Travel Deals
Money & duty free for Cyprus
Exchange rates:
EuroC$1 = €0.75
£1 = €1.17
US$1 = €0.78
Money & Currency
Currency information:
The currency in the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The currency used in north Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TL; symbol ₺ ) = 100 kuruş. Notes are in denominations of ₺200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of ₺1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kuruş. Euros, Pound Sterling and US dollars are generally accepted in the north.
Credit cards:
All major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express, are accepted at larger restaurants and shops, and in hotels. Smaller shops, such as those in villages, and rural tavernas are unlikely to accept credit cards. Entry to museums and tourist attractions are payable in cash. As of early 2013 credit and debit cards may be less accepted, due to ongoing capital controls imposed on banks.
ATM:
There are reliable ATMs in main towns and tourist areas. As of early 2013, withdrawals from Cypriot banks are limited due to the ongoing capital controls imposed on banks throughout the country. Carrying cash, rather than relying on cards, is recommended.
Travellers cheques:
Cheques may be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros.
Banking hours:
South Cyprus: Mon-Fri 0815-1330. North Cyprus: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1600. Banks are closed on public holidays.
Currency restriction:
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union; and amounts over €12,500 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country within the European Union.
Currency exchange:
Non-Cypriot currency can be bought and sold at banks in Nicosia and other large towns in both the south and north.
Cyprus duty free
Cyprus is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. There are no longer any allowance restrictions on these tax-free items.
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Cyprus by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits (over 22% volume) or 2L of fortified wine or sparkling wine or 4L of still wine or 16L of beer.
• Goods (excluding jewellery) up to €430. The limit is reduced to €175 for travellers under 15 years of age.
Banned imports:
Agricultural products and propagating stock, such as natural fruit, flowers, seeds etc. without the approval of the relevant authorities; the importation of a number of other articles such as uncooked meat, fish and dairy products, animals, fire arms and explosives, pirated or counterfeit goods, obscene publications is also prohibited or restricted.