Just Landed in Cyprus? Your First 7 Days

Mobile coverage from Cyta (the former state operator), Epic and PrimeTel is strong across the government-controlled south, with reliable 4G and expanding 5G in all cities and along the coast. Prepaid SIMs must be registered to a passport or national ID when you buy them, a quick process done in-store. EU roaming is included, so your Cypriot number works normally across the rest of the EU.

Typical cost: A prepaid plan with 10-30 GB of data runs roughly 10-20 EUR per month, and unlimited home fibre from Cyta, PrimeTel or Cablenet costs about 25-45 EUR/month depending on speed and TV bundle. Installation for fibre can take a week or two, so ask the landlord whether a line already exists.

The Republic of Cyprus uses the euro, and cards are accepted in supermarkets, chains, restaurants and larger shops, but cash remains king in tavernas, village businesses, farmers' markets and with tradespeople. The Turkish-controlled north uses the Turkish lira, which is a separate economy entirely.

Opening an account: Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank are the two dominant retail banks and both serve foreigners, but opening an account is document-heavy and slow, typically requiring your passport, TIC, proof of address and often proof of income, a reference or an explanation of the source of funds. Because of strict anti-money-laundering checks, non-EU applicants can face extra scrutiny. Revolut and Wise are hugely popular as fast, English-language euro accounts for everyday spending and international transfers while a local account is being set up.

Cash: Carry cash for tavernas, kiosks (periptera), weekend farmers' markets, taxis and small tradespeople, many of whom still work cash-only. Contactless cards and phone payments are fine in cities, supermarkets and chains, and Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported.

Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: round up or leave about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Some tavernas already add a service charge, so check the bill before adding more, and it is normal to leave nothing extra at casual counter-service or coffee spots.

Anyone intending to stay in the Republic of Cyprus for longer than three months must register their residence, and it is a genuine legal requirement rather than a formality. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens obtain a Registration Certificate, universally known as the 'yellow slip', by submitting form MEU1 with proof of work or sufficient funds. Non-EU nationals must hold the correct entry visa or permit and obtain an Alien Registration Certificate (ARC) together with a temporary or permanent residence permit. Registration is practically essential because your yellow slip or ARC is requested for employment, banking, GESY healthcare, utilities and long-term contracts.

Deadline: EU citizens are expected to apply for the yellow slip within roughly four months of arrival once they have a job or evidence of funds and health cover. Non-EU deadlines depend on the specific visa or permit category, but you should begin the residence-permit process promptly and never overstay your entry conditions.

Where: EU applications and many non-EU cases are handled by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia, with district Aliens and Immigration Units of the police also serving Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. Appointments and long queues are the norm, so book online where possible and arrive with originals, copies and photos.

Cyprus is car-country: there is no railway and inter-city buses are infrequent, so most residents drive or use taxis and ride-hailing. City bus networks exist in every district but run limited routes and tend to stop by early evening, and Sunday service is minimal. Cyprus drives on the left, roads are generally good, and distances are short, with the whole island crossable in about two hours.

From the airport: Larnaca (LCA) is the main international airport. The Kapnos and Limassol Airport Express coaches link it to Nicosia and Limassol for roughly 8-9 EUR, local buses run into Larnaca town for around 1.50 EUR, and a Bolt or taxi to Larnaca centre costs about 12-18 EUR (Nicosia is roughly 45-55 EUR, Limassol around 55-70 EUR). Paphos (PFO) is the second airport, serving the west with its own airport bus and taxi links to Paphos and Limassol.

Rentals are advertised on Bazaraki, the dominant local classifieds site, and through estate agents, and the great majority of flats come furnished. Limassol is by far the most expensive city because of the influx of tech, forex and shipping firms and their international staff; Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos are noticeably cheaper. The market moves fast in Limassol, so be ready to decide quickly and view in person.

Typical rent: A one-bedroom flat now runs roughly 1,000-1,600 EUR/month in central Limassol and about 600-900 EUR in Nicosia, Larnaca or Paphos, with new-build and seafront properties at the top of every range. Rents have risen sharply in recent years, so budget generously and consider slightly out-of-centre areas for better value.

Deposit norm: One to two months' rent as a deposit is standard, plus the first month up front. If an estate agent is involved, expect a commission of around one month's rent (often split or paid by the tenant), and always insist on a written, signed tenancy agreement. Utilities (electricity via EAC, water and internet) are usually paid on top of rent.

Cyprus runs GESY (the General Healthcare System, known in English as the GHS), a universal system covering residents who contribute. It gives access to state and contracted private doctors, specialists and hospitals with small co-payments per visit, and standards are generally good, especially in the private-hospital network that participates in the scheme.

How to access it: Once registered for GESY you choose a personal doctor (GP) who is your first point of contact and gatekeeper for referrals to specialists. Register via the GESY beneficiary portal (gesy.org.cy) or the GHS app; if you are employed, contributions are deducted automatically from your salary. Keep your EHIC/GHIC handy for the transition period before you are enrolled.

Insurance: Employees and the self-employed contribute to GESY through payroll and social insurance, and pensioners and other categories are covered too. Newcomers not yet in GESY, along with many who want faster specialist access or specific private hospitals, take out private health insurance, which is widely available and reasonably priced. Pharmacies are plentiful and can advise on minor ailments, with an on-duty rota for nights and Sundays.

• Hospitality is central: expect to be offered coffee, food or a drink when visiting, and accepting graciously is the polite response.
• Greet with a handshake, and a kiss on each cheek among friends; Cypriots are warm, chatty, loud and physically expressive.
• Learn a few Greek words like 'kalimera' (good morning), 'parakalo' (please) and 'efharisto' (thank you); English works everywhere but the effort is genuinely appreciated.
• Treat time flexibly for social plans and tradespeople: 'now' can mean later, appointments slip, and pushing hard for punctuality reads as rude.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries, covering shoulders and knees, and remove hats inside.
• Family and community matter deeply, so asking about someone's family and sharing a long, unhurried meal builds trust far faster than efficiency does.
• Embrace 'siga siga' (slowly, slowly): patience with the pace of life and paperwork is the single most useful attitude you can bring.

• Public administration is slow and paperwork-heavy; bring originals, photocopies, photos and expect several separate visits for anything official.
• Do not assume your Republic of Cyprus car insurance or rental agreement covers you across the Green Line into the north, as it usually does not without separate cover.
• Many shops and offices close in the afternoon heat and much of Sunday, so schedule errands for weekday mornings.
• Property purchases can carry title-deed complications; always use your own independent lawyer, never one recommended by the seller or developer.
• The Cyprus problem and the island's division are sensitive; listen more than you opine, and avoid strong political pronouncements with people you have just met.