Living in North Cyprus
NORTHERN CYPRUS GENERAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Northern Cyprus comprises an area of some 3,355 square miles. The island of Cyprus is the third largest in the Mediterranean, located only 70km from the coast of Turkey and 385km from Egypt. This is an island that has said to have sunk beneath the sea more then once, and it lies in an earthquake prone region. Yet luckily for its inhabitants North Cyprus is in a stable area of the region which insures that it sees less tectonic action in comparison to its neighbours Greece and Turkey.
NORTH CYPRUS WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Northern Cyprus’s climate makes it one of the healthiest places in the world to live, for two simple reasons: long hot summers and short mild but wet winters. Residents of TRNC enjoy approximately 330 days of sunshine annually and the sea temperature in Northern Cyprus rarely drops below 63 degrees F.
TIME
Local time in North Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Summertime is used and the clocks change on the same day as in the UK. Time in terms of when things get done is a bit more relaxed then in most European countries. There is what has become known throughout the world as island time and the mañana (tomorrow) attitude is quite prevalent in North Cyprus. So expect things to get done at a more gradual pace. Appointments are generally kept but might be a bit delayed.
LANGUAGE
Turkish is the official language of Northern Cyprus, whilst English is widely spoken and is considered the country’s second language. Although English is widely spoken throughout the Northern Cyprus Island the level at which it is spoken can vary greatly. If you plan on staying and ultimately living in Northern Cyprus its well worth learning some Turkish. The effort is greatly appreciated by the local Cypriots. Also while most road signs in Northern Cyprus Kyrenia are in English other remote parts of TRNC may only be in Turkish. Most highways, however, have signs in both languages.
CURRENCY
The New Turkish Lira (YTL), is an adjusted version of the Turkish Lira in circulation since 1974 and is the legal tender of Northern Cyprus. The difference between the TL (Turkish Lira) and the YTL is the removal of the 6 zeros (example: 1 million TL is now 1 YTL). The local exchange rate follows changes in the international market. Most foreign currencies are accepted in the TRNC.
NORTH CYPRUS BANKING AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The TRNC has a flexible exchange policy. Accounts in foreign currency can be opened with many local banks in Northern Cyprus.
The TRNC government encourages the formation of offshore banks by foreign investors in North Cyprus and is offering low set-up capital, low corporation and income tax as incentives.
POSTAL SERVICES
There is only one post office in Kyrenia which is known as the PTT (Post Telephone and Telegraph). In order to avoid confusion it is vital to write the senders name on the back of the envelope. Envelopes should not be sealed with sticky tape. Telegrams can be sent, but only from the main postal branches in Northern Cyprus.
SECURITY
Crime is relatively low in North Cyprus, however precautions should always be taken. Children and the elderly can walk the streets alone or at night and the environment is a warm, welcoming one. However, cars and properties in North Cyprus should always be left secured. For information on security companies, specialising in alarm and panic systems, please contact us.
THE COST OF LIVING
Living costs of the TRNC are considerably lower than in the UK or most of Europe. Main costs are electricity (approximately £15 to £20, monthly per household for a couple), water (£5 to £10, monthly per couple) and council tax (less than £50 per annum). Make sure to partake in comparison shopping for in general no one shop is cheaper then the rest.
rty purchasing permit and applications to the local authorities and Ministry of Interior in North Cyprus.
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