Entry to the TRNC: For stays up to 3 months, Turkish and foreign citizens may enter the TRNC as a visitor or tourist with a valid and current passport (unless an entry visa is required). Turkish citizens may also use a valid ID card (substitutes such as driving licenses are not valid).

Currency and banking: Turkish Lira is the legal tender in the TRNC. Foreign currencies and travellers cheques are also accepted in banks, hotels, and exchange offices. Many major credits cards are accepted in the TRNC, and credit cards as well as ATM cards may be used to withdraw currency from ATMs. Banks in the TRNC are open during 08.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.00, except for official holidays and weekends. In addition to local banks, major banks such as IsBank, Garanti Bank, ING Bank, TEB, and HSBC operate in TRNC.

Telephone: The code for international calls from Northern Cyprus is 00 followed by the country code. From abroad the code for Northern Cyprus is +90 392 followed by the local Northern Cypriot number with 7 digits. Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office. Mobile phones are very widely used by Northern Cypriots, through the two available service providers, namely KKTCELL and Vodafone. You may also use your own line with an international usage fee, but your line must be open to international calls.

Electric Current Voltage: Power is supplied at 240 v. and wall fittings are generally the UK three-pin type.

Time zone: The TRNC is in the Eastern Europe time zone, and GMT +2:00. The TRNC is in the same time zone as Turkey.

Language: Official language of the TRNC is Turkish. English is also widely used.

Traffic: In Cyprus, traffic flows on the left. Driving is the most advisable form of transport in Northern Cyprus as the bus services to many of the more remote areas of the country are very infrequent; and in any case, such services cease to operate after 5:00 p.m. The conditions of roads between major towns and villages are good for the most part, but a few mountain and village roads are still not paved, so care should be taken especially in rainy weather. Visitors in Northern Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license or a valid driving license from their country of origin (for up to 3 months). Generally, most visitors choose the option of renting a car in Northern Cyprus, a service that is very reliable and readily available all around the island. Traffic and road signs are international. The speed limit on city/village streets is 45 km/hour, on main roads is 65 km/hour, on intercity highways when outside of villages, is 100 km/hour. Seat belts must be worn. Drivers are prohibited to drink.

Climate: Northern Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate. Summer is the season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breezes create a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. During the summer months very light clothing is all that you will need. In spring and autumn, daytime temperatures are generally warm enough for light summer clothing, but in the evenings, one might feel the need for a light jacket or pullover. During the month of September, temperature is min. 25 degrees Celcius and max. 32 degrees Celcius.

Business/Shopping Hours:
In winter: 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.00; in the summer: 08.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00