Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus is gaining a lot of attention in the recent past as a country. In fact, property investors from all around the world, especially ones in Europe, Russia, and Iran prefer to purchase property for investment in Northern Cyprus without keeping a doubt in mind. Hence, it is worth to deep dive and explore what North Cyprus has to offer.

What is it like to live in Northern Cyprus?

North Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and brief, rainy winters. The mean annual temperature is 19 degrees Celsius. Mid-summer temperatures can reach over 40°C, with the Mediterranean’s warmest sea temperatures averaging 21°C. The winters are moderate, with a mean annual precipitation of 500 millimeters.

Economy of North Cyprus

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus economy is dominated by the services sector, which includes government, commerce, tourism, and education, with agricultural and light manufacturing industries being minor. The economy is based on free market principles.

One of the most important industries of the Turkish Cypriot economy is tourism. With its various hotels, entertainment facilities, active nightlife, and retail centers, Kyrenia is considered the tourist hub of Northern Cyprus. Northern Cyprus has long been a popular destination for beach vacations, due in part to its unspoilt image.

Its moderate temperature, rich history, and natural beauty are all considered draws. Northern Cyprus has established a large eco-tourism industry, with people flocking there to go birding, scuba diving, cycling, walking, and seeing wildflowers. North Cyprus Casino tourism has also proven to be a substantial contributor to Northern Cyprus’s economy. They originally established in the 1990s and have since grown in popularity with tourists from Turkey as well as the rest of the island, when casinos are prohibited. Casino tourism in North Cyprus is mainly based in Kyrenia and Iskele.

The TRNC’s economic growth is being harmed by the ongoing Cyprus poletical crisis. Airports and ports in the region not under its effective authority have been proclaimed closed to direct flights by international by the Republic of Cyprus, which is recognized internationally as such and an EU member. According to the Republic of Cyprus’ proclamation, all UN and EU member nations recognise embargos of such ports and airports. However Republic of Cyprus has hampered commercial contacts between the TRNC and the rest of the world by using its international status. Northern Cyprus is recognise only by Turkiye and has direct flights daily.

Official language in North Cyprus

The official language is Turkish ” Türkçe ” , however English is widely spoken and understood in both governmental and business areas.

Time in North Cyprus

Greenwich Mean Time is two hours ahead of local time (GMT).

Accommodation and Hotels in Northern Cyprus

Northern Cyprus offers a diverse range of lodging options, including 5-star hotels, small family-run boutique hotels, motels, self-catering private villas, apartments to rent , and caravan camping.

Major Cities

North Cyprus’ (TRNC) capital is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which has a population of over 85,000 people and is home to the country’s principal administrative and commercial hubs. Girne (Kyrenia), a touristic town with a beautiful yacht harbor and historic significance, is another large town. Kyrenia aslo knowing as Girne by Turkish with the population of 65,000 but with the students , workers and expat residents populatio estimated over 120,000.  Gazi Magusa (Famagusta), which is also the country’s main port, is a thriving tourist, industrial, and commercial hub with population of 69,000.

Banks and Money

Numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks, as well as internationally recognized Turkish bank branches, have branches in North Cyprus. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m./14 a.m. to 16 a.m..

The local currency is the new Turkish lira (YTL). The import of foreign exchange into Northern Cyprus is unrestricted. Banks, exchange offices, and hotels can exchange any currencies. In addition to cash, Visa, Mastercard, and travelers’ checks can be used.

List of Turkish Cypriot “Local” Banks

• Asbank
• CapitalBank
• Creditwest Bank
• Kıbrıs Faisal İslam Bankası
• Kıbrıs Türk Kooperatif Merkez Bankası
• Limasol Türk Kooperatif Bankası
• Near East Bank
• Nova Bank
• Türk Bankası
• Universal Bank
• İktisatbank
• Şekerbank (Kıbrıs) 

List of Turkish Banks operating in Northern Cyprus

• Halkbank
• Ziraat Bankası
• Garanti Bankası
• Türkiye İş Bankası
• Türk Ekonomi Bankası

Exchange Rates

North Cyprus operates on a flexible currency rate system. Foreign currency accounts may be created with local banks, and foreign money can be brought into the nation and withdrawn out via the banks without limitation or supervision, and the source of such money is not examined. There are plenty offline bitcoin cryptocurrency exchange offices opened in North Cyprus recent years where you can exchange crypto to fiat money.

Appliances and household items

Household products and appliances cost roughly the same in North Cyprus as they do in Europe. The majority of foreign brands and models are in stock. A large range of handcrafted furniture and antiques are also available.

Living costs in North Cyprus

The cost of living in North Cyprus is much lower than in the United Kingdom and most of Europe. At the moment, there is no rates system or communal tax in place. The main expenses are electricity, water, and annual council tax. In North Cyprus, central heating is uncommon, however it is generally powered by gas or oil. For the hob, most cookers use callor gas and electricity for the oven.

Consumer market in North Cyprus

North Cyprus consumer sector provides a diverse range of high-quality items. Almost all global brands are accessible, in addition to locally manufactured items. Local brandy costs around £2.50 per liter, while a loaf of bread costs 25p, a liter of long-life milk costs 90p.

Water and electricity supply

The voltage on the mains is 220/240 volts AC. (Three-pin British Standard plugs are utilized.) Water comes from the mains and is supplemented by wells in certain houses.

Driving

People drive on the left, much like the UK. Road signs are universally recognized and easy to comprehend. On main routes, the maximum speed is 100 km/hr., whereas in built-up areas, it is 50 km/hr. Many automobile rental businesses provide a wide range of cars at reasonable pricing, ranging from £12 per day for the winter to £20+ in the summer.

Transportation

North Cyprus may be reached by plane or by boat.Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Atlas Jet fly daily from Ercan Airport, which is located 7 miles (12 kilometers) east of Lefkosa. Ferries run between the Northern Cyprus ports of Girne and Famagusta and the Southern Turkish ports of Mersin and Antalya. In Northern Cyprus, there are regular bus connections connecting the towns and a plethora of taxi companies to transport you about. You can also use Larnaca airport from South Cyprus and cross the Nicosia border to enter to Northern Cyprus.

Employment opportunities

North Cyprus has no recognized unemployment issue, and the number of active jobless individuals has consistently decreased since 1978. In the winter, the employee’s working week is 40 hours, while in the summer, it is 36 hours. To work in North Cyprus, foreigners must get a work permit.

Bringing pet to Northern Cyprus

Pets from Europe may be imported into the nation with no difficulty. You must get a certificate from a European veterinarian declaring that your animal is clear of major illnesses and has had rabies vaccination and present it to the Ministry of Agriculture. Quarantine lasts around 4 weeks, with daily visits for food and playing permitted.

Climate and geography

The island’s climate is the severe Mediterranean kind, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The majority of the rain falls between December and January.

Because the impact of the sea on air humidity is constantly present around the shore, the climate is less severe than farther inland. In January and February, the sea temperature never drops below 61 degrees Fahrenheit; in August, it can reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spring and autumn are brief, with occasional heavy storms battering the coast in the spring and a westerly wind known as “meltem” carrying the impact of Atlantic depressions to the this far-eastern end of the Mediterranean in the autumn.

The sun shines for an average of 11 hours every day from mid-May to mid-September. Near the Mesaoria Plain, temperatures may reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit, however they are lower on the beaches, thanks to a north-westerly breeze known as “Poyraz.” Because the sky are clear and the humidity is low (40-60%), the high temperatures are more bearable. The sirocco wind, which blows from Africa and is hot, dry, and dusty, also makes its way to the island.

Throughout the winter, short-lived stormy weather caused by relatively frequent minor depressions predominate, with 60 percent of the rain occurring between October and January. The Mesarya Plain gets just 11.8 to 15.8 inches of rain per year, but the Northern Range receives roughly 21.7 inches.

Northern Cyprus is practically devoid of frost and snow, while nighttime temperatures may plummet to dangerously low levels in the winter.

Because the island’s main rain-bearing air currents arrive from the southwest, precipitation and high moisture are highest on the western and southwestern slopes of the Southern Range. The partial rain-shadow impact of the Southern Range reduces precipitation and humidity eastward. The Northern Range, which blocks off the humidity linked with closeness to the sea from most of the northern Mesarya Plain, has a similar impact. Until the bays of the Karpaz Peninsula, east of the Northern Range, where the terrain narrows and the impact of sea influence grows, and humidity rises gradually towards the peninsula’s end.

The Kyrenia mountain range is a part of the Kyrenia mountain range. The rivers coming out of the Northern and Southern Ranges seldom flow all year, and the majority of the rivers are merely winter torrents that only flow after heavy rain.

Cyprus is a lush island during the rainy winter months. By June, though, the terrain at the lower altitudes had taken on the brown, dried appearance that defines its summer countenance. The mountains’ woods and vineyards, as well as the irrigated vegetation strips in the lowlands, stay green.

Northern Cyprus is divided into six districts

There is a total of six different districts in North Cyprus. You can also see how these districts are further divided to 12 different sub-districts. Lefkoşa also knowing as Nicosia is the most populated district of North Cyprus. It has a population of over 98,000 people. It is located in North Eastern part of the country. North Nicosia is the capital of this district.

Girne as knowing Kyrenia in english is the second popular and the most populated district of North Cyprus. Kyrenia is the capital of Girne. This district is the northern most located district out of all the districts as well. Close proximity of Girne has made it quite popular among locals as well as tourists. If you are interested in investing in North Cyprus property, this would be a great option to consider. That’s because you will be able to find some amazing investment opportunities such as beachfront property for sale in Girne. You just need to go through them and pick the best property.

Out of the districts in North Cyprus, Gazimağusais the third most populated. There is a population of over 69,000 in this district as of now.

Iskele is a popular hotspot among property investors, and it is the fourth most populated district in the country. It has a population of over 25,000 people. if you wish to experience the best of culture in North Cyprus, you should be visiting Iskele. Guzelyurt is the fifth populated district of North Cyprus, which has a population of over 31,000 people. Then you can find Lefke, which is the least most district of the country.

You should carefully go through these districts and see what they offer. Then you will be able to figure out the best district that can cater to your specific living conditions. Once you are aware about that district, you can go ahead and invest your money to purchase property in there. It would be one of the best decisions that you can take as of now.