| Q. |
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What is the time difference? |
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The island is two hours ahead of British GMT. |
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| Q. |
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Is it safe? |
| A. |
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Northern Cyprus is considered extremely safe with very little crime. It is safe for all ages. Family is important in North Cyprus and respect for the elderly, is a way of life. |
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| Q. |
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Are there any international banks? What is the banking system like? |
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The banking system is the same as many international banks. We even have a local HSBC in both Kyrenia and Nicosia. Although the Turkish Lira is the principle currency, Sterling, Euro, and the US dollar can be used everywhere. |
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| Q. |
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Do I need a visa? How long can I stay? |
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A valid passport is required and on arrival you will automatically be given a three month visa. If you decide to stay for a longer period, you will need to get a visa extension or alternatively apply for residency. |
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| Q. |
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Are pets allowed in? |
| A. |
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Yes. As long you obtain correct documentation from your vet in your country of origin. There is however a quarantine period on the island for all animals brought into the country. |
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| Q. |
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Is it easy to drive and do I need a license? |
| A. |
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You can drive with your British license for three months, after which you will need a TRNC license. |
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| Q. |
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How can I rent a car? |
| A. |
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In North Cyprus the minimum car rental age is 25 and a valid driving license or an international permit is required. Don't forget, only the approved person(s) at the time of rental can drive the car. |
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| Q. |
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Do I need health insurance? |
| A. |
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There are several insurance companies who provide private health insurance - The British Residents Society are the best people to contact. Local medical care is good. Dentists, doctors, etc. are relatively cheap. |
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| Q. |
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What about Medical and Hospital facilities? |
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The main Hospital is in Nicosia and there are other smaller ones in Kyrenia, Famagusta , Guzelyurt, and Lefke. There are also clinics in smaller towns and some villages.
Private medical care is widely available and much cheaper than the U.K. with many doctors trained in Britain and other Western European Countries.
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| Q. |
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Where are the best beaches? |
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North Cyprus has numerous beaches - eg the world famous Golden Beach (7 km. long) and Malibu Beach are beautiful and of course there is the renowned Alagadi Beach (also known as the Turtle Beach), and many more. |
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| Q. |
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What is the climate like? |
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Cyprus enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers and mild winters with the main seasons being separated by a relatively short autumn and spring period. |
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| Q. |
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How about Postal services? |
| A. |
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The postal service in Northern Cyprus is reasonably fast and efficient. Please remember that to receive mail from abroad letters must be addressed "Mersin 10 - Turkey" at the bottom of the address. |
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| Q. |
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How do I telephone from Northern Cyprus? |
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The dialing code for England is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting the first number (0). The dialing code from abroad is the same as that for Turkey (00 90). To call a local number dial 00 90 392 followed by the local number. |
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| Q. |
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Are there Public telephone booths? |
| A. |
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These are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office and local mobile "pay as you go" services are available through Turkcell and Telsim. |
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| Q. |
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Can I buy a property in North Cyprus from overseas? |
| A. |
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We have many overseas buyers who due to their busy programme are unable to visit in the first instance but do not want to miss out. If you do want to buy remotely this is a very easy process and we will be happy to guide you through this every step of the way. |
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| Q. |
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Do we need to make a Will? |
| A. |
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You must have a Will based here in Northern Cyprus as a UK Will, will not be accepted here. This can be done on completion of your property. |
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| Q. |
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Can we use our own UK solicitor? |
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No. You must use a solicitor based here in Northern Cyprus. You can use a solicitor of your choice, however, we do have solicitors we would be happy to introduce you to. |
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| Q. |
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What are the costs involved, when purchasing a property in Northern Cyprus? |
| A. |
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Solicitors fees: Including; drawing up of contract, Power of Attorney, purchase permit application and seeing the sale through to completion, currently £800.
Stamp duty: 6% of the valuation levied by the Land Registry Office and 1% of the stamp duty charge, paid to the local Council.
You will have the option to be exempt from 3% of the 6% stamp duty on any one purchase.
VAT is payable on some new build properties only.
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| Still have questions???? Then simply contact us for further assistance. |
