by halil » Wed May 09, 2007 11:49 am
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRNC
Cyprus is a paradise island of incomparable beauty, full of unique historical treasures. It lies in the clear waters of Eastern Mediterranean, just 40 miles off the coast of Turkey, 60 miles from Syria and 250 miles from Egypt. After Sicily and Sardinia, it is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
North Cyprus provides a most hospitable welcome, with its friendly people, and its beautiful natural attractions, unspoilt, unpolluted and un-crowded. With kilometres of coastline and golden sands bathed in sunshine almost every day of the year. There is much of historical interest to reflect nine thousand years of history. Gothic churches rub shoulders with crusader castles, and ruined temples with British Colonial architecture in a fascinating blend of styles. The all pervading sense of the past adds to the enchantment of the present to make an unforgettable visit.
Here are some actual and up to date daily information;
Climate:
North Cyprus enjoys the benefits from the Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, short winters and little rain.
The temperature during the conference is expected to be around 25-26 degrees Celsius and not much rain is expected. You may enjoy some swimming and sunbathing, so we recommend you to bring your swimming suits with you.
Population:
The population of North Cyprus is less than 200.000. Here are the populations of major towns:
Nicosia: 45.000 (Capital)
Kyrenia: 12.000
Famagusta: 11.000
Morphou: 6000
The rest of the population lives in the villages.
Language:
People of North Cyprus speak Turkish as the native language. But a big majority speaks English. Greek is also very common among senior citizens.
Traffic:
We drive on the left in Cyprus. There is a considerably light traffic on the main roads. Only during the rush hours you may experience some dense traffic in town centres.
Electricity
The city energy in North Cyprus is 220W European standard. But the plugs are UK standard with 3 sockets.
Local transportation:
There are hourly and half-hourly minibus services between major towns and 24-hour taxi services available.
There are many car rental companies and you can hire a self-drive car during your stay. Please contact our travel agency for more information.
Currency:
Official local currency in North Cyprus is the New Turkish Lira (NTL). However every shop accepts Euros, GB Pounds, American Dollars and/or other major currencies. You may pay a shop or a taxi in any international currency and get the change back in Turkish Lira.
Here are the current exchange rates for New Turkish Lira (NTL) and Cyprus Pounds (CYP)
1 € = 1,8 NTL
1 $ = 1,4 NTL
1 GBP = 2,7 NTL
1 CYP = 1,75 €
1 CYP = 2,25 $
1 CYP = 1,25 GBP
Reminder: If you will be travelling to North Cyprus via Greek Cyprus, please remember the regulation in the south of Cyprus is a bit different. Most shops or taxis may not accept any foreign currency in Greek Cyprus. They only accept their local currency, which is Cyprus Pounds, so you may need to exchange some money at the airport on your arrival.
VISA Requirements
Nationals of European Community member countries, Israel, USA and Canada do not need a visa to travel to either North or South of Cyprus. But if you want to make a stopover in Istanbul for a few days before or after you will need a visa for Turkey which can be easily obtained directly from the immigration office in Istanbul Airport.
For other nationals please contact nearest Turkish Embassy to you in order to find out if you need a visa for North Cyprus.