.Basic Greek

Cyprus Currency

The European Union's Council of Ministers has approved the entry of  Cyprus into the Eurozone.

European finance ministers (collectively known as Ecofin) set fixed rates of one euro to 0.585274 Cypriot pounds and euro is the official currency used in Cyprus since January 1, 2008.

The design of the Cypriot euro coins

• 1 cent, 2 cent and 5 cent: The Mouflon, the most characteristic species of fauna in Cyprus, representing the island's nature and wildlife.
  

• 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent: The Kyrenia ship of 4th Century B.C., representing Cyprus's history and its character as an island as well as its importance in trade.

• €1 and €2: The Idol of Pomos, a cross-shaped idol dating back to the Cypriot chalcolithic period (3000 B.C.), found in Pomos, a village in the district of Paphos. It is a characteristic example of prehistoric art in Cyprus, representing the island’s antiquity, culture and civilization.
  

Banking hours for the public

September:
Monday-Friday -08:15 - 13:00
Monday 15:15 - 16:45 October to April
Monday-Friday 08:30 - 13:00
Monday 15:15 - 16:45 May to Augus t
Monday-Friday 08:15 - 13:00 Banks are closed at weekends and on public holidays and Easter Tuesday. Christmas Eve is a working day for banks.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany Day
Variable: Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
March 25: Greek National Day
April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable: Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
May 1: Labour Day
Variable: Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
August 15: Assumption
October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day

Notes: All Public Services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays.
In resort and coastal areas, however, shops and certain services remain open. Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday but not on Dec. 24.

MEDICAL FACILITIES - The health facilities in Cyprus are of a high standard. The latest technologies and operating techniques are standard practice, with heart bypass surgery and kidney transplantation operations routine in the islands hospitals. The accident and emergency departments of all the hospitals are manned with English-speaking personnel, but it's advisable to seek the assistance of an interpreter for more complex medical matters.
Emergency treatment in the Accident and Emergency department, is free to tourists.