From Wikitravel

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC, Turkish Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti; [1]) is a self-proclaimed republic on the northern and eastern side of the island of Cyprus. Turkey is currently the only state which recognizes the TRNC.

Contents 1 Cities 2 Other destinations 3 Understand 3.1 Climate 3.2 Terrain 4 Get in 4.1 By plane 4.2 By boat 4.3 By car 4.4 On foot 5 Get around 6 Talk 7 Buy 8 Eat 9 Drink 10 Sleep 11 Learn 12 Work 13 Cope 13.1 Electricity 14 Stay safe 15 Stay healthy 16 Respect 17 Contact

Cities

Note that Cypriot cities have a variety of historical spellings and writings, all in fairly common use, and which change according to the context, whether it be Greek Cypriot, Turkish or English tourist... The following list emphasises traditional English spellings, that will most often be encountered by the traveller

• Nicosia (Lefkoşa / Lefkosia) — the divided capital
• Famagusta (Gazimağusa / Ammochostos)
• Kyrenia (Girne / Keryneia)
• Morphou (Güzelyurt / Morfo)

Other destinations

• Buffavento Castle
• Bellapais
• St. Hilarion Castle

Understand

The Republic of Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. In 1974,a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government caused Turkey to respond with a military invasion that resulted in Turkish control of almost 40% of the whole island of Cyprus. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. So far, Turkey is the only country which recognises the TRNC, while all other governments and the United Nations recognise only the Republic of Cyprus over the whole island.

Climate

Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Terrain

Central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast.

Get in

As northern Cyprus is not an internationally recognized state, the rules for entry are a little confusing, but far more relaxed then they were just a few years ago.

All visitors to Northern Cyprus will need to pass through TRNC immigration, which is fairly painless. Citizens of the European Union, the US, Japan and most other industrialized countries get a visitor visa issued free of charge at the border or green line crossing point. Others will need to apply at "representative offices" (the TRNC has no embassies outside Turkey) in London or Washington D.C.. When passing a Green Line checkpoint, TRNC immigration will stamp a piece of paper instead of your passport. When arrving at an air- or seaport immigration official will do so on request, although TRNC stamps are no longer a major problem for later visits to Greece or Cyprus.

After the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, the restrictions on travel to the north have been lifted. From the EU's point of view, the entire island is a part of its territory, and thus there can be no restrictions on EU citizens (including Cypriots) traveling across the Green Line. EU citizens may thus now cross the Green Line regardless of point of entry into Cyprus (that is, from both south to north and north to south). Other nationalities — especially Turks — may sometimes still be turned back by Greek-Cypriot authorities if they entered the island via the north.

By plane

As the state is not recognised by any international organisation, its Ercan Airport is not recognised by the IATA, which means that all flights (including charters) must touch down in Turkey before continuing. Scheduled flights on Cyprus Turkish Airlines connect to various destinations in Turkey, as do those on Turkish Airlines. Charter flights are also available with the Turkish carriers Onur Air, Fly Air, Atlas Jet and World Focus Airlines.

As of 2005, it is possible to fly to either of the airports in southern Cyprus (Larnaca is closer) and take a taxi to the north, crossing near Nicosia. It is best to have a travel operator arrange for a taxi from the north to collect you, since most Greek Cypriot taxi drivers may not be willing to take tourists to the north.

By boat

Frequent ferry services operated by Fergün Shipping connect Kyrenia to Alanya and Taşucu in Turkey. There are occasional ferries to other destinations in Turkey as well.

By car

You can enter the North with a rented car from the South at any one of the border crossing points. You will need to purchase insurance for the North at the border, as the companies in the South do not provide cover in the North.

On foot

You can cross by foot at the Ledra Palace crossing point in Nicosia. This crossing point is for pedestrians only, so if you are travelling by car you will need to use one of the other crossing points.

Get around

Talk

The official language of Northern Cyprus is Turkish. English is also widely used, especially in the resort town of Kyrenia.

Buy

Although New Turkish Lira is the official currency in the North, Euros and UK pounds are widely accepted in the bigger cities. Credit cards are also accepted in larger shops and supermarkets.

Eat

Turkish-Cypriot cuisine, fish, kebabs, meze, etc..

Drink

Locally produced Raki (Ouzo), and all internationally imported varieties.

Sleep

Northern Cyprus has a 12,000 bed capacity as of mid-2006.

Learn

There are a number of Universities in the North. See: http://www.cypnet.com/.ncyprus/people/n-education.htm for full details about the education system.

Work

Cope

Electricity

The electricity is 240v and the UK style 3 rectangular pinned plugs and sockets are used.

Stay safe

Stay healthy

There are many Gymnasiums situated in in the main cities such as Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia

Respect

It is illegal to sully the name of Kemal Ataturk. However this is a law enforced by Turkey. The Cypriots do not owe any allegiance to Mr. Ataturk.

Contact