Scams and pitfalls in Cyprus, and how to avoid them

Cyprus isn’t a place known for big cons, and gov.uk rates crime against visitors as uncommon. Even so, some pitfalls come up again and again, and official advice names them. Here they are, with what I’d do to avoid every one. The rest of the safety picture is in is Cyprus safe.

Hiring a car, bike or quad

The most common pitfall involves rentals. Hire firms often want your passport left with them as security, gov.uk warns, but that practice is against the law, so keep it. If they insist, go elsewhere. It also says hired motorbikes and quads often only have third-party insurance, so a fall can be very expensive. Before signing anything, read car hire in Cyprus.

To take a car into the north you need separate insurance, and gov.uk says cars hired in the Republic often have no cover there. Ask first whether the company allows it.

Trips and water sports

The same logic applies to activities. Gov.uk asks you to book diving, water sports or adventure trips only with licensed and insured operators, to satisfy yourself that proper safety precautions are in place and never to leave your passport as a guarantee for equipment. Before you go, check your travel insurance names the activity, because if it doesn’t, an accident is on you. The Cyprus Dive Centre Association publishes the list of official dive centres, as I explain in diving in Cyprus.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Larnaca before prices climb.

Payments and cards

In the Republic, the Spanish foreign ministry notes some taxis don’t take cards, so carry a little cash. In the north, it urges great care with credit cards, after many cases of charges far above the bill, and because the authorities there aren’t recognised, getting money back is almost impossible. I’d pay small amounts in cash and check every charge. In the Republic, a restaurant bill can’t exceed the menu price, which already includes service, as I explain in tipping in Cyprus. More in Cyprus currency.

Shopping in the north

On your way back south, expect checks. Gov.uk says only 40 cigarettes per head are allowed through, extra goods may be seized and fines are possible. Under the Green Line rules, your shopping is limited to 260 euros, plus one litre of alcohol.

There’s a less obvious trap too. The Spanish foreign ministry points to a less obvious trap, a 2006 law of the Republic that punishes taking south any paperwork on buying or renting northern homes once owned by Greek Cypriots, estate agent leaflets included. The details are in crossing to northern Cyprus.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Larnaca and choose by the reviews.

On a night out

In the party areas, gov.uk warns of the risk of drink spiking with drugs such as GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks, keep sight of them and stay with your friends.

When booking your flight

The last pitfall is the price tag. A cheap flight into Ercan, in the north, can turn out costly, as the Republic treats entering that way as illegal, with possible fines. It’s explained in Ercan airport.

A car frees you from timetables: search car hire in Larnaca on DiscoverCars and compare companies.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Larnaca before prices climb.