Add to Favorites
Cyprus Euro
Cyprus uses the euro as its currency, having adopted the currency in January 2008. Each euro is sub-divided into 100 cents and the euro is now the official currency of 26 countries worldwide, with more set to use the euro in the coming years. The Turkish Republic that exists in Northern Cyprus, has used and continues to use the Turkish new lira as its currency. So in effect there are two currencies used in the same country, although they are not inter-changeable, in the sense that whilst you can use euros and even UK pounds in both the north and south of the island, you cannot use Turkish new lira in the south of the island.
History of Cypriot Currency
Prior to the euro being adopted in 2008, the Cypriot pound was the currency in use, within most of Turkey (apart from the Turkish new lira).
The pound was first introduced in 1879 and it was of the same value as the British pound sterling. The currency was, like the British system, an imperialised currency and it was not until 1955 that it was actually decimalised. Unlike the British currency however, it was not divided into pennies, but rather cents, which were known locally as piastres.
When the euro was adopted, there was a long 'run in' time, to get people used to the concept of having a different set of money to handle. Bank statements started to indicate how many euros were in your account, as early as 2006 and utility bills also carried information about the bills in Cypriot pounds and euros.
So the change over was relatively pain free and there was a 'month's grace' when the euro was introduced, with the old Cypriot pounds still being legal tender until the end of January 2008. At this point, the legal status of the money changed and only the euro was acceptable.
However, any Cypriot banknotes can still be exchanged at the Central Bank of Cyprus until the end of 2017 and coins are exchangeable here, until the end of 2009.
Getting Hold of Euros
Cyprus is, and has been for some time, a tourist destination, which means that it is relatively easy to get hold of cash just through using your credit or debit card.
Most of the ATM machines, particularly in the tourist areas have 24 hour access, so you will never be stuck for cash.
Since you can easily lose a debit or credit card (or even have it stolen) it is better to take a combination of debit card, credit card and some cash or euros. If you make sure that at least some of them are locked up, preferably in a hotel room, then if the worst happens, you will still be able to access some cash.
You can of course take traveller's cheques and these can be exchanged at any bank, with banks open generally Monday to Friday.
Getting Hold of Euros
If you are planning on visiting Northern Cyprus, you will find that euros are pretty widely established and there is little need to use Turkish new lira, but again, you can withdraw these at ATM machines, since they are also quite plentiful in the north.
Credit cards are also accepted in the north and in the south, but like many tourist islands, if you venture off the tourist track, then you may find that credit cards are only accepted for big purchases. Not all 'local' restaurants will accept them, although most will. If you are in doubt, then it is always worth checking whether a credit card will be an acceptable form of payment.
Staying Safe in Cyprus
Cyprus is a very safe country to visit, with quite low levels of crime, or at least crime against locals. You will be very likely to enjoy a safe and hassle free holiday, although it is worth ensuring that you do not become complacent and simply make sure that you keep an eye on your valuables at all times. Whilst locals boast that Cyrus is safe enough that they do not need to lock their doors at night, it is often too tempting if someone sees a bag, camera or wallet left unattended, so just keep an eye on your valuables.
Ayia Napa, the clubber's paradise, is probably the most unsafe spot on the whole of Cyprus and even that is not too dangerous, although in recent years there has been an increase in people having drugs added to their drinks and then they have been mugged or 'date raped', so simply make sure that your drink is covered at all times and finish drinks, before dancing and then get a new drink when you come back to have a rest.
But overall, serious crime is a really low risk on Cyprus but there are organised criminals who operate in Cyprus, although they generally do not have any impact on tourists. One small point to bear in mind though, is that the famous or even infamous Cypriot Cabarets are anything but a standard cabaret, they are in fact brothels and can be quite seedy brothels at that. They are also (reputedly) linked to organised crime and so if you are travelling as a couple or family, steer well clear. If you do feel the need to venture in, then simply be aware that this is another side of Cyprus and keep your wits about you, in case you even unintentionally cause offence or have your drinks drugged etc.
Using Euros in Cyprus
After the conflict that started in Cyprus in 1974, the island lost a good deal of ground in terms of establishing itself as a tourist destination and many people were quite anxious about going there, but over recent years this has changed.
For a while it became an island that was associated with clubbing, due to destinations such as Ayia Napa, where the whole emphasis was on clubbing and having a good time. Then families discovered that they too could enjoy the delights of Cyprus and the fact that it is quite a safe destination, so families started to return here as well.
So now Cyprus really is able to offer young people (or even just the young at heart) the chance to dance the night away, often literally, but it can also offer families and couples a nice relaxing break as well. It is now even popular with older travellers, who like the fact that so many people speak English and the climate is temperate, particularly towards the end of the summer season.
The tourist areas of Cyprus are relatively expensive and comparable with the rest of Europe really. In Ayia Napa you will also find that a night out is considerably more expensive than in the UK, but although people may have imbibed quite a lot of alcohol, there is very little trouble in terms of people being aggressive or challenging each other to fights. The main problem seems to be people simply being unwell through alcohol or excess!
The north of Cyprus, which was once a bit of a no-go area for travellers, is now much more open than it was, thanks in part to the fact that Cyprus has joined the EU and so this encourages all parts of Cyprus to be treated 'as one'. The north of Cyprus is considerably cheaper than the south and yet there is still plenty to see and do and it is possible to travel unrestricted from the north to the south and vice versa, if you are a citizen of the EU.
Cyprus has some good shopping facilities and most people who come to Cyprus like to take advantage of two main areas where bargains can be had: leather goods and silver jewellery. Leather goods especially handbags and shoes tend to be of very good quality but at significantly lower prices than the rest of Europe.
Silver jewellery is also well crafted and again, available at exceptionally good prices, which makes them good value for money.
Eating and drinking throughout the island is certainly no hardship and all kinds of food are available, from the traditional burgers and fries (traditional for some tourists!) right the way up to fine dining experiences, where you can indulge yourself not just in Cypriot food, but food that is on a par with some excellent European restaurants, so there really is plenty of choice for everyone.
Drinking is also a relatively cheap experience in Cyprus and there are lots of wines produced on the island, which are good value and taste quite delicious, although some can be a little on the sweet side for many palates.
Activities in Cyprus are available for both the 'culture vulture' and those who like to just laze away when on holiday. It has a wealth of attractions, from the archaeological remains that have been left by the ancient
Greeks, through to the modern, fun filled attractions that resorts such as Larnaca or Ayia Napa have to offer.
Overview
Whilst Cyprus is undoubtedly a real jewel in the Mediterranean, it is often overlooked by holiday makers. In some ways this is a positive thing, because although the island is busy and is a tourist destination, it is not permanently swamped with hoards of tourists and those who do come, generally tend to be (relatively) well behaved, even in 'clubland'.
But the warmth of the people and the fact that it is a place where you can find quiet and often secluded areas, means that it is a holiday spot where you can really find some peace and quiet, but then if you want lively nightlife, that is also available. Now that the north is much more open, it is also interesting to visit this area and see just how the two 'parts' of Cyprus seem to be coming together and becoming more tolerant of each other.
Comment
I have never been to Cyprus before but I know people who have and they reckoned it was a lovely country to visit. From reading this article it certainly seems as if it is a nice area to see while not being overly crowded and packed with tourists. This is what puts me off seeing a lot of resorts, because they are too packed out for my liking.
I prefer somewhere quieter where you can actually have a break without having kids screaming in your ears all the time. Certain areas of Cyprus sound as if they should be avoided, but it looks as though there are plenty of other places to benefit from visiting instead. I might just try it in future.
— CDixon · Apr 28, 11:44 AM · #
So Cyprus was yet another country to lose its currency to the Euro. I can’t honestly think of all the countries that had other currencies before this monster came along.
I have certainly been intrigued to hear about all the problems the Euro has been having recently though. Even those who have some kind of power in the Eurozone have said they wonder about its future. It makes me laugh – they were all so confident when times were good and the Euro wasn’t in any danger of being challenged in any way.
But now things have got hard and one country is in trouble, it is dragging the rest of the Eurozone down with it. I will be interested to see how this one plays itself out.
— Allison · May 25, 09:15 PM · #
I may not have been to Cyprus but I do wonder how it will fare now that things in the Eurozone aren’t anywhere near as comfy as they used to be. I agree with what Allison said above – things don’t look so rosy once the fallout from the recession occurred. I can’t understand why people would want to be involved in the Eurozone at all, let alone giving up their currency to it.
— Ben · Apr 27, 01:50 PM · #
Many people seem keen to think about going to Cyprus. I just wonder how cost effective it would be to go there at the moment with the state the Euro is in. And if the currency collapses – as many people think it will – what happens then? What currency would you use if you were over there on holiday and it collapsed? Would you be stuck or would they revert to using another one in an emergency?
— Ian · Sep 27, 12:06 PM · #