Covering an area of some 3000 square kilometers makes North Cyprus one of the largest Eastern Mediterranean islands, when you combine the countries natural beauty, lovely climate with the friendliness of the people it is understandable that those who live or visit here know it as the jewel of the Mediterranean.
The cultural influences inflicted on Northern Cyprus over the centuries of invading forces include the Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian and Byzantine dynasties, all of which leaving their own indelible prints. The British persuasion dates back to the 12th Century and has remained an integral part ever since, even up to present day. |
The Capital
of Northern Cyprus is Lefkosa (Nicosia) which is the main
business centre. With its border to the South. Other towns
include Famagusta which is the principal port and Girne (Kyrenia)
which is the heart of the countries tourism. With its historic
yacht harbour and archaeological interests. |
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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 per year and the lowest
temperature is rarely below 65 degrees. In the summer the
average temperature is over 30o c ( 90F) and in the coldest
months its around 10o c (50F) |
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The local
time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the
clocks change on the same day as the UK |
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| Although Turkish is the official
language, English is widely used and understood. |
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All types
of banking services are provided by many of the banks, such
as Turk Bankasi which have branches in London UK. There are
a number of HSBC branches in and around kyrenia and Nicosia, you can
also use your cash/credit cards in most 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
from Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays) between 08.00-12.00/14.00-16.00
hours. |
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The Turkish
Lira has been in circulation since 1974
The official rates for TL are adjusted daily according to
changes in International Monetary Markets. |
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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 glue or cello tape to seal
letters being sent. |
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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 governments scale of fees. |
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Medical Assistance 112
Fire service 199
Police 155
Water 152118
Electricity 188
Telephone 161 |
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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.
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| You can be admitted to Northern
Cyprus with any Passport, three month visas are given. In order
to extend an application you must contact the immigration office. |
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Shops are open with some variations
but generally the open times are:
Summer 0800-1300 1600-1900
Winter 0900-1300 1400-1800 |
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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) |
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In order
to call TRNC from abroad the area code 0090 followed by (0)392
for all local numbers. You can obtain telephone
calling cards or Turkish mobile phone sim cards from local
shops, supermarkets and post offices. |
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| In the TRNC traffic flows from
the left. Seat belts are obligatory and international road and
traffic signs are used. |
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Monday - Friday
Winter
08:00 – 13:00
14:00 – 17:00
Summer
07:00 – 14:00
15:30 – 18:00
Monday - Friday
Winter
08:30 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
Summer
08:30 – 12:00 |
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