Useful Facts
General
• Cyprus History (pdf file, 63 KB)
• English is the second language and is widely spoken. A greater Knowledge of French and German is increasingly noticeable.
• The currency of the Republic is Euro.
• Banks in Cyprus are open for the public from 08:30 to 12:30 midday. Certain banks in tourist areas open during the afternoon.
• The voltage on the island is 240 Socket outlets are of flat 3 pin-type.
• All types of medication are available in well stocked pharmacies all over Cyprus.
• Telephone: Cyprus automatic telephone dialing system reaches 206 countries. Telecards can be purchased from Post Offices, kiosks and
souvenir shops.
• There are two international airports in Cyprus, at Larnaca and Pafos.
• The two main ports are in Lemesos and Larnaca.
• Around 30 airlines connect Cyprus directly with most European and Middle-East countries, which provide ongoing services to anywhere in
the world.
• As from May 2004 Cyprus is a full member of the European Community.
Airport Transfers
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR TRAVELERS: Cyprus is not yet a fully-fledged member of the Schengen area.
List of countries whose citizens are required to have a Visa to enter the Republic of Cyprus
Τo download the MFA Application for Visa
Where Visas are being issued:
Visas will be issued by all the Diplomatic Missions (Embassies and General Consulates) of the Republic of Cyprus, and by all the Honorary Consulates of the Republic of Cyprus abroad in their respective countries. Additionally visas can also be issued by the British High Commissions/Embassies in the following countries:
1. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
2. BAHREIN
3. HONG KONG
4. JAPAN
5. JORDAN
6. KAZAKHSTAN
7. KUWAIT
8. OMAN
9. SWITZERLAND
10. SUDAN
11. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (ABU DHABI, DUBAI)
12. UZBEKISTAN
The above information is based on information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at their website. Please visit their website for the latest information and further details by clicking here.
Please note that participants have the following options for their transfers from/to the airport:
• Private taxi Transfers
Arrange for transfers by taxi through the conference coordinator.
Transfers can be private or shared, are inclusive of meet and assist, and the service is guaranteed.
• Airport Taxis
Get an airport taxi on arrival to the airport. Service is quite good, but at times one may have to wait and prices may vary depending on the time of arrival.
• Public Transportation
Participants may use the latest public taxi service. At only €7 per person (one way ncluding VAT and luggage), the Limassol Urban Bus Company will transport you from Larnaka airport to Limassol and back, by daily shuttle bus at specified times including weekends and holidays. Pickup and drop-off point are at Larnaca Airport and In Limassol there are two points that can be found at Christofi Ergatoudi Street in front of the Agios Georgios Havouzas church and at the entrance of the industrial area of Agios Athanasios on Iapetou Str. Participants will need to get another taxi to get them to their hotel.
In case that participants would like to use this service, they should contact the Public Transportation company to make a reservation at: www.pameaerodromio.eu
TIME TABLES
Please note that the time tables below are subject to change.
• Car rentals
Participants may opt to hire a car during their stay, and thus use it for their airport transfers. Cars may be reserved through the conference coordinator.
Cyprus Currency
The European Union’s Council of Ministers has approved the entry of Cyprus into the Eurozone. European finance ministers (collectively known as Ecofin) set fixed rates of one euro to 0.585274 Cypriot pounds and euro is the official currency used in Cyprus since January 1, 2008.
The design of the Cypriot euro coins
1 cent, 2 cent and 5 cent: The Mouflon, the most characteristic species of fauna in Cyprus, representing the island’s nature and wildlife.
10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent: The Kyrenia ship of 4th Century B.C., representing Cyprus’s history and its character as an island as well as its importance in trade.
1 and 2: The Idol of Pomos, a cross-shaped idol dating back to the Cypriot chalcolithic period (3000 B.C.), found in Pomos, a village in the district of Paphos. It is a characteristic example of prehistoric art in Cyprus, representing the island’s antiquity, culture and civilization.
Public holidays
January 1: New Year’s Day
January 6: Epiphany Day
Variable: Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
March 25: Greek National Day
April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable: Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
May 1: Labour Day
Variable: Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
August 15: Assumption
October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Notes: All Public Services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays. In resort and coastal areas, however, shops and certain services remain open. Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday but not on Dec. 24.
Medical facilities
The health facilities in Cyprus are of a high standard. The latest technologies and operating techniques are standard practice, with heart bypass surgery and kidney transplantation operations routine in the islands hospitals. The accident and emergency departments of all the hospitals are manned with English-speaking personnel, but it’s advisable to seek the assistance of an interpreter for more complex medical matters.
Emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency department, is free to tourists.