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Bellapais Abbey, Cyprus

© 123rf.com / Vlasis Vlasidis

Getting around in Cyprus

Side of road: 
Left
Car hire: 

Car hire: Cars are one of the best ways to explore the island. They should be reserved well in advance during the summer season.

Taxi: 

Taxi: These run 24 hours between all the main towns on the island. Fares are regulated by the government and all taxis have meters. Shared taxis operate every 30 minutes between major cities. Rural taxis can only be hired from the base station and do not have a meter.

Bike: 

Motorcycles: Riders and pillion passengers must wear crash helmets if the motorcycle is over 50cc.

Coach: 

Regulations: 

Regulations: The minimum driving age is 18, but drivers often need to be 21 years old and to have held a valid license for three years to hire a car. The maximum speed limit is 100kph (63mph) on highways, 80kph (50mph) on most other roads and 50kph (32mph) in built-up areas. Road signs are in both Greek and English. There are strict repercussions for those not wearing seat belts or a crash helmet, or using a mobile telephone/under the influence of alcohol whilst driving. Children under the age of five must not sit in the front passenger seat. Children aged between five and 10 may sit in the front seat but only if an appropriate child's seat belt has been fitted. Use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited.

Documentation: 

Documentation: An International Driving Permit or national driving licence is valid for one year. Visitors wishing to bring their car to Cyprus can do so for up to three months provided the car has a valid registration licence for its country of origin.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Nicosia Buses operates an efficient bus service in the capital. Services in Limassol are run by the Limassol Urban Bus Company (E.A.L.) Limited. Smaller operations service other Cypriot towns and cities, though few services are frequent or used often by tourists. Taxis are widely available; a 15% surcharge is in operation from 2300-0600. Tipping is expected.

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