Saturday, August 2, 2008

North Cyprus Guide

Transportation in North Cyprus

North Cyprus Bus Tours

North Cyprus Guide There are some Northern Cyprus companies that provide bus tours around North Cyprus. However, these tours may be included in package deals along with your hotel and airfare. Sometimes the North Cyprus hotel themselves may offer bus tours. If your hotel does not offer any tours in North Cyprus please contact the reception and they will put you in touch with a Northern Cyprus Holiday tour operator that can provide said service.

Public Transport in Northern Cyprus

The most inexpensive way to travel between towns is by an elaborate network of mini busses. Next in terms of expense is what are known as dolmush (which is basically a shared taxi) also known as a Kombos in North Cyprus. The Kombos generally operate on the same routes as the mini busses but use Mercedes cars (resemble a limo) instead. Finally there are the Northern Cyprus taxies which have standard charges for a journey and have recently started using meters as per the new Northern Cyprus law.

Hitch-Hiking

In recent years eco-tourism in North Cyprus has become more and more in demand as people want a cheaper and more naturalistic way of seeing the world. Hitch-hiking as a form of travel before mostly only practised by the young is not considered as a dangerous method of travel in the T.R.N.C.

Car Driving in Northern Cyprus

Most North Cyprus cities, towns and highways are paved and in reasonably good condition. However, some village and mountain roads still remain unpaved. These dirty roads can be tricky to drive on and are especially difficult during the rainy season when they turn to mud.

Visitors are allowed to bring their own car into Northern Cyprus if they so desire. But this can only be done for a period of three months provided that the vehicle has a valid registration licence from its country of origin. If you do decided to bring your own car you will need to purchase insurance as soon as the car enters Northern Cyprus.

Petrol stations in the North Cyprus usually open from 7 in the morning to 8 at night, with some closing later than others. However, the number of stations that operate 24 hours a day is increasing. Parking in municipal parking lots is no longer free. There is a small fee to be paid and it is a one time fixed fee not based on an hourly basis. There always exists the possibility that said service may be free if you use it during a non peak period such as late at night.

People visiting Northern Cyprus can also use their drivers licence from their country of origin or an international licence as long as it has not expired. Please note that such licences can be used for a period of three months if they stay beyond that period they have to apply for a T.R.N.C. licence.

Northern Cyprus Traffic Information

Traffic in Northern Cyprus circulates on the left hand side and its roads signs are of international specifications. Please note that you will be able to use your valid drivers licence from any country here for a period of up to three months. The items listed below are some of the more note worthy rules when it comes to driving regulations in the T.R.N.C.

  • Maximum speed limit in the Northern Cyprus is of 100km/hr
  • All vehicles entering the T.R.N.C. must be insured when they enter the country.
  • Seat belts must be worn at all times.
  • Drivers are prohibited from driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • The limit is 50mgr for private cars and 0 mgr for rental cars.
    Children are not allowed to sit in the front seat.
Sources: http://www.sunrentacar.com/northcyprus/north-cyprus-guide-transportation.php

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