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Travel information and tips on Cyprus including passport information, accommodations, transportation
to and in Cyprus, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
(The following information was taken from the CIA World Fact
Book)
A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 following years of
resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and
Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke
out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in
1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots
into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored
attempt to seize control of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey,
which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held
area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), but it is
recognized only by Turkey. The latest two-year round of UN-brokered talks -
between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to
reach an agreement to reunite the divided island - ended when the Greek Cypriots
rejected the UN settlement plan in an April 2004 referendum. The entire island
entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of common rights
and obligations - applies only to the areas under direct government control, and
is suspended in the areas administered by Turkish Cypriots. However, individual
Turkish Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus
citizenship legally enjoy the same rights accorded to other citizens of European
Union states. Nicosia continues to oppose EU efforts to establish direct trade
and economic links to north Cyprus as a way of encouraging the Turkish Cypriot
community to continue to support reunification.
The area of the Republic of Cyprus under government control has a market economy dominated by the service sector, which accounts for 78% of GDP. Tourism and financial services are the most important sectors; erratic growth rates over the past decade reflect the economy's reliance on tourism, which often fluctuates with political instability in the region and economic conditions in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the economy in the area under government control grew a healthy 3.7% to 3.8% per year in 2004, 2005 and 2006, well above the EU average. Cyprus joined the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM2) in May 2005 and adopted the euro as its national currency on 1 January 2008. The government initiated an aggressive austerity program, which cut the budget deficit to well below 3% of GDP. As in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, water shortages are a perennial problem; a few desalination plants are now on line. After 10 years of drought, the country received substantial rainfall from 2001-04 alleviating immediate concerns. Rainfall in 2005 and 2006, however, was well below average, making water rationing a necessity in 2007. The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly 30% of the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size. The Turkish Cypriot economy grew around 10.6% in 2006-07, fueled by growth in the construction and education sectors, as well as increased employment of Turkish Cypriots in the area under government control. Agriculture and services, together, employ more than half of the work force. The Turkish Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish Government. Ankara directly finances around one-third of the "TRNC's" budget. Aid from Turkey has reached over $400 million annually in recent years. For additional information, visit https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/an.html
The climate of Cyprus is very temperate. Located in the
Mediterranean, visitors will find hot, dry summers and cool winters. Probably
the winter or the shoulder seasons are the best times to visit
If you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Currency Information and Money Matters
The currency in Cyprus is the euro (EUR - €).
Currency
Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports,
railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency
exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and
rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a
nightmare. Order in advance from
All
Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and
money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and
transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate:
Check Today's Exchange Rate
The languages spoken in Cyprus are mostly Greek, Turkish and English. I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Electricity
Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit.
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
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For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
Getting Around In Cyprus
| Need to rent a car in Cyprus and drop it off in another country? Getting Away and Auto Europe have joined together to allow you to rent a car in Austria and drop it in dozens of countries throughout Europe and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the UK and even some places in Africa. Click on Auto Europe more information. |
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Want a car, but don't want to rent. If you need a car for at least 17 days, and you are at least 18 years old, Getting Away and Auto Europe can hook you up with a new Peugeot through the exclusive Peugeot Buy Back Program. In Australia, France, Germany, New Zealand and Spain, you can even rent a motor home. |
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Cities and Towns In Cyprus Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Some Things To See And Do
In Cyprus
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Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Suggestions For Accommodations In
Cyprus
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| Why stay in a small hotel room when you can enjoy the
comfortable, spacious and fully furnished apartment. Your serviced
apartment immediately becomes your home-away-from-home. Here you will be
able to enjoy the private tranquility and quality of life that will be
similar to what you have in your own home. Your relaxation is more
complete and, if you are traveling for business, you will have all the
space you need to make your work more relaxing and productive. The Apartment Service provides an exceptional level of service before, during and after your stay. We off valuable and impartial advice tailored to your needs. We offer accommodations for a day, a week, a month or a year all tailored to meet your requirements. And, we have been doing this for over 25 years. For additional information, or to make reservations, visit The Apartment Service. |
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If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Suggestions For Dining In Cyprus
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Favorites In Cyprus
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Interesting Links For Cyprus
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
