Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you have bought a pay-as-you-go Cypriot card from either side, it will only pick up its own network in Nicosia/
North Nicosia. Go any further away from the Green Line and you will have to revert to your international card, as
roaming is not supported between the two local mobile networks.
Text messaging between the North and the South is not possible.
Making a direct mobile phone call (with no international phone code prefix) between North Cyprus and the Re-
public (and vice versa) was set to become a reality in 2014.
MOBILE PHONES
REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
In the South, mobile-phone numbers begin with 95/96/97. If you plan to spend any time in the South, you may want to
buy a SIM card for your (unlocked) mobile phone. With CYTA's SoEasy pay-as-you-go, for just €7.50, you get a Tourist
SIM pack preloaded with €5 free airtime. You can then top up with cards or vouchers of €5, €10, €20 or €35 with a
validity period and any top up required to take place within 30 days. Visit
www.cyta.comcy/soeasy
for details. MTN
pay-as-you-go (
www.mtn.com.cy
)
and Prime Tel Pay As You Go (
www.primetel.com.cy
)
offer similar mobile phone
services.
NORTHERN CYPRUS
In the North, mobile-phone numbers start with either 0542 (Telsim) or 0533 (Turkcell). To call a local number, you'll
need to dial the full 11-digit number, ie including the Northern Cyprus code of 0392.
Turkcell has good coverage and it costs about 20TL for a pay-as-you-go SIM with enough credit to start you off.
PAY PHONES
REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
In the South, there are two types of public phones: those that accept prepaid phonecards and those that accept coins.
Phonecard-operated phones have explanations in English and Greek. Cards to the value of €5, €10 and €15 can be pur-
chased from banks, post offices, souvenir shops and street kiosks, and from Cyprus Telecommunications Authority
(CYTA) offices in all towns.
NORTHERN CYPRUS
Public telephone boxes take phonecards (5TL for a 100-unit card), bought at a Turkish Telecom administration office or
post office.
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