Following the welcome news that was recently revealed about the Turkish Cypriots having begun work to tear down the Lokmaci barrier in Lefkosia to open up the border to Ledra Street in south Cyprus, we thought we should write about Cyprus border crossing for anyone new to North Cyprus or those hoping to visit TRNC from south Cyprus.
Since the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 the rules relating to border crossing in Cyprus have slightly changed and the majority of Cyprus guide and travel books are actually out of date.
Before moving to Northern Cyprus many people write to us and ask us what the winters are really like in TRNC.
On the one hand you have travel companies and tour operators telling people that there is winter sun in North Cyprus and promoting year round breaks to TRNC, and on the other hand you have the old expat stories of power cuts and storms to sift through...so where exactly does the truth lie?
Oh me oh my, this is a complicated subject! Bringing a pet to Northern Cyprus is fairly complicated but no where near as complicated as exporting your pet from North Cyprus, and owning an animal here brings up even more complications!
So, here is the About North Cyprus guide to pets in North Cyprus that should, we hope, assist you if you’re thinking of moving to live here permanently and either considering bringing your pets with you, or adopting a dog or a cat when you get here.
As the average age of the expatriate community in Northern Cyprus drops each year because of the continued interest from young couples and families in the lifestyle achievable on the island, so the demand for job opportunities in TRNC intensifies.
This article examines the realities and practicalities of living and working in Northern Cyprus for pre-retirees looking for a brand new life abroad.
The population of expats in Northern Cyprus is growing annually. And while the majority of those seeking to escape to sunnier climes are older couples looking for an idyllic early retirement haven, there’s a strong tide of expatriate families and young people taking up residence on this beautiful island.
As a direct result the demand for quality education through the medium of English has intensified and the number of schools in North Cyprus offering the British or international curriculum for students through years 1 to 12 has grown to meet this demand.
Because of high import taxes, trade restrictions and the general difficulty in procuring cars in Northern Cyprus, new and used vehicles in the TRNC sell for a substantially higher price than in the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey, Germany or even Britain.
As a result many expatriates balk at the restrictive prices and consider importing their own previously used car from ‘back home’ when they move to Northern Cyprus.
If you’re planning a visit to Northern Cyprus or even thinking of moving here to retire or work, there are a number of books that you might find useful, informative, interesting and inspiring.
We’ve picked a few of the best and have reviewed them for you in this article.
If you’re considering visiting beautiful North Cyprus for the first time you may have a number of general questions about what to expect from the island.
Often we’re asked about passport and visa requirements, the currency, crossing the border to the South, health requirements etc.: this article should cover these points and more for the benefit of all those considering visiting this stunning Mediterranean haven.
North Cyprus has a great deal to offer residents of all ages.
If you’re thinking of relocating your family to the island, retiring to North Cyprus or just changing your life and moving here to look for a new opportunity, here are a few tips to help you make the move easily and with as little stress as possible!
For those considering a move to beautiful Northern Cyprus this article should highlight some of the features, benefits and truths about life here!
Summer and winter bank, local authority and official building opening hours differ! If you move here in the summer and need to get your water, electricity or telephone sorted out or visit the bank to open an account be aware that these places open at about 8.30am and then close at lunch time (around noon) for the rest of the day so you have to be prepared to get up early or stand in long queues as everyone scrambles to get everything done during the shorter summer opening hours! In the winter most places re-open after lunch at about 2pm and then close again at 4 or 6pm.
Visitors to Northern Cyprus are spoilt for choice when it comes to ‘things to do’ but there is a serious lack of centralised tourist information either online or off. Hopefully this article should give you a few ideas and point you in the right direction to find out more about what there is do here all year round.
Any visit to North Cyprus would be incomplete without a trip to the old harbour in Kyrenia. This pretty horseshoe shaped harbour is home to many pleasure crafts and tourist excursion boats...as well as the occasional amazing yacht in the summer.
The climate is described as “intense Mediterranean” in North Cyprus - this means that in general the island enjoys short mild and temperate winters and very long hot summers. In fact, it has often been said that the weather in Northern Cyprus is perfect - and not just by me! Temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the elevation - naturally enough it can feel a lot cooler at the top of St Hilarion or Buffavento Castle than on the harbour in Kyrenia on the same summer’s day!
The summer can begin as early as March...though officially it doesn’t start until June, but by then temperatures are already in the 30’s (around 86F). From June to September there is no rain, the days are long and hot, the evenings are balmy and relaxing though the nights can sometimes be a little uncomfortable - a fan or an air-conditioning unit soon stifle the night time heat and allow for restful sleep.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and Northern Cyprus lies directly 70km south of the Turkish mainland.
Because of the island’s location at the maritime crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean basin and its proximity to the Middle East, Cyprus has always been an island of strategic importance and throughout its 10,000 year known history the island has either profited or suffered depending on which external power bloc controlled it at the time.
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