Tourist Information
Time
Local time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich
Mean Time (GMT)
Traffic
Same as the UK traffic circulation is on the
left. All road signs are international.
Car Rental
This service is available in all main towns
and large hotels. Check what level of
insurance is provided when renting a car.
Rental cars have red number plates.
Driving Licence
A valid British driving licence is
recognised in the TRNC for a limited period,
as is an International Driving Licence.
Anyone owning a car in northern Cyprus is
required to have, within a year, a TRNC
driving licence. If this is not obtained and
an accident occurs, the car insurance
becomes null and void.
Weights and Measures
The metric system has replaced other weights
and measures but the following traditional
unit of measurement is still in use:
A DONUM is a measure of land equivalent to
about one-third (0.336) of an acre, (or 1600
square yards, 1,388sq.meters or 14,400 sq.
ft.)
Pets
Pets can be brought into the country from
Europe with little hassle. The Ministry of
Agriculture require a certificate from a
European vet stating that your animal is
free of major diseases. Quarantine is
approximately 4 weeks at the Nicosia
(Lefkosa) kennels.
Water
Water by mains supply via water tanks and in
some properties (in particular with larger
gardens) supplemented by wells.
There is a serious shortage of water in some
areas and would-be residents are advised to
ascertain the position in the area they plan
to live, particularly when considering
purchase of property. Some areas have better
mains supply than others; some have spring
water as well as piped water. It is not wise
to drink well water unless it has been
analysed; septic tanks are the usual method
of disposal of domestic waste and sewage and
therefore well water cold be affected.
Soak-ways are also used.
Electricity
The supply is 220/240 volts AC 50Hz and
standard fittings are three pin. 13 Amps are
used as in the UK. 3 phase is available.
Power cuts do occur, sometimes frequently!
Only in remote areas is it not possible to
get electricity connected; as a general rule
it can otherwise be arranged but can be
expensive. Purchasers and tenants should
ensure that the electricity supply is
connected to their premises or know the cost
of connection.
Payment for electricity used should be paid
promptly and, if the property is to be left
unoccupied for a period of time,
arrangements should be made to have the
accounts settled otherwise the supply could
be cut.
Faults from the mains supply should be
reported to the local Electricity Board.
Telecommunications
An international telephone system, the
internet, and more recently Broadband are
all available in North Cyprus
Refuse Collection
There is usually a refuse collection once or
twice a week, from a local pick-up point.
This may be paid for annually at the local
Belediye Office. However, in the more
isolated areas, it is the responsibility of
the householder to dispose of his refuse.
