Guide to Cyprus
This quiet backwater to the eastern end of the Mediterranean known as Northern Cyprus is the last stronghold of unspoiled countryside, which at present is standing up against the mass development projects suffered by many other similar countries. The North Cyprus landscape is a patchwork of mature olive and fruit orchards interrupted only by villages and mountains, guaranteeing the back drop for many years to come. First time visitors to Northern Cyprus all comment on the hospitality and relaxed environment and generally they all return as they can't believe this place still exists in the modern world!
The general geography of the North Cyprus encompasses over 3,355 square kilometres of land mass, ranging from well-preserved sand dunes along the distinctive Karpaz 'Pan Handle' to the Kyrenia Mountain range. Amongst the many cultural and historical places to visit are the breathtaking mountain top castles of St Hilarion, Kantara and Buffavento, all dating back to the crusades. The cultural influences inflicted on Northern Cyprus over the centuries of invading forces include the Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian and Byzantine dynasties, all of which leaving their own indelible prints. The British persuasion dates back to the 12th Century and has remained an integral part ever since, even up to present day. Amongst this tranquil landscape lie the main towns of North Cyprus which are, Lefkosa, Girne, Famagusta and Güzelyurt each benefiting from its own identity and character and all should be visited to appreciate the diversity of!
North Cyprus History
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is an emerging market place where many new businesses are flourishing after the recent opening of border controls. This is a very lucrative market to be involved in and with a rise in property prices in the region of over 50% in the last 3 years you can see a sustainable growth for the foreseeable future. The obvious main income source in North Cyprus has traditionally been the tourism trade however this has now been comfortably out stripped by the construction sector and all its facets. This has seen a tremendous growth in not only building supply merchants but also for the more adventurous the DIY stores. For those of us who have taken the plunge the change over the last few years has been nothing short of a miracle, from limited supplies of imported goods at extortionate prices to now an abundant array of western European merchandise. This makes the transition to moving to North Cyprus that much easier.
Banking in Northern Cyprus
Again another growth industry in Northern Cyprus, which after some severe tests in 2000 have seen a careful and sustained consolidation, with some sensible and necessary guidelines enforced by the Turkish Cypriot government. The traditional 'boom and bust ' economy of this area has lead to a well structured and effective banking system which has close ties with many foreign banks including Barclays, Natwest and HSBC. It is a very easy and simple process to open an account in Northern Cyprus banks. Your account can be set up in your choice of currencies including Sterling, US Dollars, Euros and the Northern Cyprus currency which is the Turkish Lira.
For more in depth information on banks in Northern Cyprus please do not hesitate to contact us at info@unwinestates.com
Medical Information for North Cyprus
Like much of this part of the world the development and infrastructure in the medical facilities has improved beyond belief. Firstly the modernisation of North Cyprus hospitals has come along and the quest for research has enabled the Northern Cyprus universities to be involved with medical faculties helping greatly in investigative works. However, even with these positive steps there is still a cautionary approach to medical insurance with many would be North Cyprus home owners acquiring Private Health Insurance via international sources.
Northern Cyprus Car Hire
Why would you want to rent a car while visiting Northern Cyprus? Well that depends on what you plan to do while visiting Northern Cyprus. That may not have been the most straight forward of answers but is a simple fact. If this will be your first visit to Northern Cyprus then your best option might be going along with a tour. That would probably be the best way to maximize your stay on the island. Sure it might seem fast paced but they will rush you around the various sites and provide you with information and facts not to mention photo opportunities of the sites that will surely make it into your albums. If you have been here before or are more adventurous then driving yourself around the island may be the best option for you. There are certain things that you must keeping mind if you do intend to rent a car in Northern Cyprus.
- Traffic in Northern Cyprus flows on the left side
- You will need a valid driver's licence from your country of residence
- Foreign driver's licenses are only valid for three months from your entry to Northern Cyprus
- Highway speed limits are set at 100km/h and 65 to 60 km/h
- Speed limits are enforced by radar devices and cameras
- Front seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts
- Children are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat
- Using a cell (mobile) phone while driving is not allowed
- As in any country you should not drink and drive
- Rentals cannot be taken to the South of the island (South Cyprus, over the green line)
- Most car hire companies require you to be of at least 25 years of age in order to rent a car
