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CLIMATE
North Cyprus climate is described as typically Mediterranean type and summer can begin as early as April. The weather is hot and dry from April to October and during this period there is no rain. The days are long with pleasant evenings. Winter is usually from November to March. During this period you may expect some rain and chilly evenings. Spring and autumn approximate temperature: 20-25°C. Summer approximate temperature: up to 35°C. Winter approximate temperature: up to 16°C.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
North Cyprus offers a wide range of cuisine and good quality restaurants. The cypriot food is classic for the Mediterranean with natural ingredients and rich flavours. “Meze” is one of the traditional cuisines in North Cyprus and many local restaurants serve this. Meze consists of many small dishes, can be as many as 30 small plates, both hot and cold. It consists of dips, vegetables and many fish and meat dishes.
Another popular dish is the kebab. It can either consist of lamb or chicken that is served with salad in pita bread or what the cypriots call “shish kebab” which are chunks of lamb or chicken and vegetables. This is then cooked over charcoal.
A popular beverage in North Cyprus is the turkish coffee. The Turkish coffee has a strong flavour and is served in a smaller cup, usually with a glass of water to it. The Turkish coffee was once a delicacy of the Ottoman upper class but is today enjoyed by everyone.
Raki is a traditional Turkish drink which is made from different fruits grapes, figs and plums being the main ones. It is usually drunk with cold food, seafood or fish. When water is added, the raki changes color and becomes milky white due to the aniseed it contains.
MONEY, COTS & BANKING
The currency used in North Cyprus is Turkish Lira (TL) meaning prices are approximately 30% cheaper than in eurozone countries including South Cyprus. Most shops will also deal with British pounds (GBP), US dollars and euros.
If you are intending to use a credit card during your stay, an extra 2-4% charge can be added to your transaction. Exchanging money to Turkish Lira prior to your arrival is a good idea but there is many exchange offices around the island where you will be able to exchange money as well.
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