Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CREDIT CARDS
Just as popular as ATMs, credit cards can be used in stores, restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations. In the latter,
you can even buy petrol after hours with your credit card from automatic dispensers.
The Republic of Cyprus is more credit-card friendly than Northern Cyprus, though the main restaurants, hotels and
car-hire companies in the North will happily take plastic.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS
If you need to access your funds, international transfers are possible from your home bank to any of Cyprus' major
banks. While this method is reliable, it is usually slow - taking a week or more - and not helpful if you need a cash infu-
sion quickly. Telegraphic transfers are nominally quicker (and cost more) but can still take up to three working days to
come through.
Private financial agencies such as Western Union are usually the best bet, as you can often obtain your transferred
money the same day.
TIPPING
In the North and South, a 10% service charge is sometimes added to a restaurant bill; if not, then a tip of a similar per-
centage is expected.
Taxi drivers and hotel porters always appreciate a small tip.
Bargaining is not normally part of the shopping scene in Cyprus, neither in the North nor the South.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Increasingly overlooked by card-wielding travellers, travellers cheques are a dying breed. They should not, however, be
written off entirely as they're an excellent form of backup.
Amex, Visa and Travelex cheques are the easiest to cash, particularly if in US dollars, British pounds or euros. Banks
can charge hefty commissions, though, even on cheques denominated in euros. Whatever currency they are in, travellers
cheques can be difficult to exchange in smaller towns. Always take your passport as identification when cashing travel-
lers cheques.
PHOTOGRAPHY
You can buy a range of memory cards from camera stores. Film is still available, but it can be expensive. You'll find all
the gear you need in the photography shops of Nicosia (Lefkosia) and major towns.
For tips on taking great travel photos, take a look at Lonely Planet's
Guide to Travel Photography.
PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE
Cypriots are often very willing subjects for photos. However, it is bad form simply to point a camera at someone
without at least acknowledging your subject.
