Paphos - currency

The official currency used in Paphos and across the entire island of Cyprus is the Euro. This replaced the Cypriot pound in 2008, and makes it easier for EU travellers to go on holiday without worrying about exchange rates. However, if you’re travelling from the UK you’ll have to exchange your pounds sterling for Euros.

Should I change up before I go?

Cyprus’ banks and ATMs accept all of the major credit (and some debit) cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, you’ll be charged a fee for using most cashpoint machines or making a transaction at a bank counter. So it may be worth changing up your Euros before you travel. Order your travel money online, and it will be with you in a matter of days.

Exchange rates at the airport

If you need to grab some last-minute cyprus currency then you can head for the Bureau de Change at the airport. However, bear in mind that exchange rates at airports are often much lower, meaning you get less bang for your buck, or fewer Euros to your Pound. You’ll also be charged a hefty commission, which could eat into your holiday spending money. So that could mean fewer ice creams for the kids!

Watch out for fake notes

Currency counterfeiting is a problem in every country, and is no different in Cyprus. Make sure your Euros are genuine by looking out for:

Credit cards and debit cards

All major credit and debit cards are accepted throughout Cyprus, but if you’re travelling out of the main resorts and towns into the countryside then you may find that cash is preferred, especially for small transactions. So make sure you carry some cash with you.

Tipping

Tipping is always a bit of a minefield, but in general you’ll find that a 10% service charge is added to most restaurant bills. If the charge isn’t added then a tip of roughly the same amount is expected. Taxi drivers and hotel porters also appreciate a small tip.

How much money should I take?

How much you take depends on your type of holiday. For a budget trip you should allow around €60 a day (including your hotel room), a mid-range trip should be between €60-120, and if you want to splash out then the sky’s the limit! If you really want to budget carefully then think about booking an All Inclusive trip.