BANKING SYSTEM
The continually diversifying needs of the business community are catered for and all types of banking services are available. Some banks have international branches and we can supply you with more information on request.

CITIES
The capital of the TRNC ıs Lefkoşa (Nicosia), which is the main area for business and administration. Other cities are Gazi Mağusa (Famagusta), Girne (Kyrenia) and Guzelyurt (Morphou).

CLIMATE
Northern Cyprus offers long, hot summers and short, mild winters. With approximately 340 days of sunshine annually, the island is one of the healthiest places to live in the world, even the sea temperature rarely drops below 60^oF.

CURRENCY
New Turkish Lira (Yeni Türk Lirası - YTL) is the legal tender in Northern Cyprus, however, in general all foreign currencies, especially sterlıng, dollars and Euros, are acceptable at trading/tourist outlets. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaux and hotels.

HOW TO GET HERE
Ercan airport is the main airport in Northern Cyprus with daily flights from Europe and mainland Turkey. There are no direct flights from Europe to the TRNC.  Alternatively, you can travel to Larnaca in Southern Cyprus and travel north by road and cross the border. A visa is required. There are also daily car and passenger ferries from/to Turkey.

IMPORTATION OF CARS
The importation of cars can be a costly business as cars are valued using the Glass’s Guide. Import tax is assessed based on the value, age and engine capacity of the vehicle, and, generally, these taxes are high. This tax must be paid within 1 year of the importation date.

LIVING COSTS
It is cheaper to live in Northern Cyprus than in the UK and most of Europe.

Service Costs: average monthly service bills are water (£10-15 monthly), electricity (approximately £50-70 monthly) and an annual council tax of approximately £60.

Most cookers use electricity for ovens and calor gas for hobs, although electric hobs are available. Many properties now have central heating, which is run on either calor gas or oil.

MAIN SERVICES/COMMUNCATIONS
Mains power - 240/415 volts A/C 50hz. Plugs are 3 pin, the same as in the UK.

Mains water – mains water is supplied, however, in some areas this is limited to 2-3 times a week.

Telephone – international telephone system plus facsimile and internet.

MEDICAL CARE

Medical care in Northern Cyprus is excellent, with doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacies offering excellent service and advice. 

PETS
Bringing your pet from Europe to Northern Cyprus can be easily arranged. The Ministry of Agriculture requires you to provide a certificate from a European vet stating that your pet is free from any major disease. Your pet will then be kept in quarantine at the government facility in Lefkoşa, usually for four weeks. However, care for your pet is your responsibility and you must feed and exercise your pet yourself every day as this service is not provided.

TIME
Local time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).  Clocks follow the UK system of going forward 1 hour in Spring and going back 1 hour in Autumn.

TRAFFIC/DRIVING