Money, Budget, and Shopping for Cyprus

Money

Currency

Currency: Euro (100 cents).

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.

Exchange:

The Cypriot Pound was replaced by the Euro on January 1, 2008.

Exchange

For those outside the eurozone, banks and exchange bureaus accept the main currencies. ATMs are also widely available.

Payment methods

You can pay in cash or by card (with no fees for euro accounts), just like in France.

Budget

Cyprus isn’t necessarily a very budget-friendly destination. While it may not reach the high costs of countries like France, Spain, or Italy, traveling or staying in Cyprus—especially in peak season and resort areas—requires a certain budget. Plan on around 45 € to 60 € per day per person (for two) as a backpacker, with accommodation being the biggest expense. That said, you might manage for slightly less off-season or in the countryside. On the other hand, high season with its inflated prices, as well as coastal resorts (especially if you’re there for nightlife), will demand extra vigilance to stay within this range.

What can be expensive

Beach resorts, especially in high season.

What can be affordable

The countryside compared to the coast or cities.

Getting around by bus.

Eating local food.

Price range

Double room in a "backpacker" hotel:

Double room in a "tourist" hotel:

Snack or meal in a "local" restaurant: budget under 10 € for a quick bite or 10 €–12 for a local restaurant meal.

Meal in a "tourist" restaurant: around 15 € to 20 € for a full meal in tourist areas.

Budget car rental: about 35 € per day for a basic model.

50 km by bus: around 3 € or 4 € per 50 km segment.

Urban taxi:

Urban bus: usually 1.50 € per trip without discounts.

Bargaining and tipping

Bargaining isn’t customary in Cyprus. Tipping isn’t a local practice either, since service charges are already included in hotels and restaurants—but a little extra is always appreciated. As often happens, tips are more expected in tourist-heavy or upscale areas, where foreign visitors are common.