Currency
Cyprus official currency is Euro (€). There are seven denominations in Euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. They are all distinguished by a different colour and size, with the higher the denomination, the bigger the size.
One Euro is divided into 100 cent. There are eight Euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 Euro. The designs on one side of the coins are common to all the countries of the Eurozone (those with the Euro as their currency), while the other side reflects the national identity of the issuing country. All Euro coins can be used in all Eurozone countries, irrespective of their national side.
Currency Exchange
All banks operating in Cyprus offer foreign currency exchange services and quote the exchange rates of the Euro against all major foreign currencies daily. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at hotels. More detailed information concerning exchange rates can be obtained from the Central Bank of Cyprus.
Forms of Payment
Hotels, large shops and restaurants accept credit cards, travellers’ cheques, eurocheques and banknotes of major foreign currencies.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Cyprus, especially in major towns and tourist areas that are used for serving tourists. Visa and MasterCard are the most-accepted types of cards, with American Express, Diners Club, Maestro, Carte Blanche accepted less frequently. Visitors in possession of any of the above mentioned international credit cards may contact the appropriate bank for the withdrawal of cash.
Please note that using a credit card overseas often incurs a fee. Some cards marketed to travellers have no fees for overseas purchases, and others reduce the fee from the average 3% charge that most credit cards charge.
Please note that some establishments still accept only cash; it cannot be taken for granted that a credit card will work while travelling in Cyprus.
For lost credit cards, contact JCC Payment Systems Ltd., and at the same time, contact your bank either in Cyprus or in the issuing country.
JCC Payment Systems Ltd.
Stadiou 1, 2571 Industrial Area Nisou
P.O.Box 21043
CY 2571 Lefkosia
Tel: +357 22 868 000 (24-hour service), Fax: +357 22 868 111
Tipping
Tipping is at the discretion of the customer and is a gesture that is appreciated by hotel and catering establishment employees. Taxi-drivers, porters, hairdressers etc., always appreciate a small tip.
Cost of Living / Holiday Budget
The price of products and services in Cyprus varies depending on the season and the location. Below is an indicative list of average prices in Euro:
Entertainment and Leisure
- Single bus ticket: €1,50
- Cinema ticket: €8 (adults) / €6 (children)
- Theatre ticket: €17 – €25
- Concert/opera ticket: €25 – €77
- Continental breakfast: €3,40 – €6
- Lunch (fixed menu): €10 – €13,50
- Dinner at a local tavern (meze, including beer or cold drink): €20
- Cappuccino (regular): €3,50
- Glass of beer: €3,50 – €5
- Soft drink: €1,30
- Pack of cigarettes: €4,50
Supermarket (average prices)
- Milk: €1,41 per litre
- Traditional bread: €1,71 per loaf
- Halloumi Cheese: €13,51 – 15,50 per kilo
- Local beer: €0,68 – 0,79 per 330 ml tin
- Local natural water: €0,48 – 1,50 per 1.5 litre
- Pork: €4,50 – 5,90 per kilo
- Chicken: €4,00 – 4,40 per kilo
- Tomatoes: €0,85 – 1,30 per kilo
- Apples: €1,89 – 3,75 per kilo
Cyprus Throwdown 