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AN ISLAND DIVIDED

Cyprus has been popular among British retirees for years. Now Russians, Germans and Scandinavians also own holiday homes and live full-time in southern Cyprus. Since 1974, when Turkish forces took control of the northern third of the island, Cyprus has been ethnically divided, although safe for both residents and visitors.

Of course, this is no castaway island-awaiting discovery. Greek Cyprus is package-tour territory, well known among Europes mass-market holidaymakers. Most visitors lounge around the south coast resorts, but theres more here than beach-life. The Troodos Mountains form a bulky mass across the islands centre, rising almost 6,400 feet in places ... high enough for snow. As Cyprus is so renowned for winter sunshine, it will come as a shock to see snow around Mount Olympus and the villages of Platres and Troodos. Its often deep enough for skiing from December through until March. Many Cypriots & expatriates spend many a weekend skiing on one of the various slopes. There are 4 ski lifts leading to numerous runs, ranging from beginners to advanced, ski school is also available for the novice.

Friendly and very affordable- To say Cypriots are hospitable is like saying that lemons are yellow. Locals are incredibly friendly. Living costs are two-thirds less than in comparable southern European hotspots. Weather- The climate on the island is mild winters and hot dry summers. The average daytime temperature in winter is about 10-13C and 26-29C in summer. Cyprus enjoys 340 sunny days a year, which in summer is an average of 11 hours each day and in the winter months of December and January the average of 6 hours.

Medicine & Health Cyprus has first class medical & health care facilities. The main hospital in Nicosia is considered to be of a high standard & there are general hospitals in all towns & also a large number of private clinics. Open-heart surgery is now common practice here. The cost of medical treatment in government hospitals is very low. Those wishing to consult doctors privately will find a wide choice of competent doctors, specialists and surgeons practicing on the island. The minimum charge for a private consultation is approximately CY7. Since joining the EU in May 2004 there has been many changes, one of them being medical cover in Cyprus. Please read the information below that will help you to understand the new benefits that EU citizens can now receive in Cyprus. Foreign nationals living and working legally in Cyprus are entitled to the same medical cover as locals, A Cyprus medical card, provides health care coverage at state hospitals, with the holder entitled to inpatient and outpatient treatment, medicines and some types of surgery. To receive the means-tested card, foreigners will need to submit an E121 form and supporting documents.

According to the Health Ministry, out of the some 9,000 UK nationals residing in Cyprus around 3,800 have already filed an E121 application form. Applications are being received continuously, and so far approximately 2,000 medical cards have been issued.

As is the case for Cypriots, as a rule medical cards are not issued per individual, but per family. The most common type of card that provides 100% free care is coloured pink and shows the holders name, dependants, the cards expiry date, cards serial number, and the holders identity card number. Blue and yellow cards are issued to other categories, and cover only part of the cost of medical care.

To be eligible for the pink card, applicants must be permanent residents and provide proof in writing of medical coverage in their country of citizenship, enabling the reciprocal agreement between that country and Cyprus to be used.

To find out more information, visit the Health Ministrys website at www.moh.gov.cy where you can print out the E121 form and mail it to the appropriate address, or submit it online. It should normally take about a week to receive your card providing all documentation is complete.

Banking - Banking practice together with the range of services offered and the methods of management and control, closely follow the British pattern. The currency in Cyprus is the Cyprus pound (CY), which is made of 100 cents to the pound. The banks are open between the hours of 08.15 - 12.30 Monday to Friday, throughout the year.

Crime rate - Cyprus enjoys a remarkably low crime rate, 1/6 of the European average, another reason for being popular among foreign buyers for whom security has become a key element in the property world. Visitors are invariably surprised and reassured by this relaxed aspect of life on the island, for crime is virtually unheard of, and theft is not commonplace.

Useful Information

Cost of living- The relatively low cost of living in Cyprus has an added appeal for the potential buyer, offering a full, but comparatively inexpensive lifestyle. Recent statistics pointed to Cyprus as one of the most inexpensive countries in Europe. The local markets flaunt a wealth of colorful fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and Cyprus modern supermarkets are fully stocked with a large range of local and imported goods.

Travel - The Island is served by approximately 30 major airlines, linking it to the four corners of the world through its international airports at Larnaca and Paphos. Larnaca airport generally services the East of Cyprus, & Pafos services the West of Cyprus. Approximate journey times from the airports are as follows:

Laranca to Ayia Napa/ Protaras/ Paralimmi- 45-60 mins, Larnaca to Limassol- 45 mins, Larnaca to Pafos 90 mins. Pafos to Polis-45 mins, Pafos to Coral Bay-20 mins, Pafos to Limassol-30 mins, Pafos to Ayia Napa -120 mins

Driving - is on the left in Cyprus and distances between towns are relatively short, covered by a good network of modern roads, Car hire is extremely cheap in Cyprus & as driving is on the same side as the UK it is relatively easy to find your way around. You will also notice that all hire cars have red number plates. There are car hire companies on every corner, however, prices can vary from one to the other.

You are allowed to bring your own car into Cyprus as long as you have owned the car for 6 months prior to coming to Cyprus. You can then drive the car for a period of 6 months then you will have to register it with customs & pay the duty & VAT where applicable. You need to speak to customs in which ever area you will be living to gain more information. You are not permitted to bring your car into the country unless you have resided in Cyprus for less than 6 months. For more information visit www.mof.gov.cy/ce

Education - There are both junior and secondary schools of an extremely high standard catering for English, French and Italian speaking pupils. You will find that most follow the English curriculums & use the same exam boards as in the UK. They are all extremely helpful & will discuss your requirements either over the phone, in person or by email. Below is a list of some of the schools through out Cyprus.

The average cost of sending a child to private school is approx CY2,500 -CY3,000 per year, when compared to those in England is extremely reasonable. There is also no reason why children can not go to Greek schools, however, you must take into account the language, however, schools are equipped for this.

Language - Greek is the mother tongue of the Republic, however English is readily spoken and understood almost everywhere. Knowledge of French and German is increasing with the islands tourist trade.

Pets - European Union - information and veterinary requirements for the importation of cats and dogs from the UK. There is no official quarantine for cats and dogs entering any EU Country from the United Kingdom. From July 3rd 2004 An EU Pet Passport issued by your vet, who must be DEFRA certified (since the introduction of the pet passport most vets are now DEFRA certified) To obtain this, you must first have your pet micro chipped by your vet. The vet must then vaccinate your pet against rabies. If your pet is not going to be brought back to the UK your pet is now ready to go. If you do intend to return to the UK then the vet must obtain a blood sample 30 days after the rabies vaccination and submit it for testing. Assuming that this result is positive, the details of the blood test will be entered into the Pet Passport. For more information please contact www.defra.gov.uk or email: helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk or telephone 08459 335577 from within the UK, from outside the UK call +44 20 7238 6951

Working in Cyprus - Working in Cyprus- Since joining the EU in May 2004 any person from within one of the EU countries are allowed to work in Cyprus without a work permit & all Social security & other benefits are transferable in EU countries.

OTHER EXPENSES a. Water rates are charged in accordance with the amount consumed, eg: a 3 bedroom house would be approximately CY10.00 every two months.

b. Electricity charges are in accordance with the amount consumed eg: a 3 bedroom house would be approximately CY60.00 every 2 months.

c. Refuse collection charges vary according to the district and property and may be approximately CYP50 to CYP100 p.a.

d. Municipality of village rates is minimal and may be approximately CYP1000 p.a.

e. If purchasing on a complex the average communal charges will be around Cy100-Cy200 a year

f. Purchasing a swimming pool in Cyprus will cost around Cy10,000 for a good sized pool of 4metres x 8metres

g. Legal fees are based on the cost of the property, however, a good guide line is:

Property price: Cy 50,000 Cy100,000 = Cy 800 Cy 1000

Property price; Cy100,000 Cy200,000 = Cy1000 Cy1,500

Property price: Cy200,000 + = Cy1,500 Cy2,000

NB: To run an average 2/3 bed house in Cyprus will cost around CY50 Cy70 per month

Government - Cyprus is an independent sovereign republic with a presidential system of government. Its fully democratic, European-style system retains the respect of individual rights and encourages private initiative. Cyprus is also an associate member of the European Union.