What currency in Cyprus and what to take on a journey

Learning which currency in Cyprus, you should specify which Cyprus you are going to visit. After the entry of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union, the country moved to the euro, however, at the moment it is not the only monetary unit of the country. The transition from the old currency, started on the first day of 2008 and the planned to be completed by the end of January 2009, was strongly delayed and was extended until the end of 2017.

Currency History of the Republic of Cyprus

The progenitor of the euro was a Cyprus pound, also referred to as Liru on the Turkish manner. Ented back in 1879, he was equated for a long time to pound sterling and was no less stable. At one time, the Cyprus pound was divided into piastra, then to Milli and Schillling. They shared the LIRA not to the usual one hundred parts, but by 200, 1000 and 20 parts, respectively. Cents appeared in 1983, making the calculation more convenient. The exchange rate of the pound for dollars was 1 to 2.

In 2004, Cyprus became part of the European Union and several years later began the introduction of new banknotes. The pounds are almost not found, but when looking for an answer to the question of which currency in Cyprus, you can easily get confused. Now the "Euro" will be an unequivocal answer. It is their best to take on the road and pay in any institution of the country.

Exchange and exchange rate in Cyprus

Rubles, hryvnia and other banknotes of the CIS countries in the country are practically not accepted, and offer a very underestimated course, so you change money on euro or dollars before the trip. Upon arrival, dollars or other currency can be exchanged for euros in banks, exchange offices, hotels, ATMs, in the post office and transport stations. The highest course in banks and exchangers in the PERIPERERO kiosks, the least beneficial to buying the euro in the hotel.

Besides the course, pay attention to the Commission. In banks, when exchanging, will take 1-2 percent of the amount, in ATMs and hotels, the Commission comes to 4%. For currency operations, you must have a passport with yourself.

In summer, banks and other government agencies work on abbreviated schedule: from 08:15 to 13:00, some until 13:30. Saturdays and Sundays are always weekends. In the low season, which lasts from October to April, the working day begins at 08:30 and ends at 13:00, but on Mondays the afternoon is added from 15:15 to 16:45. In order not to be squeezed into this framework and do not overpay for the exchange, remember what currency in Cyprus, and immediately take the euro or a card. In the extreme case, traveler checks are suitable, but there are few of them.

What is better: cash or payment card

Banking maps of international systems are taken in most places that may be interested in the guests of the country: hotels, cafes and restaurants, refueling and shops. There are no Terminal on the main resorts, except that in the bazaars and in small bears, and even in the Kiosks "Periputero" do not always agree to accept non-cash payment.

In the distance from major cities there are fewer ATMs and terminals, so be in cash. When calculating them there is a chance to bargain and significantly reduce the price, whereas when paying a map of the sellers even to hear about discounts do not want.

Cyprus is a high percentage when removing money in an ATM or on payment operations, sometimes it comes to 5-7% of the amount. When paying a card open in national currency, money is converted into euros. The currency exchange rate can be calculated on the National Bank, and may enter into an additional commission for internal exchange. So in this southern country it is better to take the basic amount in the euro, and in cash, and on the map have a stock for unplanned costs and unforeseen circumstances.

Please note that the "visa" system cards in Cyprus take everywhere, "Maestro" - in most establishments, and American Express does not take at all!

Northern Cyprus: Currency for tourists

In this part of the island in the go new Turkish lira. At the same time, in most cases, sellers willingly take euros, dollars, sterling pounds and some other monetary signs. Change the brought currency to the local one is only on minor costs. To do this, contact the bank or exchange item. In Northern Cyprus, banks work up to 5 pm, exchangers are open to 8-10 pm.

If you take a bank card on the road, you choose the Visa or MasterCard payment system, other credits may not accept. Also note that you can pay a card only in some major supermarkets and other tourist sites. ATMs are installed only in the largest cities and their very little.

As a result of finding a response to the question of what currency in Cyprus and what is better to take with you, you can say: it is definitely better to stock euro. Unlike many European countries, it is not too profitable to go with bank cards, but you should take them to the reserve.

Making purchases worth more than 50 euros, ask for a Global Refund, this will allow you to return a tax of 8.3% of the amount spent. The resulting receipt is needed before departure to assure at customs and leave in a special drawer painted in yellow.

Counting how much you need to take the euro to Cyprus for your holiday, focus on your needs or apply a few tricks for savings. For example, if you booked a hotel only with breakfasts, then for lunch and dinner stroll at the city cafe, there the score will be released one and a half or two times less than in the hotel's restaurant. When walking, please note that some establishments give a discount on dinners and dinners at a certain time, it will help spend 10-20% less. Ask about the presence of an integrated menu, which included several dishes.

Feel free to apply for advice to local residents or other vacationers, they will prompt where it is best to eat, have fun and bother. Pleasant rest!