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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Nicosia is the largest city and the capital of Cyprus, located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. |
👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50-100 Mbps |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; Major banks include Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank. |
🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Cyprus has high-quality tap water. |
🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz; Uses Type G sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cyta, PrimeTel, and MTN. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, TransferWise are popular. Local banks like Bank of Cyprus are also widely used. |
🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local real estate websites such as Bazaraki.com offer various options. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major credit and debit cards accepted widely. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms provide a wide selection of short-term housing. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 'The House of Calm' offers dorms starting at €15 per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old City area offers historical sites and vibrant local life. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The City Center, especially around Ledra Street, is popular for its cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office is a popular coworking spot located in the city center. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Ghetto Cafe offers a lively atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetups and digital nomad gatherings regularly occur, often advertised through Facebook groups. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Nicosia Meetup group hosts various social and networking events. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used for ride-hailing in Nicosia. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Electric bike rentals can be found at various points in the city. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Fig Tree Bay is about 45 minutes away by car. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cyprus Airways is the major regional carrier. |
✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways, Aegean Airlines are prominent international options. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Main road connections include the A1 highway leading to Limassol and Larnaca. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nicosia does not have a train station but bus connections are available. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Cycladic passes for unlimited bus rides can be purchased for €5 per day. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby cities like Larnaca and Limassol regularly. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Nicosia General Hospital is the primary public healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Action offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Club is a popular fitness center featuring modern equipment. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Time offers affordable laundry services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt is popular for food delivery in Nicosia. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Souvla, a local grilled meat dish, is a must-try. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veganaya offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakeries like 'Pavlides' offer traditional Cypriot sweets. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ochi Market offers affordable fresh produce and local goods. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Zalando and Amazon provide online shopping options. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket chains like Alfa Mega offer online shopping and delivery. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The old town features numerous bars and a vibrant nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cyprus Brewing Company offers local craft beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Village specializes in local wines and tastings. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local markets host various stalls offering traditional street food. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Maison offers excellent French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Selimiye Mosque is an iconic landmark in the city. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Cyprus Museum showcases ancient artifacts. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Venetian Walls are a historical attraction worth visiting. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. John is a beautiful site to explore. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Nicosia Wine Festival takes place every September. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old City has a rich cultural heritage and various local crafts. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Theatro Skala hosts various performances and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Ledra Street markets offer a variety of handmade crafts. |
🎼 Music Scene | Jazz and traditional music can be heard at venues throughout the city. |
🎨 Street Art | Various murals are painted in the central areas around the Old City. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cyprus Kitchen offers culinary classes focusing on local cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Diarios Gallery features contemporary Cypriot artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Büyük Han is a historical caravanserai with art shops. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Cypriot culture is influenced by Greek, Turkish, and British traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Troodos Mountains are great for hiking and are about an hour's drive. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Akamas National Park is a perfect spot for nature lovers, about 1.5 hours drive. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Green Line offers beautiful walking routes through the city. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of the Venetian Walls offers great panoramic views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Larnaca Salt Lake is famous for its flamingos in the winter. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in the Troodos National Forest. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Cyprus Post provide reliable delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops like TechFix offer electronic repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Nicosia Table Tennis Club welcomes newcomers. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local center 'Cultural Dialogues' offers Greek and Turkish language courses. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Cyprus Library is an excellent place for studying and research. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The Community Centre of Nicosia offers diverse cultural activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer's Hub offers a space for consoles and PC gaming. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | City of Dreams Mediterranean, the largest in Europe, offers various gaming options. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,750 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €70,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €56,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €102,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 12.5% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 17% |
🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
🧾 VAT | 19% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | About 6% standard rate. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No wealth tax, relatively low corporate taxes available for startups. |