Facts and Trivia You Should Know Before Moving to Cyprus

CY for Expats 101 – Size, Currency, and Mouflon

As every decent guide for international moving goes, we’ll begin by giving you a few basic facts about your prospective new homeland. Memorize them, and you won’t ever fail at a pub quiz (or geography test, if you’re still studying) ever again. Anyway, here they come:

• CY is the third-smallest country in the European Union (after Malta and Luxembourg)
• The capital city is Nicosia, both the easternmost and southernmost EU capital,
• CY has been an EU member since 2004,
• The official currency is Euro,
• Official languages are Greek and Turkish (if you, as you should, contemplate breaking the language barrier)
• Its closest neighbors are Turkey and Syria, while the nearest EU territory is the Greek island of Kastellorizo, 174 miles away,
• Cyprus’ national symbol is a local mouflon (yet, it’s quite a miracle to actually see one of them)
• The country’s largest bank is owned by the Orthodox Church,
• The world’s oldest wine is from here – Commandaria first appeared some five millennia ago.

History is Very Much Alive – Politics of North and South

Now we must, for a bit, deal with the political realities since you wouldn’t want to end up in trouble because of not knowing facts on the ground. The eastern-Mediterranean island has been ruled by many empires over the course of history. The last in that line was the British empire, which allowed Cyprus’ independence in 1960 (independence day is observed on October the 1st). Still, inter-communal tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots remained very much alive, often erupting into violence. Finally, after an attempted coup by the ethnic Greek nationalists in 1974, Turkey invaded the north of the island, capturing northern Nicosia and Famagusta, setting the stage for the division that runs until today.

So, the current state of affairs can seem complicated, but it’s important for anyone whose heart is set on living overseas, hiring an international moving company, and going to Cyprus. The internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus claims sovereignty over the entire island, and United Nations recognizes the claim (the only exception to that are so-called Sovereign Base Areas – two British Overseas Territories with naval and military installations).

In the north lies the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. For years there have been ongoing talks about reunification, but to no avail, at least for now. Be that as it may, the Republic of Cyprus became a member of the EU in 2004 as a whole, yet EU laws and regulations are only applied in the southern part.

Fun fact: Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello takes place in Famagusta castle during the war between Venice and the Ottomans in the 16th century. One part of the medieval walls is now called Othello Tower.

Not so fun fact: Once predominantly Greek town of Varosha (a suburb of Famagusta) is now called Ghost Town as no one is allowed in, and the Turkish Cypriots’ army has fenced it off.

What Does That Mean for Would-Be Expats?

Once there, don’t throw your documents for travel abroad away. While traveling throughout the EU might be seamless once you obtain permanent residency (by investing in real estate) and citizenship (by living there for seven years,) the inter-CY travel may be a bit more complicated.

The island is split by the UN buffer zone, called “the Green Line,” which cuts across the land for 112 miles. If you wish to cross it for any reason (learning a language, for example,) make sure to have your passport (it’s a must). There are several checkpoints where the line can be crossed, and don’t ever try to cross it in any other place. No one will look kindly upon that. When we’re at that, Cypriots on both sides have problems with people taking pictures of soldiers and military stuff in general. So, if you’re not sure whether it’s ok to photograph something, don’t do it. There are much better ways to experience culture shock than in queues to pay fines (or, God forbid, prison). For example, contact the American expat community there and learn the ins and outs of everyday dealings.

Bonus fact: North of the demarcation zone, the line is usually called “Attila Line,” in remembrance of the Turkish invasion, code-named “Operation Attila.”

If You’re Moving to Cyprus Because of Taxes, That Ship Has Sailed

Once upon a time, to move to Cyprus was something like relocating to the Cayman Islands, only in the Mediterranean – low or no taxes and financial free-for-all. But, if that’s why you began to pick tips for learning a new language and browsing an overseas shipping company or three, we have to disappoint you. From aligning with the EU financial policies to the international bailout after the 2012 financial crisis, CY has largely lost its tax haven status, with corporate tax at 12,5%.

Of course, it still offers numerous benefits to all those expats looking to invest, be that from afar or after international moving services have done their part and brought soon-to-be Cypriot to the island.

Cost of Living is Low for US Expats

That being said, is moving to Cyprus a good idea financially? We would say a sound yes, even now, with the coronavirus pandemic, both for investors and ordinary folk. How much money do you need to live in Cyprus? While average salaries may be lower than the US ones, the overall cost of living is low when compared to the good ole US of A.

Also, housing cost (buying and renting alike) is way more affordable, as well as utilities and nearly all other commodities of one’s life. So, if you’ve been afraid of the necessity of shacking up with friends or an unknown roommate to be able to afford a home, you may be at peace. Moving abroad alone is perfectly possible without breaking the bank. And that matters when you’re relocating across the world, even if it’s to one of the best European countries to live in.

Where to Earn After Moving to Cyprus

Unless you’re among the fortunate few who don’t have to worry about balancing finances abroad, you’ll have to think about how to get a job in Europe. In CY, expats can work, but they need a work visa. It can be obtained by an employer, but there’s that common catch in the form of proving that not only no Cypriot can fill in the position, but no other EU national as well. All in all, this is something that should be on the ask-the-employer list of every expat.

The largest industries in CY are tourism (you’d never guessed it, right?), IT, and finance. If you wish to be on the better-paid side of the CY job market, we hope you’re a surgeon. Or a judge (though lawyers, in general, are among the highest-paid professions here). Also, if you’re a college professor, a pilot, or a bank manager (or any type of executive, for that matter,) you won’t really have to worry about fragile items and whether you prevented them from breaking. You’ll be able to buy loads of new ones.

Important fact: To work in CY as an expat, you have to be fluent in English and at least proficient in Greek.

Learn About Largest Cypriot Cities

In CY, you will not find megapolises. Nicosia (north and south together) has less than half a million people in the metro area. So, if the hustle and bustle of the big city are what you desire (while maintaining the spirit,) maybe relocating to Greece is a better idea. If not, you’ll find yourself in a friendly country that will take all the relocation stress away in a heartbeat, and making new friends will be as easy as keeping in touch with old ones via Zoom, Skype, or any other method.

So, let’s see what is on offer.

There are More Famous Cypriots Than You’d Guess

The earliest mentioned Cypriot (at least according to local legends) is Aphrodite, who, once born out of the sea, first set foot on dry land on the island of Cyprus, at the place called Poli Crysochous. You can believe this or some other legend about the goddess’ arrival, but it can’t be a bad sign if you’re relocating to another country for love. But what about more recent ones? Here’s a short list:

• Makarios III – Archbishop and the first president of independent Cyprus,
• Garo Yepremian – Although only half-Cypriot, he’s the only person of that descent to play in the NFL. He even won a Super Bowl VII with the then-undefeated Miami Dolphins,
• Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou – Famous musician. You may know him as George Michael. WHAM! Didn’t see that coming, did you?
• Markos Baghdatis – Retired tennis player.

Bonus fact: While in the office, Makarios III was the target of four attempted assassinations. The nationalist coup that for a while ousted him from power in 1974 led to the Turkish invasion.

Maybe Less Famous but Still Worthy People

It’s no wonder that one of the best countries to live in produces people in its image. Many Cypriots hold or have held a place in the Guinness Book of Records. If you have such an endeavor in your mind, they may motivate you and give further credentials to your reasons to move and make a home in CY. Let’s see some of them:

• Maria Paraskeva – In 2018, she fulfilled her life-long dream of creating the longest wedding veil in the world. It was measured at 22,843 feet and 2.11 inches. Or, to scale it, that’s longer than 63 football fields. Quite a feat, eh?
• Dimitris Liotatis – This guy juggled three clubs while holding a record-breaking eight stacked glasses on his head,
• Renos and Dimos Christodoulidis – Two brothers passed a soccer ball to each other using their heads a combined 1,013 times.

Bonus fact: The oldest domesticated cat was found right here, in CY. It is estimated to be 9,500 years old. Way to go, ancient Cypriots!

Heritage and Modern Culture

When you decide that you’ll be moving overseas to make a home in CY, you should know that it’s not just one of the best places to live in Europe and beyond – it’s a nation whose cultural heritage goes back to the beginnings of European civilization. The landmarks reminding us of people who lived here (or conquered and ruled) are everywhere. From the oldest known water wells in the world (another oldest thing besides cats and wine) in Paphos, Hellenistic and Roman ruins, and medieval castles to churches and mosques, Cyprus’ rich history and diverse architecture (especially in religious buildings) will be all around you.

Today, CY is a peaceful and safe place, one of the safest in the world. That makes it great for living abroad with family as well as a perfect spot to retire in Europe. Speaking of safety, keep in mind that Cypriots drive on the left side of the road and often aren’t particularly attentive to the road ahead.

Fun fact: Taxi drivers usually keep the change as a tip. Unless you’re fine with that, you need to have an exact amount of money ready to pay the fare.

via GIPHY

Are There Any Downsides to It?

Although a lot of progress has been made in the cities, Cypriots are, as a rule, quite a traditional folk. Local ways, especially in more rural areas, could make one think that CY isn’t exactly the best place for women. Still, as long as you respect their way of doing things, they will certainly respect yours. And in the following video, a guy from Lithuania who spent some time there shared several things that are not to be done if you wish to stay on the Cypriots’ good side.

Living in CY as an Expat – What to Pack and Where to Go

If you’re into sun and warm weather, you’ll have no issues learning how to live in another country. In fact, you might think of CY as one of the best places to live abroad. On average, there are more than 300 sunshine days per year.

That should help you a lot when making a moving abroad checklist and deciding what to pack – winter clothes can safely be left in a storage unit until needed for a skiing trip to Austria or maybe even the Alpine gem of Switzerland. But you can also go local, as Troodos Mountains have several slopes that both local and international skiers use to their delight.

The key is in using your overseas moving company wisely. Do so, and you’ll be relocating abroad efficiently with movers’ storage facilities and even get a lot of relocation day preparations off your back if you opt for packing services.

You’ll Enjoy Spending Time Outdoors

Besides diving into history through the architecture and ruins of ancient times, you’ll also be able to enjoy the island’s natural wonders. And there are many of them. For example, you probably heard of the white cliffs of Dover. But you don’t have to move to the UK to see such a sight – Limassol has its own white cliffs. We’ll name a few of the most beautiful spots, but if there ever was a need for overseas vehicle shipping when moving internationally, it’s here and now.

Once You Know What Awaits, the Decision to Hire International Moving Services Should Be Easy

Can anyone move to Cyprus, you might ask people around you right about now. Anyone who knows how to move abroad, we answer for them. All there is to it is picking the best time to move and avoid relocation mistakes in the form of packing items movers won’t move while organizing for shipping overseas.

If you apply simple but effective relocation hacks, you won’t have to worry about relocation scams or the horror of packing dishes. You’ll be left with the purest of relocation essentials – a bathing suit, sunscreen, and a will to learn how to live abroad.