Useful Information

The Climate
One of the healthiest and sunniest anywhere in the globe including the four seasons cycle, with temperature ranging from 10° C (50° F) in January the coldest month to 38° C (100° F) in August the hottest month. The main rainfall occurs during December-March with snow on the mountains giving a lush and colourful spring time, with no rainfall between June and September, the end of the summer can be parched and dusty leading to rich Autumn colours.

Languages
Obviously the main language to be spoken in Cyprus is Greek Cypriot, but over 85% of the population speak English, as Cyprus was once an English colony. Most of the shop signs, street signs and road markings are all in English.

Currency/Banking
The Cyprus banking system is very similar to the English system. As a foreigner you will need to open an external Bank Account.
There are many International banks throughout the Island. Most credit cards are accepted and used in Cyprus such as Visa, American Express, Diners club and Master Card. Once you have become a permanent resident then you can open an Internal Bank Account. It is also advisable after purchasing your property and opening a Bank Account to make arrangements to have all your bills paid by Standing Order, as this method of payment is especially convenient, when not permanently residing in the country. The currency system is a decimal with one Cyprus pound made up of 100 cents. Coins are issued from 1 cent to 50 cents with bank note denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20, the exchange rate in relation to other currencies is issued daily by the central bank. There are both domestic and foreign banks operational within Cyprus, to international standard offering a range of services, from investment, H.P. to mortgage facilities. Banks are normally open between 8.30-12.30, Monday-Friday.

Food
Cyprus offers an excellent variety of fresh and inexpensive fruit, vegetables meat and fish. Also the large hypermarkets offer a wide selection of imported commodities, because of the Paphos climate an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables grow throughout the year such as, bananas, oranges, mandarins, apples, melons, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes.

Alcohol and Tobacco
Cyprus offers an excellent selection of local and vintage wines and spirits and they are very reasonably priced. A good bottle of red wine for example Othello can be purchased for £CY 2.00 and a good medium sweet wine can be purchased for £CY 1.70.
Another speciality of Cyprus is the brandy you can buy a good quality brandy for £CY 3.00.The price of cigarettes range from £CY 0.90 to £CY  1.60 for a packet of twenty.

Medical Services
Medical Health Care in Cyprus is at very high standard and the Doctors, Physicians and Surgeons are very highly qualified the Private Medical Clinics cover every field in medicine, and Private Health Care Insurance is relatively inexpensive and can be arranged through an Insurance company or through your Bank. Also the General Hospital offers Health Care to Foreigners once you have become a permanent resident for a small annual fee. Pharmacists are very well informed and may save you a trip to the Doctor. Most pharmaceutical products in Cyprus can be brought directly over the counter.

Air Travel
In Cyprus there are two International Airports at Larnaca and Paphos. This is why Paphos is an ideal place for permanent or vacation purposes being only a 20 minutes car journey.

Communications
Telephone and Postal communication is efficient and reasonably priced. International calls, cheap rate period is after 8 pm and all day Sunday with calls costing as low as 16 cents per minute. Mobile telephones are very easily excisable and International rates are very low. Telephone cards can be purchased from Kiosks and Supermarkets and the costs are £CY 3.00, £CY 5.00 and £CY 10.00. Postal costs Internationally are 26 Cents for a Post card and 31 Cents for a letter.

Duty-free Services
You are allowed to purchase a duty free car, yacht and all of your household personnel effects free of import levy, when moving to Cyprus.

CRIME RATE
According to Interpol statistics, Cyprus has a crime rate, which is only one sixth of the average rate of other European countries. You will find the people rarely lock their cars, they leave their windows and doors open and this is due to the friendliness and honesty of the local population. Living in Paphos will mean you can enjoy personal security and not have to turn your home into a fortress.