Cyprus
Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, and for thousands of years a trading centre due to its location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, has become a leading holiday destination, due to its excellent climate with very warm, dry summers and mild winters, combined with a wide variety of natural beauty, famous historical sights, rich culture, and above all, friendly and welcoming inhabitants, which combine to offer a safe environment for residence and investments.
By joining the European Union on the 1st of May 2004, Cyprus offers unique opportunities for those wishing to acquire real estate at extremely favourable prices with excellent future investment potential, and in a most desirable location.
Cyprus's climate, friendly people, investment & work opportunities, they're archaeological sites, beautiful beaches and services make Cyprus a place to be!!!
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 April and October, the end of the summer can be parched and dusty leading to rich Autumn colours.
System of Government:
Cyprus is an independent and sovereign republic with the elected president (5 year election cycle) as head of state. The legislation power lies with the elected House of Representatives and appointed council of ministers.
The legal system is based on the British/European system with independent power exercised by the judiciary.
Cyprus is a member of the U.N. the British Commonwealth, the non-aligned movement, world bank and I.M.F. with associate membership of the EEC (full membership will take place on the 1st of May 2004.
Language:
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. You can you're your own local bank account, offering you all privileges as at home, like cheque book, visa/master card, cash card, overdraft limit etc. 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.
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, based and controlled by the international banking system.
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 for public between: 8.30-12.30 on a Monday to Friday.
Weight and Measures:
In Cyprus the weight and measures system used is metric (Kilos, Litres, Kilometres and Meters). Shopping in Cyprus is less hectic than in most European countries and it is a casual and relaxed experience offering you time to browse around at your own leisure.
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, potatoes, grapes, lettuce etc.
Alcohol & 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 1.30 to CY 2.10 for a packet of twenty.