Great Stone Construction North Cyprus

www.greatstonecyprus.com

Major towns
The Capital of Northern Cyprus is Lefkosa (Nicosia) which is the main business centre. With its border to the South. Other towns include Famagusta which is the principal port. Girne (Kyrenia) which is the heart of the counties tourist. With its historic yacht harbour and archaeological interests.

Climate
In Cyprus, where the typical Mediterranean climates are dominant, summers are hot and dry and the winters generally rainy and warm. Approximately 330 days of sunshine per year and the lowest temperature is rarely below 65 degrees. In the summer the average temperature is over 30o c ( 90F) and in the coldest months its around 10o c (50F)

Time
The local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the clocks change on the same day as the UK

Language
Although Turkish is the official language, English is widely used and understood.

Banking in the TRNC
All types of banking services are provided by many of the banks, such as Turk Bankasi which have branches in London UK. Their are a number of HSBC in and around kyrenia and Nicosia, you can also use your cash/credit cards in ATM machines to withdraw cash in the local currency. Credit Cards, Access, MasterCard, euro cards, Visa, Diner’s Club are acceptable in larger hotels, restaurants and shops; sometimes a surcharge is added if credit cards are used. Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks operate and they are open from Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays) between 08.00-12.00/14.00-16.00 hours.

Currency
The Turkish Lira has been circulation since 1974 The official rates for TL are adjusted daily according to changes in International Monetary Markets.

Postal Service
There is one main Post office In Kyrenia, Postage Stamps are available for a normal letter size at a cost of 50 pence. Telegrams can only be sent form the main post office and it is very important to put the senders name and address on the back of the envelopes. Do not use glue or cello tape to seal letters being sent.

Medical and Emergency
Hospitals are situated in Lefkosa, Famagusta and kyrenia. There are many doctors’ surgeries in these areas as well. Dental treatment is of good standard, most dentists abide the governments scale of fees.

Emergency Phone Numbers
Medical Assistance 112 Fire service 199 Police 155 Water 152118 Electricity 188 Telephone 161

Transportation
A valid British Driving Licence is recognised in the TRNC, for a limited period as is an International Driving Licence .Anyone owing a car in the TRNC is required to own a TRNC driving licence with a year, if this is not obtained and an accident does occur the car insurance will become void. Passport/Visa You can be admitted to Northern Cyprus with any Passport, three month visas are given. In order to extend an application is submitted at the immigration office.

Shops
Shops are open with some variations but generally the open times are: Summer 0800-1300 1600-1900 Winter 0900-1300 1400-1800

Museums
During the summer visiting hours to the museums change, for more information you can ring the Office of museums and O ld Works of Arts (0090 392 227 2916)

Telephones
In order to call TRNC form abroad the area code 0090 followed by 392 for local numbers should be dialled. You can obtain telephone calling cards or Turkish mobile phone sim cards from local shops, supermarkets and post offices.

Traffic
In the TRNC traffic flows from the left. Seat belts are obligatory and international road and traffic signs are used.

Working Hours
Government Offices Monday - Friday Winter Summer 08:00 – 3:00 14:00 – 17:00 07:00 – 14:00 15:30 – 18:00 Shops and Businesses Monday - Saturday Winter Summer 08:00 – 17:30 07:30 – 13:00 16:00 - 18:00 except Saturdays Banks Monday - Friday Winter Summer 08:30 – 12:00 14:00 – 16:00 08:30 – 12:00