Northern Cyprus LocationThe TRNC comprises an area of 3,355 km square miles. It is 70 kilometres south of turkey and 385 kilometres North
of Egypt. Poulation of 208,886
Major towns
The Capital of Northern Cyprus is Lefkosa (Nicosia) which
is the main business centre. With its border to the South
–controlled Greek side. Other towns include Famagusta
which is the principal port.Girne (Kyrenia) which is the country
touristic industry. With its historic yacht harbour and archaeological
interests.
Climate
In Cyprus, where the typical Mediterranean climates are dominant,
summers are hot and dry and the winters generally rainy and
warm. Approximately 330 days of sunshine annually and the
lowest sea tempeture is rarely below 65 degress.In the summer
the average temperature is over 30 oc ( 90F) and in the coldest
months its around 10 oc (50F)
Time
The local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
and the clocks change on the same day as the U.K
Language
Although Turkish is the official language, English is widely
used and understood.
Banking in the TRNC
All types of banking services are provided by many of the
banks, such as Turk Bankasi which have branches in London
UK.Their are a number of HSBC in and around kyrenia and Nicosia,
you can also use your cash/credit cards in ATM machines to
withdraw cash in the local currency.
Credit Cards, Access, MasterCard, euro cards, Visa, Diner’s
Club are acceptable in larger hotels, restaurants and shops;
sometimes a surcharge is added if credit cards are used.
Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks operate and they are open
from Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays) between 08.00-12.00/14.00-16.00
hours.
Currency
The Turkish Lira has been circulation since 1974
The official rates for TL are adjusted daily according to
changes in International Monetary Markets.
Postal Service
There is one main Post office In Kyrenia, Postage Stamps are
available for a normal letter size at a cost of 50 pence.
Telegrams can only be sent form the main post office and it
is very important to put the senders name and address on the
back of the envelopes. Do not use and glue or cello tape to
seal letters being sent.
Medical and Emergency
Hospitals are situated in Lefkosa, Famagusta and kyrenia.There
are many doctors’ surgeries in these areas as well.
Dental treatment is of good standard, most dentists abide
the govermements scale of fees.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Medical Assistance 112
Fire service 199
Police 155
Water 152118
Electricity 188
Telephone 161
Transportation
A valid British Driving Licence is recognised in the TRNC,
for a limited period as is an International Driving Licence
.Anyone owing a car in the TRNC is required to own a TRNC
driving licence with a year, if this is not obtained and
an accident does occur the car insurance will become void.
Passport/Visa
You can be admitted to Northern Cyprus with any Passport,
three month visas are given. In order to extend an application
is submitted at the immigration office.
Museums
During the summer visiting hours to the museums change,
for more information you can ring the Office of museums
and O ld Works of Arts (0090 392 227 2916)
Telephones
In order to call TRNC form abroad the area code 0090 followed
by 392 for local numbers should be dialled. You can obtain
telephone calling cards or Turkish mobile phone sim cards
from local shops, supermarkets and post offices.
Traffic
In the TRNC traffic flows from the left. Seat belts are
obligatory and international road and traffic signs are
used. |
