Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required for entry.
 
Climate: The climate of the island is perhaps the best in the Mediterranean with long, hot summers and relatively cool, short winters. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, the sea temperature is rarely below 16°C and rises to 28-30°C during summer months. This all helps to make Northern Cyprus one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live.
 
Car Rental: Prices are excellent. You can hire a car with your driving license. In North Cyprus you drive on the left. Wearing seat belts is compulsory. All sign-posts are international and the roads in general are in a good state. There is a dual carriageway linking all the major cities, including Kyrenia, Nicosia and Famagusta.
 
Currency: The Turkish Lira (TL) is the currency used in North Cyprus. Foreign currencies and travellers cheques are accepted in banks, hotels and exchange offices. Most credit cards are valid in many places, and it is possible to withdraw money with these cards.
 
Banking: Northern Cyprus offers a well organised banking system, with all normal banking facilities available. There are internationally known banks. Whilst some other banks operate their own branches in London and others have arrangements with major UK banks. A deposit account can be opened at ease in Sterling or any other major currency and funds can be drawn in that denomination or in Turkish Lira (TL).
 
Education: General education standards in the TRNC are of a very high standard and are borne out by the fact that there are five universities based in Northern Cyprus. The majority of schools offer bilingual education starting with nursery through secondary school and finally university.

Medical: The cost of medical treatment in the local hospitals is lower than comparative care in the UK depending of course on the type of treatment required. Accident and emergency facilities are available at local hospitals. It is recommended that you seek a local GP, many of whom have had UK experience, for many minor ailments. Private healthcare is also available through a number of international medical insurance companies if required. Dental treatment is of a high standard and charges are moderate.

Hotels & Villas: Most of the tourist places are currently centred around Kyrenia and Famagusta, but the magnificent Karpas Peninsula is due to be developed. There are 3 to 5 star hotels in the cities and tourist areas and cheaper accommodation can also be found if required. Flats and international villas can be found at the seaside or typically Cypriot villages.
 
Language: The official language is Turkish. English Language is widely spoken too.
 
Museums: During the summer period (May-October), openning times vary. For information contacts: The Museum and Antiquities Department: (+90 392) 227 2916. During the winter opening hours are as follows: 9am - 2pm and 2pm - 4.25pm. Museums are closed on National holidays.
 
Churches: The Anglican Church of St. Andrew’s, Kyrenia is conveniently located near the town centre and services are held on Sundays and Thursdays. All Christian communities are welcome. The Roman Catholic Church is also based in the centre of Kyrenia with mass being celebrated on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Other Christian churches are located in Famagusta and Nicosia.
 
Shopping: Popular souvenirs include: Copper, silver, bronze and onyx objects, Turkish dolls, merchaum pipes and tavla boards (found in souvenir shops and stalls), jewellery, leather clothes and the textiles can be purchased at low prices. Shop opening times are between 8am - 1pm and 3.30pm - 8pm. Markets are open mornings only. You can find many kinds of Turkish Cypriot craftworks in many places of the island. The export of antiquities is illegal.
 
Telephone: From foreign countries dial 0090 392 followed by the number in North Cyprus. Town codes: Girne (Kyrenia) 81, Gazimağusa (Famagusta) 36, Lefkoşa (Nicosia) 22, Lefke (Lefka) 72 and Güzelyurt (Morphou) 71. Northern Cyprus also has 2 Mobile Telecommunication Companies: KKTCELL (0533) and KKTC Telsim (0542). Both have roaming agreements with other major GSM Operators around world. You can use your GSM Phone easily within the TRNC.
 
Transport: Taxi's are in reasonably cheap. Ask for a price before you depart. There is also a collective taxi system mainly using minibuses. Bus departures are frequent between big and smaller towns during the day. However, departure times are not fixed. Public transport service is less frequent after 5pm and during the weekend.

Electricity: 240 Volts / 50 Hz. Plugs are to 3-pin English standard.

Tourist Information (UK):
North Cyprus Tourism Centre
29 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3EG, UK
+44 (0) 20 7631 1930