CYPRUS

Largest Mediterranean island:

EU on the 1st of May 2004 

The Climate:

One of the healthiest and sunniest anywhere in the globe including the four seasons cycle, with temperature ranging from 10 C (50 F) in January the coldest month to 38 C (100 F) in August the hottest month.

The main rainfall occurs during December-March with snow on the mountains giving a lush and colourful spring time, with no rainfall between April and october, the end of the summer can be parched and dusty leading to rich Autumn colours.

System of Government:

Independent and Sovereign republic

Cyprus is an independent and Sovereign republic with the elected president (5 year election cycle) as head of state. The legislation power lies with the elected House Of Representatives and appointed council of ministers.

The legal system is based on the British/European system with independent power exercised by the judiciary.

Cyprus is a member of the U.N. the British Commonwealth, the non-aligned movement, world bank and I.M.F. with associate membership of the EEC (full membership will take place on the 1st of May 2004.

Language:

Obviously the main language to be spoken in Cyprus is Greek Cypriot, but over 85% of the population speak English, as Cyprus was once an English colony. Most of the shop signs, street signs and road markings are all in English.

Currency/Banking:

The Cyprus banking system is very similar to the English system. You can youre your own local bank account, offering you all privileges as at home, like cheque book, visa/master card, cash card, overdraft limit etc. There are many International banks throughout the Island.

Most credit cards are accepted and used in Cyprus such as Visa, American Express, Diners club and Master Card.

It is also advisable after purchasing your property and opening a Bank Account to make arrangements to have all your bills paid by Standing Order, as this method of payment is especially convenient, when not permanently residing in the country.

The currency system is a decimal with one Cyprus pound made up of 100 cents. Coins are issued from 1 cent to 50 cents with bank note denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20, the exchange rate in relation to other currencies is issued daily by the central bank, based and controlled by the international banking system.

There are both domestic and foreign banks operational within Cyprus, to international standard offering a range of services, from investment, H.P. to mortgage facilities.

Banks are normally open for public between 8.30-12.30, Monday-Friday.

Weight and Measures:

In Cyprus the weight and measures system used is metric (Kilos, Litres, Kilometers and Meters). Shopping in Cyprus is less hectic than in most European countries and it is a casual and relaxed experience offering you time to browse around at your own leisure.

Food:

Cyprus offers an excellent variety of fresh and inexpensive fruit, vegetables meat and fish. Also the large hypermarkets offer a wide selection of imported commodities, because of the Paphos climate an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables grow throughout the year such as, bananas, oranges, mandarins, apples, melons, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, grapes, lettuce etc.

Alcohol & Tobacco:

Cyprus offers an excellent selection of local and vintage wines and spirits and they are very reasonably priced. A good bottle of red wine for example Othello can be purchased for CY 2.00 and a good medium sweet wine can be purchased for CY 1.70. Another speciality of Cyprus is the brandy you can buy a good quality brandy for CY 3.00.The price of cigarettes range from CY 1.30 to CY 2.10 for a packet of twenty

Clothing:

Most of the clothes can be bought at very reasonable prices a made to measure suit will cost CY 50.00. Children's and baby clothes are reasonably priced too. Also men and women's leather shoes are of very good value and quality and start from around CY 10.00 a pair.

You can get also all the designers clothes of their values.

Domestic Appliances:

A wide variety of electrical appliances with leading brand names are available and for the last few years have become very competitive in price for example a Washing Machine CY 150.00, Tumble Dryer CY 170.00 and a Fridge Freezer CY 190.00. All reputable companies offer from one to three years warranty, on their electrical products.

Medical Services:

Medical Health Care in Cyprus is at very high standard and the Doctors, Physicians and Surgeons are very highly qualified the Private Medical Clinics cover every field in medicine, and Private Health Care Insurance is relatively inexpensive and can be arranged through an Insurance company or through your Bank.

Also the General Hospital offers Health Care to Foreigners once you have become a permanent resident for a small annual fee. Pharmacists are very well informed and may save you a trip to the Doctor.

Most pharmaceutical products in Cyprus can be brought directly over the counter.

Air Travel:

In Cyprus there are two International Airports at Larnaca and Paphos. This is why Paphos is an ideal place for permanent or vacation purposes being only a 20 minutes car journey.

Communications:

Telephone and Postal communication is efficient and reasonably priced. International calls, cheap rate period is after 8 pm and all day Sunday with calls costing as low as 16 cents per minute. Mobile telephones are very easily excisable and International rates are very low. Telephone cards can be purchased from Kiosks and Supermarkets and the costs are CY 3.00, CY 5.00 and CY 10.00. Postal costs Internationally are 26 Cents for a Post card and 31 Cents for a letter.

Church services:

Cyprus is mainly a Greek Orthodox Country, but other religions such as Anglican and Catholic hold regular Sunday services and special Religious services at Christmas and Easter.

Duty-free Services:

You are allowed to purchase a duty free car, yacht and all of your household personnel effects free of import levy, when moving to Cyprus.

Please note that from 1st of May 2004 some of these may change.

Education:

Education:In Cyprus there are Kindergarten Schools, Junior and Secondary Schools catering for Cypriot and foreign students, but if you want your child to attend a Government School then a comprehensible knowledge of the Cypriot language is essential. The International School in Paphos is a very well established School with excellent results of achievement.

The Family Pets:

If you wish to bring your pet dog or cat from a European country, then they must have had all the necessary vaccinations. This system may change as the system of pet tagging with a computer microchip placed in the animal's ear by a Veterinary Surgeon has started to take over. This system is enforced by the EEC as this form of animal identification is known as a "pet Passport," allowing animal owners to travel freely around Europe with their pets.

Low taxation:

Cyprus has a unique treaty when it comes to tax. Take advantage of the Double Taxation Treaty. This enables United Kingdom Citizens to receive their pensions and investment income in Cyprus free of UK withholding tax. So whether you have a private or public pension this includes both. Insurance pensions can also be paid the same Tax-free system basis, and these are index linked by Reciprocal Agreement.