
Traveling to Cyprus Cyprus can be reached by several major international airlines form European gateway cities. Form North America, travelers can break up the journey in the European city of their choice or elect to keep connection time to a minimum. Popular gateways include London, Paris, Amsterdam, Athens, Frankfurt, Zurich, Helsinki, Rome, Dubai etc. In addition, Cyprus Airways provides regular daily flights from many major European and Middle Eastern gateways. Travelers arriving in the Republic of Cyprus may enter the Republic only through the legal ports of entry: Larnaka and Pafos International Airports. However, Larnaka is the main and busiest Airport. All airports in the part of the Republic illegally occupied by the Turkish invasion forces, have been declared by the Government of Cyprus as prohibited ports of entry and exit, and no visitor should enter or leave the Republic through these ports. Airports Visitors arriving in Cyprus by air may enter the Republic only through the International Airports of Larnaka (main airport) and Pafos. Airport Transfers Taxis are always available at both Airports for your transfer to Limassol. The cost for a 4-seated taxi from Larnaka Airport to Limassol is approximately CYŁ27.00 per taxi per way and from Pafos Airport approximately CYŁ35.00 per taxi per way. However, prices may change depending on the time of the day. If you wish to book your airport transfers in advance please fill out the details on your accommodation form. Climate Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. The average temperature in June is 31°C daytime and 21°C during evenings. Clothing Summer clothes and swimming suits are recommended daytime and jackets and light sweaters may be required for the evening. Language Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism Industry. Currency / Banking Hours / Credit Cards Currency - Exchange Rates. The currency of the Republic is the Cyprus pound - CY£, which is divided into 100 cents. The equivalent of the Cyprus Pound against the Euro is approximately 1.70 (1CY£ = 1.70 Euro). The equivalent of the Cyprus Pound against the US Dollar is approximately 2.20 (1CY£ = 2.20 US Dollar). Notes and coins currently in circulation are as follows: Banknotes: CYŁ20, CYŁ10, CYŁ5, CYŁ1 Coins: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents. The Cyprus pound is not traded internationally. Commercial Banks quote daily the exchange rates of the Cyprus pound against all the major traded foreign currencies while the Central Bank quotes daily the Cyprus pound vis-a-vis the EURO, the U.S. dollar, the Pound Sterling and other currencies. Banking hours for the public Monday - Friday 08:00 - 13:00 There are many Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) outside most branches of banks in all towns and in the main tourist resorts. Hotels, large shops and restaurants normally accept credit cards and traveler's cheques. Banknotes of major foreign currencies are also acceptable. Rates of exchange are published daily in the local press and are broadcast through the media. Tipping Because of the 10% service charge levied in hotels and restaurants, a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi-drivers, porters, hairdressers etc., always appreciate a small tip. Credit Cards All major credit cards are accepted widely, but not everywhere. If in doubt, ask in advance. Insurance It is recommended that participants arrange insurance for medical expenses, loss and accidents occurring during the conference. The organizers cannot be held responsible for any losses, damages or injuries. Electric Current - Voltage The supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square pin in most buildings. Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception. Business Hours Shop opening hours vary according to the season. In the summer they are usually open between 09:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 20:00. On Wednesdays and Saturdays morning opening hours are observed. However, souvenir shops and supermarkets in tourist areas stay open until 22:00 hrs Chemist Pharmacies / Drug Stores They stay open during shopping hours. Late night chemists are listed in the daily papers.