About Cyprus • General Information

Money
Cyprus has a very modern and highly efficient banking system. The currency in Cyprus is the Cypriot pound (CY£) which is divided into 100 cents. Recently, the rate of exchange has been in the region of £1 = 82 cents. All major credit cards are widely accepted. Banks in Cyprus usually open in the mornings only.

Shopping
Shops are open mornings and afternoons in summer, but most small stores are closed on Sundays. Good buys in Cyprus include delicately woven Cypriot lace, leather goods including shoes and jackets and hand turned pottery. The island also has top class UK trained opticians who offer eye testing and the prescription of spectacles and contact lenses at extremely competitive prices.

Food & Drink
Food is as varied as you wish it to be. The resorts have their full quota of well known fast food outlets and there is an extensive range of restaurants offering international choices from top class French cuisine to authentic indian curries. Traditional restaurants offer exceptional value with their Greek inspired local dishes such as Mousaka, Kleftico, Mezes and delicious freshly caught fish.

There is a wide choice of excellent Cypriot wine and the local beers such as Keo and Leon are very popular. Many familiar British brews are also imported to the island.

Driving
Fuel costs are low and driving is on the left as in the UK. All road signs are in English as well as Greek and speed limits and distances are in Kilometres. All major car hire companies operate in Cyprus and rates are very competitive. Minimum age for car hire is 21 with a valid British or International driving licence.