| TURKISH REPUBLIC
OF NORTHERN CYPRUS
Established on 15.11.1983
Capital Nicosia
Area 3.355 km2
Population 264.169
Government
The full name of North Cyprus is, “The Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus” or “T.R.N.C.”.In
Turkish Northern Cyprus is known as “K.K.T.C.”, “Kuzey
Kibris Türk Cumhuriyeti”
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a democratic,
secular republic based on the principles of social justice and the
rule of law. The Constitution provides for a parliamentar system
system with a president as head of state, and a council of ministers
composed of a prime minister and 10 ministers. Legislative power
is vested in the Legislative Assembly, composed of 50 deputies elected
by universal suffrage for a period of five years. Judicial power
is exercised through independent courts.
Language
The official language of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
is Turkish. However, English is very widely used both by the Government
and by the private sector. Communications with any Government Department
may be made in English and is perfectly acceptable.
Time
Local time in North Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT). Summertime is used and the clocks change on the same day
as in the UK. Time in terms of when things get done is a bit more
relaxed then in most European countries. There is what has become
known throughout the world as island time and the mañana
(tomorrow) attitude is quite prevalent in North Cyprus. So expect
things to get done at a more gradual pace. Appointments are generally
kept but might be a bit delayed.
Telephone
Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be
purchased from the Telecommunications Office. Visitors will usually
phone from their hotel, or from the Telecommunications Office, which
in Kyrenia is opposite the Post Office. The telephone codes for
North Cyprus are listed below: The telephone country code for North
Cyprus is (00)90-392. For example, to call the Kyrenia number Kyrenia
8154321 from England, dial 0090-392-8154321Most European countries
may be dialed directly from North Cyprus. The code for England is
0044 followed by the local number but omitting the first number
(0). Codes for other countries are listed in the telephone directory.
GSM
Currently there are two GSM operators with networks up and running
in Northern Cyprus. These are Telsim and KKTC Cell which is in an
extension of Turkcell. Both of these companies are based in Turkey
and are Turkish companies. Visitors to the Island will be glad to
know that these two companies have alliances with other companies
world wide and thus as long as you have roaming service with your
company in your country of residence you will most likely be able
to use your Cell phone here. Please note that if you are a CDMA
user there are currently no companies that operate CDMA networks
in Northern Cyprus.
Post
The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming
mail must be suffixed “Mersin-10, Turkey” and not “Northern
Cyprus”. The history of the postal service in Northern Cyprus
will definitely be of interest to all philatelists.Stamps can be
bought from post offices, many small shops and hotel receptions.
Mail sent to Europe should arrive in seven days. You can take mail
to the post office or alternatively there are small yellow post
boxes, but these are not frequently emptied. Many hotels will also
post your mail if you leave it at reception.
Traffic
In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus traffic flows from the
left. International road and traffic signs are used. Maximum traveling
speed is 100 km/h.
Electric Current Voltage
Power is supplied at 240 volts and wall fittings
are generally the U.K. three-pin type.
Banks and Currency
In Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, numerous Turkish and Turkish
Cypriot Banks operate and they are open from Monday to Friday (
except public holidays ) between 08:00-12:00 / 14:00-16:00 hours.
Turkish Lira is used as the local currency. Exchanging all the currencies
in banks, exchange offices and in hotels is possible. Visa card,
credit card, master and euro cards, checks etc... can be used in
place of cash.
Opening Hours
Shops are open with some variations but generally
Summer: 08:00-13:00 / 16:00-19:00
Winter: 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-18:00
Public Services
Summer:
Monday: 07:30-14:00 / 15:30-18:00
Tuesday to Friday : 07:30-14:00
Winter:
Monday to Friday: 08:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00
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
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