Geography Cyprus:-  is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily. It lies 70 km from Turkey.

Language:-   Turkish, English widely spoken.

Passports & Visas:-   A valid passport is necessary for entering and a visa is granted on entrance to North Cyprus.

Coastline and beaches:-  The beaches of North Cyprus are among the cleanest and safest in the Mediterranean. The average water temperature is 24C between May and October.. Most of the beaches offer activities such as water skiing, banana rides, jet-ski, wind surfing, scuba diving and plenty of sun-loungers/umbrellas to go round.

Telephone:-   Calls can be made from North Cyprus to any International telephone number. To call North Cyprus from abroad, the code is + 90 392 followed by the local number. Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecommunications Office. There are 2 GSM mobile telephone networks that provide international roaming to visitors. TR. TELSIM & TR. TURKCELL Emergency Police 155, First Aid 112, Fire 177.

Post:-   The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming mail must be suffixed 'Mersin-10, Turkey." The history of the postal service in North Cyprus will definitely be of interest to all philatelists.

Electricity:-   220/240 Volts A/. A standard three pin British plug is used.

Public Transport:-  A good, inexpensive network of buses and minibuses operates between all the main towns, in addition there are Dolmus (Turkish for stuffed) a type of shared taxi, operating on the same routes. Taxis are also widely available.

Tourist Information:-   Tourist Information Offices are available in all major towns. Tour guides, Hotel Receptionists, Taxi drivers and the locals are also a good source of information.

Opening Hours:- 
(Shops) Summer: 8:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00 Winter: 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00
(Banks) 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 (Public Services) Summer: Monday, 07:30-14:00 and 15:30-18:00 Tuesday-Friday, 07:30-14:00 Winter: Monday-Friday, 08:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00

Currency Turkish Lira:-  Eurocheques, Travellers Cheques, Sterling, Dollars and other major currencies may be used or exchanged in the larger towns. Credit Cards are also accepted in larger shops and hotels. Money can be withdrawn using a bank cards from ATM's displaying the VISA sign.

Public Holidays:- 

• 1 January, New Year's Day  
• 23 April, Children's Day  
• 1 May, Labour Day  
• 19 May, Youth and Sports Day  
• 20 July, Peace and Freedom Day  
• 30 August, Victory Day  
• 29 October, Turkish Republic Day  
• 15 November, Northern Cyprus Republic Day  

There are also several Religious holidays or 'Bayrams' which like the Christian festival of Easter, change every year.