You might be wondering what kind of cash you’ll need to fill your wallet with and what time zone you’ll be syncing your watch to. Here is a short summary of what to expect.
Currency: Euro All the Way
So first things first, Cyprus uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
That makes life super easy if you’re coming from another Eurozone country—no need to deal with pesky exchange rates or carry two types of cash.
You’ll find banknotes in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, and coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents as well as €1 and €2.
ATMs and Credit Cards
ATMs are easy to find in cities, tourist spots, and even smaller towns.
They generally offer decent exchange rates if you’re withdrawing Euros from a different currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in more urban or touristy areas.
However, if you’re venturing into a small village or dining at a family-run taverna, it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you.
Currency Exchange
If you’re arriving with another currency, you can easily exchange it at banks, hotels, and dedicated currency exchange offices. But watch out for the fees!
Banks usually offer better exchange rates than hotels or airports. You could also consider using a currency exchange app or card that offers low fees and good rates.
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET)
Cyprus is on Eastern European Time, which is GMT+2.
They also observe Daylight Saving Time, so clocks go forward by 1 hour at 3 am on the last Sunday in March and go back by 1 hour at 4 am on the last Sunday in October.
What Does That Mean for Travelers?
Well, if you’re planning to explore the nearby countries like Greece (also GMT+2) or Turkey (GMT+3), you won’t experience much jet lag. If you’re flying in from Western Europe or the USA, however, prepare for a bit of a time difference.
Those coming from Asia might have to adjust to a time that’s relatively earlier.
Keeping Track
Most of your digital devices will auto-adjust to the local time when you arrive, which is super convenient.
But for those sporting a good ol’ wristwatch, don’t forget to set it manually. If you have any time-sensitive activities like a guided tour or a boat trip, always double-check the local time to make sure you’re in sync.