, Sunglasses, Leather goods and Jewellery.
SHOPPING HOURS. As a general rule most shops open from 8. 00 AM to 1.30 PM and 4.00 PM to 7.00 PM. Afternoon closing is on Saturday and Wednesday. Many shops will be shut on Sunday. BANKS. usually open mornings only.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. Jan 1st: New Year. Jan 6th: Epiphany. Feb. 23rd: Green Monday (50 days before Greek Orthodox Easter). Mar 25th: Greek National Day. Apr. 1st: Greek Cypriot National Day. Apr. 9th: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox church) Apr. 11th: Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox church) Mat 1st: Labour Day. May 31st: Pentecost - Katakysmos (festival of the Flood) Aug. 15th: Assumption Oct. 1st: Cyprus independence Day Oct. 28th: Greek national day (Ochi Day) Dec. 24th: Christmas Eve Dec. 25th: Christmas Day Dec. 26th Boxing Day. NOTE All public services are closed on public holidays, this may not apply in the resorts, ask your travel agent.
CARNIVAL. Usually held from February 23rd for two weeks. Grand parade held in Limassol on the 9th March.
DRIVING. On the left same as the UK. LIMASSOL is also sign posted LEMESOS. NICOSIA as LEFKOSIA. LARNACA as LARNAKA and PAPHOS as PAFOS. Road signs show place names and not road numbers, so know where you are heading for by name. All other signs are in English, but distances are in kilometres. The maximum speed limit on the motorways is 100 km per hour and the lower speed limit of 65 km per hour. On all other roads it is 80 km per hour and in built up areas it is 50 km. Front seat belts are compulsory. Drivers are advised to wear sun glasses because of the intense brightness, particullay when travelling west in the late afternoon, when the glare of the setting sun can cause problems. A UK driving licence is sufficient to hire a car on Cyprus.
YOUR RESORT. On arrival, if you have been on a long haul, your body will need time to adjust, try to keep to your usual routine like staying awake until your normal bed time and eat at you usual meal times. Don't try rushing around to do everything at once, your on holiday relax.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION. We check all our accommodation is of the highest standard whether it is a basic bargain holiday apartment or a luxury villa. If you see anything that concerns you bring it to the attention of the local rep or accommodation management.
FIRE SAFETY. ( Familiarise yourself with the following) Fire notice in your accommodation. Your nearest exit. Your meeting point in the event of evacuation. How to raise the alarm if you see smoke or fire. Make sure the gas supply for cooking is properly turned off, most holiday accommodation has bottled gas, as an extra precaution turn off the supply on the bottle neck. As a rule independent gas hot water heaters are not recommended.
BATHROOMS. You will find the floors are normally tiled, and few hotels/apartments provide bath mats so take extra care especially when wet.
LIFTS. Sometimes there is no internal door, stand well clear of exposed walls. NEVER allow children to use or operate lifts alone. NEVER allow children to use electrical appliances unsupervised.
CHILDREN'S SAFETY. Whilst on holiday in a strange environment take extra care when using BALCONIES, LIFTS, PLAYGROUNDS, SWIMMING POOLS and GLASS DOORS in bright sunlight it is sometimes difficult to tell if the doors are open or not take extra care (very few hotels/apartments are legally obliged to use toughened safety glass).
BALCONIES. Never attempt to climb from one balcony to another. Don't pass items between balconies. Don't sit on balcony railings. Don't leave children unsupervised on balconies or leave furniture which they can climb onto. Take extra care on balconies when you have been drinking.
COTS/HIGHCHAIRS/BUGGIES. When using a cot check that the mattress is a snug fit and that the vertical bars are not more than 10 cm apart, and that the adjustable side bar is high enough. Cots and high chairs should be clean, well maintained and without sharp edges. The same rules apply if you hire equipment from a local shop.
SWIMMING POOLS. Your pool may be very different from ones at home. IT MAY NOT HAVE A LIFE GUARD.
1. Supervise children at all times.
2. Take time to walk around the pool and make sure you know where the deep end is.
3. Check what the times are for using the pool.
4. Do not use the pool after eating or drinking, allow yourself an hour.
5. Never run around the pool.
6. Ensure pool side furniture is correctly set up before use.
7. Never use the pool at night, even if it is floodlit, take extra care with children around the pool after dark.
8. Don't jump or dive from ornamental structures around the pool.
ROAD SAFETY. The roads around your resort are unfamiliar and the rules can vary from one country to another. In some countries cars are not always obliged to stop at crossing points. Remember to look both ways before crossing.
SELF CATERING. From simple village accommodation to purpose built apartments you will find there will be enough basic cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils to prepare a simple snack or light meal, a refrigerator, (it is advisable to make your own ice cubes from bottled water) 2 electric/gas rings, electric kettle, and a teapot. There is rarely an oven or grill although some may have a microwave or electric toaster. Check the inventory on arrival if anything is missing let your rep or the management know. As a rule items such as washing up liquid, soap powder, tea towels and beach towels are not provided. If you are staying in a private villa it is advisable to take a torch with you.
MAIDS SERVICE. Depending on where you are staying it can vary from daily to every two to three days and doesn't always include bed making. It will not include washing up or laundry, fresh linen for beds and clean towels are normally changed once during a weekly stay.
OTHER TYPES OF BOARD BASES.
BB - Bed and Breakfast. In most cases it is a buffet style meal.
H/B - Half Board. Breakfast and Evening Meal in most cases it is a buffet style meal.
F/B - Full Board. Breakfast. Lunch and Evening Meal in most cases it is a buffet style meal.
ALL INCLUSIVE . All main meals, snakes and drinks including soft drinks and ice cream for the kids, in most cases it is a buffet style meal.
S/C - Self Catering. Preparing your own meals or eating out. Some hotels may have a set menu and table service, if this is what you want check before booking.
CHECKING IN AND OUT. As a rule check out time is between 10.00 and 12.00. on the last full day of your holiday. Check in time is usually late afternoon, most accommodation will allow you to leave luggage in reception or have a secure room for this purpose, check on arrival. If you have a late flight some accommodation provide a curtesy suit to freshen up before leaving for the airport. In some cases for a small charge you can retain your room, if it has not been allocated, check on arrival.
HOT WATER. Many holiday hotels/apartments use solar power to heat water, which on cloudy days may limit the amount of hot water available, please be patient. Don't waste water by requesting unnecessary laundering of towels etc. In many overseas countries water is a precious commodity.
INSECTS. All countries have creepy crawlies, they are not a sign of dirtiness. Cover up when near water or woods at night and use insect repellent products for yourself and your rooms.
ROOM TYPES. Rooms for three or four people are usually twin rooms that have had extra beds put in, space may be restricted, the third and fourth beds are normally camp beds or bunk beds in family rooms.
STUDIO apartments are similar to a bed sit in the UK and can usually sleep between 2 and 3 persons.
ONE beds have one bedroom with twin beds and either a double or single sofa type bed in the lounge and can usually sleep between 3 or 4 persons.
TWO beds have two bedrooms with twin beds and either a double or single sofa bed in the lounge and can usually sleep between 5 and 6 persons.
THREE beds can usually sleep up to 8 persons.
PERSONAL SAFETY WHEN ON HOLIDAY.
1. Never leave children unattended near water, on balconies, in amusement parks and playgrounds or on the beach, take note of warning flags on beaches. RED don't swim. YELLOW take care. GREEN it is safe to enter the water.
2. Never swim alone. If you are diving make sure you know the depth before doing so.
3. Drink bottled water. (avoid ice in drinks unless you are sure it has been made from treated water.
4. Book tours with accredited tour operators and follow there advise it is for your safety.
5. In exotic locations avoid food, ice cream and drinks from street vendors.
6. Avoid walking along dark streets, accepting lifts or giving lifts to strangers and hitch hiking. Use only licensed Taxis.
7. Only carry as much cash as you need, and keep it out of sight in a safe place.
8. Leave valuables like passports, extra money, tickets home, credit cards and travellers cheques when not needed in the hotel/ apartment safe.
9. On arrival at your resort/hotel check where the fire exits are.
10. Always lock up when you go out and leave a light on.
11. Know about local laws relating to alcohol.
12. Drugs, never get involved it is a serious offence and can be punished with imprisonment. The British consul cannot get you out of prison.
13. Respect local cultures especially dress codes.
14. Nudity and topless bathing and or sunbathing can be extremely offensive in some countries check first.
15. If threatened by thieves don't try and stop them, you have insurance.
16. Don't carry parcels or drive vehicles across boarders for other people.
17. Don't use cameras or binoculars in sensitive areas such as borders, army, navy and air force bases.
18. If you suffer an injury or are unwell on holiday, requiring a doctor or hospitalisation you will need a Fitness to Fly Certificate issued by the attending doctor before the airlines will allow you to fly. You must also obtain clearance from you insurance company, and the airline must receive notification prior to your being allowed to fly.
19. Rabies. If you think you have been in contact with any infected animal contact a Doctor immediately. Highly unlikely on Cyprus.
20. Whether in your hotel or a restaurant always make sure food is served piping hot.
SUN PROTECTION FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES AND HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY
1. PROTECT CHILDREN THEY ARE PARTICULARLY AT RISK AND KEEP BABIES OUT OF THE SUN COMPLETELY.
2. People with pale skin, red hair or have moles and freckles should take extra care.
3. Brown and Black skinned people do not usually burn but they should still take care.
4. Too much exposure can cause heat exhaustion, sun stroke or skin irritation.
5. Ultraviolet radiation is reflected off light coloured surfaces like water, sand and snow which increases it's strength.
6. You can get sun burn through light cloud, and under shallow water.
7. COVER UP wear loose cool clothing, wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
8. Stay in the shade especially during the hottest part of the day between 11 am and 3pm.
9. Use a good sun screen 15 or higher use it an hour before going out and repeat frequently.
SUPPORT CONSERVATION. Don't be tempted to bring back souvenirs such as native flora, fauna, rocks, lava or shells if caught it can be punishable by a heavy fine or even a prison sentence. Don't buy goods made from endangered species like ivory, rhino horn, certain furs, coral and turtles unless sold by a licensed souvenir shop. CITES. Regulates the international trade in over 30,000 endangered species, approximately 25,000 are plants. The UK Government strongly supports CITES regarding it as essential means for helping to protect species threatened by international trade.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WALKERS, CAMPERS AND CYCLISTS.
1. Good walking shoes. (preferably ones you have worn in)
2. Hat.
3. Plenty of drinking water.
4. Stay on the marked trails.
5. Never walk at night.
6. Fires and Smoking are forbidden in most countries especially during dry spells.
7. Respect the flora and fauna and other wildlife.
8. Get advise before setting out about wild animals, snakes, fish, poisonous plants, reptiles and insects.
9. It's advisable to go with an organised group, unless you have a good knowledge of the type of terrain you are walking in.
10. Let someone know where you are going and when to either expect you back or the time you expect to reach your destination then inform them of your safe arrival.
VICTIM OF A CRIME.
1. List everything that has been lost or damaged.
2. Report to the local police and make sure they make out a report.
3. Immediately cancel your credit cards and rebook your tickets home. (there should be no charge) Contact your local rep for advise.
WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR CONSULATE. (usually located in the capital city) If you are attacked. Have lost your passport. Need to be treated in hospital. Have been arrested (British consular staff cannot get you out of prison abroad). For some destinations you may need more specific advice about safety, inoculations, visas etc. Contact THE TRAVEL ADVICE UNIT of the FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE. www.travelcareonline.com Phone 0207 238 4503/4504. Fax 0207 238 4545.
DRIVING ABROAD. Keep a Note of the Hire Companies Contact Details in the Car with your Driving License, Insurance and Hire Contract at all times. Also have a note of your accommodation address.
MAPS. It's a good idea to have a map of the locality, some hire companies will have a stock.
OBSERVE LOCAL SPEED LIMITS. If stopped for speeding you can have your driver's licenses confiscated immediately. Fines are high and have to be paid. If you leave the country before paying a fine, notification will be sent to your country of origin. Note most countries speed limit is displayed in kilometres, not miles.
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. European countries have the same laws against drink driving as the UK usually zero tolerance. Drinking one beer could put your driving license at risk.
BELT UP. Most countries now require both drivers and passengers to wear correctly fitted seat belts, these are ALWAYS fitted on HIRE CARS if not don't hire the car. Some European countries do not permit children under a certain age to be in the front passenger seat of a moving vehicle check first.
PARK ONLY WHERE IT'S PERMITTED. In most cities, towns and resorts parking areas are clearly marked if in doubt don't park. Some cities also use parking meters, check if there is one before parking. If you have a UK disabled parking badge, you can use it in many European countries.
LOCK UP. Lock the vehicle and put valuables out of sight, never leave children or pets in parked cars.
IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT. Keep calm, call the police and the hire company immediately. |
