Europe
Cyprus
Sunny, English-friendly EU island with low crime, good beaches and a growing tech scene in Limassol. You'll want a car, summers are very hot and the island remains divided.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level65%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 199 · Ambulance 199 · Fire 199 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTreated and safe, though hard and often desalinated; many locals still buy bottled or filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalCivil unions since 2015.Details
- Internet148 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 110 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftEU and UK licences are fine; other visitors should carry an International Driving Permit. Driving is on the left.
- Digital nomad visaYesDigital Nomad VisaDetails
Where to go in Cyprus
6 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LimassolCity | 4/5 | $2,930–4,280 | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | 13/100 |
| PaphosCity | 5/5 | $2,250–3,380 | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | 37/100 |
| Ayia NapaTown | 4/5 | $2,250–3,380 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 29/100 |
| LarnacaCity | 4/5 | $2,250–3,380 | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | 29/100 |
| NicosiaCapital city | 4/5 | $2,250–3,380 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 29/100 |
| KyreniaTown | 4/5 | $1,120–1,730 | Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov | 79/100 |
When to visit Cyprus
March–May and October–November. July–August often tops 35°C inland. The Troodos mountains stay cooler and get snow in January–February.
Good to know
Entry
- EU member but not yet in Schengen: separate passport checks, no Entry/Exit System, and days here don't count toward Schengen's 90/180 limit.
- Enter via Larnaca or Paphos. The Republic treats arrival through northern airports or ports as illegal entry.
- Crossing the Green Line at checkpoints needs your passport; rental insurance often doesn't cover the north.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing military sites or the UN buffer zone is prohibited.
- Goods bought in the north face strict limits when crossing back south.
Etiquette
- The island's division is sensitive; avoid political jokes about it.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries.
- Coffee and long lunches are social; expect to be offered something.
Tipping
Check for a service charge on the bill; otherwise 5–10% in restaurants. Round up taxi fares.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- European Commission: Schengen Area
- Cyprus by Bus
- Visit Cyprus (Deputy Ministry of Tourism)
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.