top of page

Practical Information

Practical Information

Phones
IDD Code – International Direct Dialling Code is +90
Landline numbers start 0392
Mobile numbers start 0542 (KKTC Telsim), 0533 or 0539 (Turkcell).

Public Holidays
Ramadan & Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice) -Varies annually
New Year’s Day - January 1st
Children's Day - April 23rd
Labour Day - May 1st
Youth and Sports Day - May 19th
Peace and Freedom Day - July 20th
Communal Resistance Day - August 1st
Victory Day - August 30th
Turkish National Day - October 29th
Independence Day (Proclamation of TRNC in 1983) - November 15th

Currency
The currency is the Turkish Lira, with a constantly fluctuating exchange rate. Shopkeepers and restaurant owners are fully conversant with all major currencies and bills can be paid in UK Sterling, Euros, Dollars as well as local currency. There are many exchange bureaux in all the major towns and money is changed with little problem. Major UK Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted and can be used in ATMs, but you should inform your bank before you travel so they don’t block your card. You should also enquire about charges to use your card abroad. Travellers Cheques and Scottish banknotes are not widely accepted.

Banking
Unless you intend to take up residency it’s unlikely you’ll need a bank, unless it’s to make a money transfer.

Electricity
Supply is 220/240 volts and is provided via three-pin plugs as in the UK.

Medical Care
In the case of accidents and emergencies, all hospitals will provide medical care. Minor cuts and bruises will usually be treated free. Major medical treatment can incur a hefty bill, so you need comprehensive insurance to cover your holiday period, making sure any pre-existing health conditions are notified to your insurance company prior to travel. The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are NOT accepted in Northern Cyprus.

Legal
TRNC has rules and laws that are there to be obeyed. Drugs are absolutely not tolerated and possession of even a minute amount will result in a hefty prison sentence. Although North Cyprus is a safe country, care should always be taken with personal belongings, and important items should be kept in a safety deposit box.

Driving
Drive on the left, the same as UK. If you have a paper licence you must bring all parts to be able to hire a car. Minimum age to hire a rented vehicle is 25. You must carry your driving licence, insurance, and rental agreement at all times when driving. Visitors, if stopped by the police, will be treated kindly but driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs, as well as dangerous driving, is an offence, not tolerated, and heavy fines are imposed. Parking restrictions are evident by the painting of black and white on the kerb stones, or double yellow lines and should not be infringed. There are plenty of car parks and the fee isn't expensive.

Language
The language spoken in Northern Cyprus is Turkish, however many of the older Cypriots will speak English and are proud of the fact that they can. Hotel staff will usually speak a certain amount of English and are always happy to improve it. Visitors that attempt some Turkish, even if only to say Please (Lutfen), Thank you (Tessurker Ederiz) and Hello (Merhaba) will be rewarded with a beaming smile.

Business / Shop Opening Hours
Due to the heat of summer, most civil service offices will work from 0800 to 1400. Winter opening hours, can and do, vary from department to department but usually they're operational from 0900 to 1230 and 1400 to 1730. These hours will apply to most of the retail outlets with supermarkets staying open until quite late.

Time Difference
North Cyprus is GMT+2 hours in winter and GMT+3 hours in summer. There’s always 2 hours difference between UK time and TRNC time as clocks are altered on the same days of the year.

Passports and Visas
It's your responsibility to ensure that you're in possession of a full and valid passport/visa for travel. Please note if you're traveling into Larnaca (LCA) this is in Southern Cyprus, if you are travelling into Ercan (ECN) this is in Northern Cyprus, which could have different immigration.

For more information before travelling to North Cyprus, please contact Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Representative Office in London, 29 Bedford Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3ED, UK. Phone: +44 20 7631 1920.

For more information before traveling to South Cyprus, please contact High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in London, 13 St James's Square, St. James's, London SW1Y 4LB, UK. Phone: +44 20 7321 4100.

Airports and Border Crossing Points
The two airports of Ercan and Gecitkale (Military Airport) and all crossing points on the border that divide the island, are legitimate points of entry. They’re subject to passport control regulations and whatever restrictions are in place regarding the importation of goods. It’s always advisable to check duty-free allowances for alcohol, perfume, and tobacco, and the monetary value of goods for personal use before travelling. These restrictions apply equally to crossing the border from north to south and vice versa.

Water
It’s not advisable to drink tap water, bottled water is best.

Safety
You should take care whenever you’re in a foreign country. If you’re going out on your own, let someone know where you’re going and what time you’ll be back. Store important items in a safe. Don’t carry large amounts of money or your passport with you unless necessary. Always keep a small amount of money in case of emergencies and ensure you have the contact numbers for police/ambulance/embassy etc if you need them.

Emergency Phone Numbers
Police:155
Fire:199
Forest Fires:177
Ambulance Emergencies:112

General (State) Hospital Phone Numbers
Nicosia/Lefkosa0392 2285441
Kyrenia/Girne0392 815 2226/8152254
Famagusta/Magusa0392 3662876/3665328
Guzelyurt0392 7142125

bottom of page