USEFUL INFORMATION

Established on  15.11.1983
Capital Nicosia
Area 3.355 km2
Population 264.169

Government
The full name of North Cyprus is, “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” or “T.R.N.C.”.In Turkish Northern Cyprus is known as “K.K.T.C.”, “Kuzey Kibris Türk Cumhuriyeti”
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a democratic, secular republic based on the principles of social justice and the rule of law. The Constitution provides for a parliamentar system system with a president as head of state, and a council of ministers composed of a prime minister and 10 ministers. Legislative power is vested in the Legislative Assembly, composed of 50 deputies elected by universal suffrage for a period of five years. Judicial power is exercised through independent courts. North Cyprus Properties

Language
The official language of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is Turkish. However, English is very widely used both by the Government and by the private sector. Communications with any Government Department may be made in English and is perfectly acceptable. 

Time
Local time in North Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Summertime is used and the clocks change on the same day as in the UK. Time in terms of when things get done is a bit more relaxed then in most European countries. There is what has become known throughout the world as island time and the mañana (tomorrow) attitude is quite prevalent in North Cyprus. So expect things to get done at a more gradual pace. Appointments are generally kept but might be a bit delayed.

Telephone
Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office. Visitors will usually phone from their hotel, or from the Telecommunications Office, which in Kyrenia is opposite the Post Office. The telephone codes for North Cyprus are listed below: The telephone country code for North Cyprus is (00)90-392. For example, to call the Kyrenia number Kyrenia 8154321 from England, dial 0090-392-8154321Most European countries may be dialed directly from North Cyprus. The code for England is 0044 followed by the local number but omitting the first number (0). Codes for other countries are listed in the telephone directory. 

GSM
Currently there are two GSM operators with networks up and running in Northern Cyprus. These are Telsim and KKTC Cell which is in an extension of Turkcell. Both of these companies are based in Turkey and are Turkish companies. Visitors to the Island will be glad to know that these two companies have alliances with other companies world wide and thus as long as you have roaming service with your company in your country of residence you will most likely be able to use your Cell phone here. Please note that if you are a CDMA user there are currently no companies that operate CDMA networks in Northern Cyprus.

Post
The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming mail must be suffixed “Mersin-10, Turkey” and not “Northern Cyprus”. The history of the postal service in Northern Cyprus will definitely be of interest to all philatelists.Stamps can be bought from post offices, many small shops and hotel receptions. Mail sent to Europe should arrive in seven days. You can take mail to the post office or alternatively there are small yellow post boxes, but these are not frequently emptied. Many hotels will also post your mail if you leave it at reception.

Traffic
In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus traffic flows from the left. International road and traffic signs are used. Maximum traveling speed is 100 km/h. 

Electric Current Voltage 
Power is supplied at 240 volts and wall fittings are generally the U.K. three-pin type. 

Banks and Currency
In Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot Banks operate and they are open from Monday to Friday ( except public holidays ) between 08:00-12:00 / 14:00-16:00 hours. Turkish Lira is used as the local currency. Exchanging all the currencies in banks, exchange offices and in hotels is possible. Visa card, credit card, master and euro cards, checks etc... can be used in place of cash. 

Opening Hours
Shops are open with some variations but generally
Summer: 08:00-13:00 / 16:00-19:00
Winter: 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-18:00
Public Services
Summer:
Monday: 07:30-14:00 / 15:30-18:00 
Tuesday to Friday : 07:30-14:00
Winter:
Monday to Friday: 08:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00

Public Holidays 
1 January - New Year`s Day 
23 April - Children`s Day 
1 May - Labour Day 
19 May - Youth and Sports Day 
20 July - Peace and Freedom Day 
30 August - Victory Day 
29 October - Turkish Republic Day 
15 November - Northern Cyprus Republic Day

Transport  
The newly refurbished Ercan Airport, (pronounced airjan), situated approx 25 minutes drive from Kyrenia, handles the bulk of the tourist traffic, whilst Gecitkale serves as a back-up airport. Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island.

Airlines flying to North Cyprus are Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Onur Air. No visa is required to enter North Cyprus and if you prefer not to have your passport stamped when entering the country, you can have a blank piece of paper stamped.

Various airlines also fly to Larnaca in the South. A taxi fare will cost @ £50 each way to and from Kyrenia.

Importation of Cars into the TRNC  
All foreigners should carefully examine the importation of vehicles rules into Northern Cyprus from overseas. Cars are valued (Glass's Guide) and import tax is levied on the basis of the value, engine capacity and age. In most cases the tax assessment is high. It is far more advantageous to purchase a car in North Cyprus. Brand new cars are usually very well priced and many companies offer interest free credit terms.

Second-hand vehicles are in abundance but prices for reliable cars rarely drop below £3000 no matter the condition. We may not be the cheapest for Car Insurance but we are the only Company in Northern Cyprus to offer Insurance with premiums paid out in Sterling.

Driving Licence  
A valid British driving licence is recognised in the TRNC for a limited period, as is an International Driving Licence. Anyone owning a car in the TRNC is required to have, within a year, a TRNC driving licence. If this is not obtained and an accident occurs the car insurance becomes null and void. This can be obtained on presentation of a Temporary or Permanent Residency Permit, the original British driving licence, together with a photocopy of both sides and 2 passport sized photographs. Forms are available from the taxation office in Girne. Completed forms must be presented in Lefkosa. There is a fee for the driving licence: a 3 year or 5 year licence may be bought. A test may be taken locally to obtain a first ever driving licence.

Traffic  
As in the UK traffic circulation is on the left. Road signs are international.

There are a large selections of car hire companies with a variety of vehicles at favourable rates, from as little as £10 per day in the winter to £15+ in the peak season.

Petrol Stations
There are many petrol stations on the Island, a few in each town and on the main through roads. Many are open 24 hours a day. Car valet services are widely available and are cheap.