Banking
The Banking System in Cyprus also closely follows the British pattern. It is well developed, organised and equipped with the latest technology in modern surroundings. Non -Cypriot citizens are able to open foreign currency & local deposit acccounts easily and any interest payable is usually tax free. Many Cypriot banks have branches throughout the world. International Banks also have branches throughout the island for the convenience of their customers, with major credit cards like Visa, Diners and American Express being widely used.
Transport & Telecommunications
There is public transport service with regular connections between cities with scheduled taxi services and comfortable coaches. Private taxis and rental cars are readily available.
Cyprus ranks third in the world in having modern telecommunications facilities. CYTA (Cyprus Telecommunications Authority) has a network which enables participants to have dotect dial access to over 200 countries.
Excellent communications have contributed to a large extent in the progressive development of the island. The two International Airports in Larnaca and Pafos as well as the ports of Limassol and Larnaca connect Cyprus with all countries of the world.
More than 40 Airlines operate over 260 flights weekly to and from Cyprus. More than 60 charter airlines fly to Cyprus. Both airpots of the island are among the most frequented in the eastern Mediterranean. Regarding inland communication, the short distances between cities are becoming even shorter due to a motorway network, which is constantly being extended and upgraded.
Festivals and Fairs
Festivals and fairs take place all the year round. Visitors who happen to be in Cyprus in May are suggested to visit the International (State) Fair, while the Wine Festival (September) offers visitors an opportunity to try all sorts of Cyprus wines and food, free of charge or at very low prices. Other festivals include the Carnival (February), the Flower Shows, the Snow Ski games etc.
In addition, there are regular horse racing competitions, shooting clubs, aeronautics, sailing, diving, motorcar rallies(including the antique car rally) tennis, football games etc. There are also various international associations and cultural societies which include the Lions and the Rotary Clubs, Round Table, Toastmasters International, American Centre, British Council, French Cultural Center, The goethe Institute etc.
Television
There are five national TV Channels, numerous national and local radio stations. Approximateley 50% of the TV programmes are British or American and all foreign films are broadcast in their original language. Availability of stellite dishes can provide International Television connections. The radio broadcasts programs are mainly i Greek or English. In addition, there is a British Forces Radio in Cyprus which broadcasts ona 24 hour basis.
Newspapers & Magazines
There are three local English Newspapers, a number of Local magazines which are printed in English. Almost all main International papers and well known magazines are available on the island.
Food
Eating out has become a local habit and is part of entertainment in Cyprus. There is a wide variety of restaurants and catering to suit all tastes. Along with tavernas, which provide local and Greek dishes, there are restaurants that offer International Cuisine such as French, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Japanese, Russian, Mexican and others.
Nightlife
Night Clubs with good live music, discos and a variety of bars are some of the entertainment choices that can be found in all towns and tourist resorts.
Sport
In the summer months, water sports (water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, parachuting, water parks etc). In the winter months, snow skiing facilities are available in the Troodos mountains resorts. Horse racing takes place in Nicosia and a number of sporting clubs exist which one can easily join. Sport Clubs offer golf, tennis, squash, bowling, archery, shooting, sailing etc.
Low Crime Rate
Cyprus enjoys a very low crime rate in comparison with other competitive Meditteranean countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Cyprus crime rate is only one tenth of the average rate of the other European countries (6% of the United Kingdom).
Standard of Living
Cyprus provides a fairly high Europena level standard of living. The overall cost of living averages about 1/3 to 2/3 of most parts of Europe, Japan or the USA. Cyprus towns have one of the lowest costs of living within a developed nation.
- For information on purchasing together with legalities please view our Buyers Guide
