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Country Commercial Guides FY 2000: Cyprus Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Nicosia, released July 1999 Note*

IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

Business Customs

Business customs in Cyprus are not very different from the U.S. Despite the long and hot summer, the conventional business dress code usually calls for a suit and tie for men and conservative attire for women. More casual wear is usually worn when entertaining business guests, depending on the venue.

Air and Sea Connections

Air traffic is served through the island's two international airports situated in Larnaca and Paphos. Cyprus Airways is the national carrier of Cyprus. Many international airlines including Cyprus Airways offer daily flights to major destinations in Europe and the Middle East. The port of Limassol serves the country's external trade and seaborne passenger traffic, acting also as transshipment centers for the region. The port of Larnaca has recently been closed for restructuring.

Travel Advisory and Visas

Cyprus enjoys a low crime rate, good hygienic conditions, and a modern array of goods and services. Visitors can call the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy for travel advisories for the area (tel. 357-2-776400) or the U.S. State Department (tel. 202-647-0518). Any foreigner arriving in Cyprus must possess a valid passport. U.S. citizens do not need visas to enter Cyprus. Persons arriving with the intention to work must obtain special work permits.

Holidays

The list of holidays observed by businessmen in Cyprus for 1999 are:

January 1   (New Year's Day)
January 6   (Epiphany Day)
March 2     (Clean Monday - Start of Lent)
March 25    (Greek Independence Day)
April 1     (EOKA Day)
April 17    (Good Friday)
April 18    (Holy Saturday)
April 28    (Easter Monday)
June 8     (Holy Spirit Day)
August 15   (Assumption Day)
October 1   (Cyprus Independence Day)
October 28  (OHI Day)
December 24 (Christmas Eve)
December 25 (Christmas Day)
December 26 (Boxing Day)

Businessmen should avoid making appointments on the above dates.

Business Infrastructure

Traveling within Cyprus is by taxi and bus service or rental car. Taxis are metered. There is a satisfactory taxi service system between cities, and prices are considered reasonable. The cost for a taxi from the airport to Nicosia is around CP 15.00 (USD 30.00). Rental cars cost between CP 15.00 to CP 20.00 (USD 30.00 - 40.00) per day with unlimited mileage, depending on the season.

The principal languages on Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. Greek is spoken in the government-controlled area and Turkish is mainly spoken on the northern part of Cyprus. English is very widely spoken and understood, particularly in commercial and political circles.

The island's telecommunications system is quite advanced and efficient. More than 190 countries can be reached on a fully automatic direct dialing. Installation services are offered within a few days notice. Telefax service is available, as is the Internet.

Housing is available in various categories at relatively low prices by European standards. There are many good restaurants on the island. The food and water are considered safe.

Please note that the "Guide for Business Representatives" is available for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; tel. (202) 512-1800; fax (202) 515-2250. Business travelers to Cyprus seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy Nicosia officials should contact the Commercial Section in advance. The Commercial Section can be reached at 357-2-776400 or by fax at 357-2-781663.