Cyprus
Last checked:
- Capital
- Nicosia
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Greek, Turkish
- Plugs
- Type G · 240 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Paphos Archaeological Park · Paphos
Roman villas with some of the finest floor mosaics in the Mediterranean, plus the Tombs of the Kings nearby.
- Old Nicosia and Ledra Street crossing · Nicosia
Walled old city divided by the Green Line; EU citizens can usually walk across with a passport or ID.
- Troodos Mountains painted churches · Troodos
UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches with frescoes in cool mountain villages.
- Nissi Beach and Cape Greco · Ayia Napa
Clear water, sea caves and coastal trails in the southeast.
- Kourion · near Limassol
Clifftop Greco-Roman theatre and mosaics overlooking the sea.
Getting around
Buses
Cyprus By Bus
Official app and site for intercity and city buses; city fares are about 1.50-2.40 EUR (varies by district). Buses are cheap but infrequent outside main routes and evenings.
Ride-hailing app
Bolt
Works in Limassol and other cities, often booking official taxis at metered rates; availability can be limited (varies). Uber does not operate in Cyprus.
Taxi
Taxis and shared taxis
Taxis are fairly expensive and drivers sometimes do not use the meter, so insist on it or agree a fare first. Shared 'service taxis' link the main cities for a fixed price per seat until early evening.
Car rental
Car rental
The easiest way to explore. Cyprus drives on the left; red-light and speed cameras are common. Check insurance if you plan to drive to the north.
Bike share
Nextbike
Shared bikes in Limassol (beach road bike lane) and some other towns, rented by app.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards are widely accepted in the Republic of Cyprus; carry some cash for village tavernas, kiosks and buses. In the north (not controlled by the Republic) the Turkish lira is used, and euros are accepted in tourist areas at poor rates.
Tipping
Tipping in Cyprus is appreciated but modest. Check the bill first: some restaurants and hotels include a service charge (often 10%, varies). If it is not included, 5-10% or rounding up is normal for good service.
| Restaurants | 5-10% if no service charge is on the bill; nothing extra needed if it is. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Round up or leave small change. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up; not expected. |
| Hotels | 1-2 EUR per bag; small tip for housekeeping optional. |
| Tours and guides | Optional small tip for guides and boat crews. |
| Food delivery | Not expected; small tip optional. |
Service charge: what’s true
Some restaurants and hotels add a service charge, often shown as a separate line on the bill (varies). If it is there, an additional tip is not expected. How it is shared with staff depends on the business (varies).
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics around tips. The main pressure comes from bar promoters in Ayia Napa who push free shots or club discounts to get you inside, where prices are high.
Useful phrases
- Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ. (Ton logariasmó, parakaló.) The bill, please.
- Ευχαριστώ πολύ. (Efcharistó polý.) Thank you very much.
Etiquette
- Hospitality is strong: refusing offered food or coffee can seem rude, so accept a little.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries; some monasteries do not admit women or have strict dress rules.
- Do not photograph military sites or the UN buffer zone; it is forbidden.
- The Cyprus issue is sensitive; avoid political arguments about the north and south.
- Drive on the left and be patient; local driving can be aggressive.
Scams and how to handle them
Taxis not using the meter
Where: Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, airports
How it works: Drivers skip the meter or charge 1.5-2 times the official tariff to tourists.
How to avoid it: Insist on the meter or agree the price first; book Bolt or a pre-booked transfer.
Aggressive bar promoters
Where: Ayia Napa strip, Protaras, Paphos bar street
How it works: Promoters offer free shots or discounts and can grab passers-by; the venues then charge high prices.
How to avoid it: Say no firmly and choose venues yourself; check drink prices.
Strip clubs and 'cabarets'
Where: Ayia Napa, Limassol, Nicosia
How it works: Venues tied to organised crime run up very large bills and pressure guests to pay.
How to avoid it: Avoid these venues.
Drink spiking
Where: Nightlife areas, especially Ayia Napa
How it works: Drugs are added to drinks, leading to robbery or sexual assault.
How to avoid it: Buy your own drinks, keep them in sight and stay with your group.
Poor exchange rates in the north
Where: North Cyprus tourist shops and restaurants
How it works: Prices in euros are converted from lira at unfavourable rates.
How to avoid it: Pay by card in lira or carry some lira.
Safety
- Cyprus has low crime; keep normal precautions with passports and valuables.
- Do not accept drinks from strangers in Ayia Napa; muggings have followed.
- Consular help in the north is limited because the northern administration is not recognised internationally.
- Hunting season (roughly November to February) means shooting in the countryside on Sundays and Wednesdays; stay on paths.
- Summer heat is intense; carry water and avoid midday hikes.
How widely English is spoken
Very good. English is widely spoken because of British history and tourism; road signs are in Greek and English.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Cyprus, safety and security
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Cyprus, regional risks
- Wikivoyage: Cyprus
- Wikivoyage: Limassol
- Wikivoyage: Ayia Napa
- Bolt: Limassol
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.