North Cyprus

Cyprus Pines Rent a Car

Background

North Cyprus (TRNC) enjoys a typical Eastern Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. The northern coastline, which borders the Kyrenia (Girne) mountain range, is accepted as one of the most beautiful areas in the world in which to live and is also host to the Caretta-Caretta and Green variety of turtles. The natural beauty of the island, the lovely climate, the warmth and generosity of the Turkish Cypriot peoples and the abundant selection of fresh foods make the TRNC an unspoilt and non-commercialised haven. There is virtually no crime to speak of, and this country is reminiscent of UK standards long lost, where hospitality, politeness and the general enjoyment of life are the daily norm.

Geography

The TRNC comprises an area of 3,355 square miles and encompasses the northern part of the island of Cyprus, which is the third largest in the Mediterranean. Nearly half of coast-line of the island is also part of the TRNC. About 45% of the area is arable land, 20% of which is irrigated. Nearly 20% of the North Cyprus total area is wooded and there are extensive re-forestation programes in progress. It is situated at the crossroads of east-west and north-south navigational routes, being only 70 kilometres south of Turkey and 385 kilometres north of Egypt. Owing to the location of Northern Cyprus and its proximity to the rich Middle Eastern countries, it provides an ideal place for foreign investment.

Climate

The climate of North Cyprus is typically Mediterranean with long dry summers and short, rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The temperature in midsummer can soar to over 40ºC (105ºF) with the warmest sea temperature in the Mediterranean, averaging 21ºC (75ºF) . The winter weather is very mild and there is an average annual rainfall of 500 mm.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

· Fire 199
· Police 155
· First Aid 112

Major Towns

The capital of The TRNC is Nicosia (Lefkoşa), which has a population of approximately 35,000, and enlompasses the main administration and business centres. Other major towns include : Famagusta (Gazi Magosa) which is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial centre, as well as being the country's principle port, Kyrenia (Girne) a town of touristic importance with a wonderful yacht harbour. Town maps and local information can be obtained from the Tourism offices situated in all 3 Towns.

Language

Turkish is the official language and English is widely used and understood in official and commercial circles. There are several first-class Turkish language teachers available, and some British residents avail themselves of their services.

Household items and Services

Most electrical household items can be bought in the contact comparable prices to Europe and most well known international makes and models are available including (Whirlpool, Kelvinator, Candy, Philips, Pioneer, Panasonic, Siemens, Arthur Martin, Bosch, Tefal, Beko, Sony etc).

Mains Services

Mains power is 220/240 volts AC. (British Standard 3 pin plugs are used) Water is by mains supply and in some properties supplemented by wells.The International telephone system plus facsimile and internet facilities and widely available.

Traffic

As in the UK, traffic circulation is on the left. Road signs are international. And the Speed Limit is 60 MPH.

Employment

There is no acute unemployment problem in the TRNC, and the number of registered unemployed has declined steadily since 1978. The official working week is 40 hours in the winter and 36 in the summer. Foreigners must obtain a Government work permit if you intend to work on the TRNC Economy.

Foreign Exchange

The TRNC follows a flexible exchange policy. Foreign currency accounts can be opened with local banks, and foreign currency can be brought into the country and taken out through the banks without any restriction or control, and the source of such income is not investigated. It should be noted that the Government are actively encouraging the formation of offshore banks by foreign investors, and are offering incentives such as relatively low set-up capital, low Corporation and income tax etc.

Transportation

Visitors can travel to the TRNC by air or by sea. Ercan State Airport is 7 miles (12 km) east of Nicosia (Lefkoşa). There are several ferry-boat companies operating between the ports of Kyrenia (Girne) and Famagusta (Gazi Magosa) in Northern Cyprus and, the ports of Mersin and Antalya in Southern Turkey. For local transportation, apart from taxis and private hire cars, there are daily bus services between the major towns. Ercan airport handles the bulk of the tourist traffic, whilst Gecitkale in the North East serves as a back-up airport. Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island.

Pets

Contact Margaret Ray, Chairperson of Kyrenia Animal Rescue (KAR) for any questions relating to your pets. (Tel: 0392 81 53 390-e-mail: kar@kyreniaanimalrescue.org)

Accommodation

Northern Cyprus is tourist oriented and has a large selection of accommodation units, from 5-star hotels, small family hotels, motels, pensions, self-catering villas, and apartments and camping facilities.

Tourism

The unique climate of The TRNC offers year-round opportunities for a perfect holiday. Rainfall is concentrated in December and January, and the average sea temperature is above 20 ºC for more than half the year. Northern Cyprus is renowned for its wild flowers which carpet the island in spring (there are more than 38 species of orchid alone) and the scent of orange, lemon and grapefruit blossom fills the air. The coastline of North Cyprus offers some of the finest and safest bathing areas in the Mediterranean. Although most holiday establishments have modern pools, the crystal clear waters of the eastern Mediterranean are wonderful for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and water-skiing. Most of the holiday complexes are situated near the picturesque ancient port of Kyrenia (Girne) on the north coast, or Famagusta (Gazimagosa) in the south coast. The narrow fertile northern coastal strip is backed by the spectacular Besparmak Mountains - also known as the Girne range, studded with its medieval castles and fortresses. The rugged slopes are covered with Aleppo pines, olives and carob trees, with small villages nestling in the hillsides. Nearer the coast, most activity is concentrated along the coast road. A legacy from the British colonial days means that traffic drives on the left and since most hotels can assist in car hire, travelling around is no problem. Inland, behind the rocky Girne range and the imposing Five Finger Mountain, stretches the huge fertile Mesaoria plain, Ercan airport and the island's capital, Nicosia (Lefkosa). Along the east coast lie the ancient fortified city of Famagusta (Gazimagosa) and the nearby ruins of Salamis. To the north east, the landscape becomes more broken and open fields give way to small pastures enclosed by stone walls and interspersed with olive trees and rocky outcrops. The beaches here are a blend of rock pools and sheltered sandy bays. The exotic cuisine of Cyprus reflects its history and maritime associations. Turkish Cypriot cooking is a fascinating blend of East and West. Breakfast consists of luscious fruits, especially locally grown melons, various local breads with cheese or jams and a selection of eggs and local sausage. Traditionally, home-made yoghurt is served with delicious local honey and if you want coffee, then remember to ask for "Nescafe" - the local term for western coffee with milk. "Kahve" means Turkish coffee: thimblefuls of that wonderfully powerful brew that is a speciality of the Near East. Evening meals begin with a sumptuous "meze" - horsd'oeuvres consisting of as a many as 20 small dishes -before the main course. Raki, aniseed spirit diluted with water is the traditional local accompaniment, but wine and beer are also readily available and excellent value and quality. Turkish Cankaya white wine is particularly recommended. The Turkish Cypriot people are renowned for their generous hospitality and when out shopping or enjoying a meal, you are made to feel particularly welcome.

Investment Procedure

With reference to the registration of a company, the legal form widely used for business undertakings in the TRNC, both by foreign investors and by local businessmen, is the private limited company. The provisions concerning the limited company are set out in the Company's Law, Cap 113, which is almost identical with the UK's Company Act of 1948. Permission is obtained from the Council of Ministers for foreign ownership of TRNC registered companies, usually within two or three months of application. The foreign ownership can be up to 49%, with the main share holder(s) being of TRNC citizenship owning at least 51%. A business permit is also required, which may be obtained from the Immigration Office.

Visas, Permits and Licenses

The TRNC is persuing a policy of encouraging foreigners to come and live and work in the TRNC, in particular to invest in businesses, especially within the tourism sector. This, of course, opens up a multitude of trades and businesses, from travel agencies, transport companies (whether land, sea or air), hotels, bars, restaurants, holiday villages, tourist related services such as water sports, recreational land sports including tennis, golf, horse riding etc.

If you require any further local knowledge then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Cyprus Pines.

WHY CHOOSE US?

  • Provide a top class Car Rental service
  • Understanding your desire
  • Staff are all well trained, experienced
  • First class knowledge of Northern Cyprus
  • Holiday destination at reasonable rates
  • Your custom is our concern!
  • Punctuality!

TESTIMONIALS

  • A very good company. Professional, reliable, good prices and friendly. Highly recommended. Stephen Bradshaw – 5 star
  • Absolutely the best Car Hire company on the island. Good clean and reliable cars and a very courteous and polite service when booking. Glynis Wise – 5 star
  • Fabulous and most importantly, reliable service. Good cars. Great customer service. Highly recommended. Barbara Parkes – 5 star
  • We have used Cyprus Pines for several years and I can honestly say Yakup and especially his Dad are the most polite and helpful people... Betty-Anne Warwick – 5 star
  • I have known Yakup for 12 years now and can honestly say he is one of the most decent, hardworking & honest people I have known in North Cyprus. Bryn Lewis – 5 star
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