Currency and Money Advice for North Cyprus Villa Holiday (2024)

Comparing prices for North Cyprus villas for rent can be confusing, with some companies quoting in Euro or Turkish lira, and some in British pounds. Here at Amy Villas, we only quote in British pounds, so you can see exactly how much holiday villas in Northern Cyprus will cost you. All prices on the Amy Villas website are quoted in UK pounds sterling, but billed in the Turkish Lira equivalent, based on the exchange rate on xe.com at the time of billing.

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Villa Lantana House in Catalkoy

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Villa Well House in Catalkoy

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What Currency should I take to North Cyprus?

The official currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira, which comprises of 100 new Kurus. The British Pound is traditionally strong against the Turkish Lira, which is why villa holidays in North Cyprus are great value for money at the moment.

You will get a much better exchange rate for your British Pound or Euro when you arrive in North Cyprus than in the UK. So, just buy sufficient Turkish Lira in the UK for your taxi ride from Ercan Airport to your North Cyprus holiday villa, say around £50 worth. If you arrange your airport transer with us, you actually do not need to bring in cash for your airport transfer, since you can pay it with your villa rental. If you have a car hire, bring some lira to buy groceries en route when you drive to your holiday villa in Northern Cyprus.

Currency Exchange in North Cyprus

Once you've settled in on your villa holiday in North Cyprus, you can exchange your British pounds every two or three days or so, at a local exchange bureau or banks in major towns such as Kyrenia or Famagusta.

Keep an eye on exchange rates while you are in town, as they can change day to day and from bureau to bureau. Don’t exchange your British pounds at the first place you see; shop around and check the rates. If you need emergency cash at night, you can often exchange money at reception at the larger hotels, and have your passport as identification.

Other Currencies in North Cyprus

If you want to stock up on supplies for your rental villa in North Cyprus, you'll soon discover that many North Cyprus shops will accept payment in British Pounds, Euros, or Turkish Lira. However, the exchange rate you will get by paying at a shop in British Pounds or Euros will not be very good, so it's best to pay with Turkish Lira in smaller shops, restaurants and local markets.

Credit Cards in North Cyprus

Most larger shops and town restaurants accept credit cards, with most using the familiar chip and pin system for payment. If you do encounter an old-fashioned swipe and sign system on a shopping trip or night out from your North Cyprus holiday villa, make sure you never lose sight of your card at any time. Credit card fraud is not a problem in North Cyprus, but taking that extra care will safeguard you, just in case.

You can use a UK credit card to withdraw cash from North Cyprus cash machines, but you may need to drive into the nearest town from your North Cyprus holiday villa to find one. Just make sure you know your PIN number before you go!

Nearly all UK credit card companies charge you for withdrawing cash from a foreign ATM, then also charge you an unfavourable exchange rate, AND a higher rate of interest on the cash you borrow as well! One of the few that does not charge an overseas withdrawal fee is the Nationwide credit card, well worth applying for if you intend to take several villa holidays in Northern Cyprus.

Currency in South Cyprus

If you chose to fly into south Cyprus and then drive to your holiday villa in Northern Cyprus, or plan a trip across the border in Nicosia, the currency in south Cyprus is the Euro.

Amy Villas: Exclusive North Cyprus Rentals for UK Holidaymakers

Browse our special selection of North Cyprus villa rentals, and book your holiday in advance to save on currency conversion fees.

Currency and Money Advice for North Cyprus Villa Holiday (2024)

FAQs

Currency and Money Advice for North Cyprus Villa Holiday? ›

The official currency in North Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TRY), which can be easily obtained at any ATM or bank. However, some places may also accept foreign currency, such as Euros or US Dollars OR GBP. It's always best to check with the establishment beforehand to avoid any issues.

What is the best currency to take to North Cyprus? ›

What Is The Best Currency To Take to North Cyprus? We recommend taking Pounds Sterling (£) with you when you travel to North Cyprus, and exchange them for Turkish Lira or Euros when you get here for the best exchange rates.

How do you pay in Northern Cyprus? ›

The currency in northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira. If you've booked your holidays here, you won't be able to use Euros, so be sure to check that you're packing the right Cyprus currency before you go. The coins are known as kurus and come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50, before you reach the 1 Lira coin.

Should I get Euros before going to Cyprus? ›

EUR cash

You may want to exchange money to EUR before you leave, but it's also usually convenient to make ATM withdrawals locally once you arrive in Cyprus. You'll usually find you can use a card to make payments in Cyprus, but carrying some cash in EUR is also reassuring.

Which local currency would you be spending in Northern Cyprus? ›

The official currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira, which comprises of 100 new Kurus. The British Pound is traditionally strong against the Turkish Lira, which is why villa holidays in North Cyprus are great value for money at the moment.

Is it better to use cash or card in Cyprus? ›

All major credit and debit cards are accepted throughout Cyprus, but if you're travelling out of the main resorts and towns into the countryside then you may find that cash is preferred, especially for small transactions. So make sure you carry some cash with you.

Can you use US dollars in Cyprus? ›

FAQ About the Currency in Cyprus

Besides the euro, no other currency is officially accepted in Cyprus.

Can I drink tap water in North Cyprus? ›

Water Drinkability

It is not recommended you drink tap water directly, as the water quality is not sufficient, however the water is safe for washing vegetables or cleaning your teeth. If you boil the water it is fine for drinking.

Do you tip in Northern Cyprus? ›

Tipping in North Cyprus

Always remember, tipping is a matter of personal choice, to reward good service. Generally, a tip of up to 10% is perfectly acceptable. Always tip in cash, not on your credit card, as you end up tipping the credit card company too through their charges!

How much cash should I take to Cyprus? ›

I'd say 100 euros per day for a couple would be enough, plus day trips. It depends how much you want to spend on day trips - that could be a 5 euro bus fare or a 60 euro organised tour of some kind. I'd say 3000 euros would be ample (assuming that doesn't include accommodation costs).

What is the currency in Kyrenia? ›

most shops accepts TL and Euros. Local shops item prices are in Turkish Lira. As has been said many times, take your currency (be it sterling, dollars or euro) and change it at an exchange shop. You can pay at shops and restaurants in other than TL but the shopkeeper can decide what rate to give you.

Is it cheaper to buy euros in the US or Europe? ›

With time at your disposal, you'll be able to see exactly what the fee and rate is, and how many euros you'll get for your dollars. It's possible of course that you might get a better deal when you land in Europe. It may well be the case that fees are lower and exchange rates better.

Should I get euros at bank or airport? ›

Before your trip, it's best to do a currency exchange at your bank or credit union, which likely offers better rates and fewer and/or lower fees. Your bank or credit union may buy back leftover foreign currency in exchange for dollars when you return.

How to pay in Northern Cyprus? ›

The country's official currency is the Turkish Lira, the symbol for which is abbreviated as ₺ or TL. Most businesses do accept payments in English Sterling, Euro and US Dollars, and there are many Bureau de Exchanges offering competitive rates all over the country.

What currency should I take to North Cyprus? ›

The local currency here is Turkish Lira , yes you can use other currencies , BUT you'll be at the mercy of the retailers exchange rate and your change will be in Lira. or just bring Sterling cash with you and change in a bureaux de change 4.6 = £1 here today.

How much is a bottle of water in Northern Cyprus? ›

THE COST OF LIVING IN NORTHERN CYPRUS
RestaurantsAverageRange
Water (1.5 liter bottle)8.50 TL8-13.00 TL
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)34.00 TL24-37 TL
Transportation
Gasoline (1 liter)21.40 TL21.40 TL
17 more rows

Can I use euro in North Cyprus? ›

The main currency of North Cyprus is the Turkish Lira although Sterling, Euros and Dollars are widely accepted on larger purchases (rather than in a small village shop buying bread!) All property purchases are conducted in Pounds and the contracts will be drawn up in Sterling.

How much do you tip in North Cyprus? ›

Tipping in North Cyprus

Always remember, tipping is a matter of personal choice, to reward good service. Generally, a tip of up to 10% is perfectly acceptable. Always tip in cash, not on your credit card, as you end up tipping the credit card company too through their charges!

What currency is used in Cyprus to buy? ›

The official currency in Cyprus is the Euro. If you're in a store or restaurant you'll probably see the Euro symbol listed: €. Online and in currency exchange stores you're more likely to see the three-letter ISO code: EUR.

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