Money and duty free for Cyprus

Currency and Money

Currency information

The currency in the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The currency used in north Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TL; symbol ₺ ) = 100 kuruş. Notes are in denominations of ₺200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of ₺1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kuruş. Euros, Pound Sterling and US dollars are generally accepted in the north.

Credit cards

All major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express, are accepted at larger restaurants and shops, and in hotels. Smaller shops, such as those in villages, and rural tavernas are unlikely to accept credit cards. Entry to museums and tourist attractions are payable in cash. 

ATM

There are reliable ATMs in main towns and tourist areas. As of early 2013, withdrawals from Cypriot banks are limited due to the ongoing capital controls imposed on banks throughout the country. Carrying cash, rather than relying on cards, is recommended.

Travellers cheques

Cheques may be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros.

Banking hours

South Cyprus: Mon-Fri 0800-1430. North Cyprus generally operates during the same hours. Banks are closed on public holidays.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared at customs, regardless of whether you’re travelling to or from a country inside or outside the European Union.

Currency exchange

Non-Cypriot currency can be bought and sold at banks in Nicosia and other large towns in both the south and north.

Cyprus duty free

Overview

Cyprus is within the European Union. If you are over 17 years old and travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Cyprus’ duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Cyprus’ duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Cyprus by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer, plus either 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• Goods in addition to the above up to the value of €430 for air travellers (reduced to €175 for travellers under 15 years of age).

Banned Imports

Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other controlled pharmaceuticals, obscene materials, flick knives and daggers, toxic materials, counterfeit and pirated goods, goods used for illegal hunting of game, cannabis derivatives and firearms and ammunition without a certificate.

Restricted goods requiring authorisation include plants, animals and animal products, meat, fish, cheese, honey, precious metals, hunting guns and cartridges, sporting pistols and telecommunications equipment.

You cannot bring meat, fish or dairy products from outside the EU to Cyprus.

Banned Exports

All items prohibited from import are also prohibited from export. 

Restricted exports include antiquities and wild flora and fauna.