What currency do I pay with in Cyprus? How much do goods cost in a regular supermarket and how much in a restaurant? And how much does a week's stay on the island cost? Find out in this chapter.
Euro
In Cyprus, you pay in euros. Euro coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1, 2 euros. Banknotes are worth 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euros.
- International currency code: EUR (numeric code 978)
- Currency symbol: €
Cyprus used to pay with the Cyprus pound.
If you travel to Northern Cyprus, you will need to exchange Euros for Turkish Lira, which is the currency of payment there. However, it is common to pay in Euros in tourist areas.
Exchange offices and card payments
The vast majority of shops in Cyprus, restaurants and hotels in the major cities accept credit cards.
Payment terms, exchange offices and banks operate in the same way as in any EU country. ATM withdrawals can be made at most banks 24 hours a day.
- Tip: the best beachfront accommodation in Cyprus
- Recommended: the cheapest car rental companies
But we definitely recommend carrying at least 10 eur worth of cash for the day. For example, bus fares can only be paid in cash, as can some services on the beach.
Similarly, if you go to the countryside or mountains, carry plenty of cash as smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
We do not recommend usingcurrency exchange offices in Cyprus. Bring Euros from home as the exchange offices here have very unfavourable rates.
ATMs in Cyprus are plentiful almost everywhere, even in smaller villages.
TIP: Most ATMs in Cyprus are operated by Euronet Worldwide, with typical ATMs featuring a large ATM sign and a blue Euronet logo. The withdrawal fee is 4 eur + other high fees and very unfavourable transfers if you withdraw with a card with a non-Euro currency account.
We recommend withdrawing without a fee from Bank of Cyprus ATMs. You can find a list of ATMs on the bank's official website: bankofcyprus.com.
Prices in Cyprus or How much does it cost
Cyprus is generally more expensive than countries in Eastern Europe, but cheaper than Italy or Spain.
Of course, it depends on whether you eat from the supermarket or eat in restaurants. Another criterion is whether you are in a tourist destination or inland. Prices are higher especially in the middle of summer and in tourist destinations. The capital is cheaper than the seaside in summer as it is not as popular a destination.
Example of prices in Cyprus
How much does basic food, tourist attractions or transport cost in Cyprus? Check out the indicative price table.
Accommodation in a double room (prices per night):
- Cheap hotel with shared bathroom - from 30 eur
- Local 3* hotel - from 45 eur
- International 4* hotel - from 75 eur
- Search for accommodation in Cyprus
Eating out:
- Hot main meal in a regular restaurant - 15 eur in resort / 10 eur inland
- Menu in a fast-food restaurant - 12 eur
- Espresso or Capuccino - 3 eur
- Water 0.33 l - 1 eur
- Fanta/Coca Cola/Sprite 0,5 l - 3 eur
- Draft beer - 3,50 eur
Supermarket food:
- Water 1.5l - 0,85 eur
- Packed baguette - 2,50 eur
- Coca Cola (and other sodas) - 2,50 eur
- Milk 1l - 1,50 eur
- Ice cream scoop - 1,50 eur
- Apples - 2,50 eur / kg
- Bananas - 1,50 eur / kg
- Rice - 2 eur / kg
- Chicken - 7,50 eur / kg
Shipping:
- Public transport ticket - 1,50 eur to 2,40 eur in cities, between cities from 4 eur to 9 eur
- Day ticket for all connections around Cyprus - 15 eur
- Price of petrol 1 litre - 1,45 eur to 1,60 eur
- Rent a car for the day - from 30 eur depending on the season length of the rental
- Compare car rental prices at Larnaca airport
- Compare car rental prices in Paphos airport
Alcohol and cigarettes:
- Bottle of wine in the shop - 6,50 eur
- A can of local beer - 1,50 eur
- Cocktails at the bar - 5 eur
- A packet of cigarettes - 5 eur
Attractions and services
- Sun lounger and umbrella hire - 5 eur to 8 eur depending on location
- Parasailing - 40 eur
- Jet Ski - 40 eur / 15 minutes
- Water banana ride - 10 eur
- Pedal boat rental - 10 eur / hour
- Tourist magnets - 3 eur
- Postcards - 1,50 eur
- Postage stamp postcard - 0,60 eur around Europe
Prices are approximate and vary depending on the city and type of shop.
Tipping and haggling
Tipping a few euros or cents is considered a courtesy, however it is not compulsory. It is usual to leave a tip in restaurants if the customer is satisfied, about 10% of the price.
Have the bill brought to you and give the waiter the amount with the tip straight away, or tell him the amount you want to pay.
Most shops have set prices that are not negotiable. Bargaining is therefore not at all common in Cyprus, even in market places or tourist shops.
How to save money?
As for accommodation, the best option is to stay in an apartment with a kitchen. If you buy food from a supermarket, such as Lidl, you will definitely save a lot of money.
Renting an entire villa is also popular in Cyprus, and if you are a group of several people, it definitely won't cost you as much as a hotel.
The 10 best apartments in Cyprus
If you're still considering a hotel, stay further away from the beach and the centre. The difference in price can be huge and you can still walk to the beach in 15 minutes.
Food is definitely cheapest in supermarkets such as Lidl or Smart.
If you want to eat out, go to the local buffets. There you will find kebabs, souvlaki and many side dishes. Avoid restaurants and typical fast food like McDonald's or KFC.
Transport is cheapest by bus. In the cities you can use public transport and for inter-city transport long-distance Intercity Buses, see detailed info in the Transport chapter.
Avoid taxis. If you want to travel around Cyprus and visit the less touristy areas, you will need a car. Also take a credit card (not a debit card), which you will usually need when renting a car. In a group of four or five people, renting a car is not that expensive.
Daily budget or How much money to take with you
The low-budget traveller cooks for themselves or eats at local cafeterias or local fast food joints. He shops at Lidl or other cheap supermarkets and takes the bus. Accommodation in a private apartment can also be found under 40 eur for a 2-bed room. During the day you will spend about 15 eur for food and drink. The lowest daily cost will be about 60 eur per person per day.
The happy medium - accommodation in an average hotel including breakfast will cost at 65 eur / 2 people. Car rental is around 20 eur / person per day for two people, and if we add gasoline, the whole car will cost around 25 eur per day.
Food for the day will cost us around 25 eur. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella on the beach and try some water sports occasionally. On average you will pay around 20 eur for a day at the beach. The daily budget comes to 105 eur person/day.
The following table shows the prices for a week stay for 2 people. The cost is given after budgeting per day for 1 person.
| Accommodation | Food | Public transport | Car rental | Attractions | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-cost | 20 eur | 15 eur | 5 eur | 0 eur | 10 eur | 50 eur |
| Regular traveller | 35 eur | 25 eur | 0 eur | 25 eur | 20 eur | 105 eur |