Money & duty free for Cyprus
Exchange rates:
EuroC$1 = €0.72
£1 = €1.19
US$1 = €0.96
Currency & Money
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the Republic of Cyprus, particularly in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centres and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express is less widely used. Contactless payment is common, and mobile payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted.
Cash is still useful in smaller villages, traditional taverns and some rural businesses, though card acceptance has expanded significantly in recent years.
ATMs are widespread throughout the Republic of Cyprus and are easy to find in cities, towns, airports and resort areas. International debit and credit cards are generally accepted at bank-operated ATMs. Withdrawal fees may apply depending on the local bank and the traveller's home bank.
ATMs are less common in remote mountain villages and rural areas, so carrying some cash is advisable when travelling outside the main tourist regions.
When entering or leaving Cyprus, travellers with €10,000 or more (or equivalent) in cash must declare it to customs.
The currency used in the Republic of Cyprus is the euro (EUR). Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and some hotels, while exchange facilities are also available at airports and in major tourist areas.
Exchange offices are common in cities and resort areas, particularly in Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos and Ayia Napa. Rates are generally competitive, though airport and hotel exchanges may offer less favourable rates. ATMs are widely used by visitors and are often the most convenient way to obtain euros.
Cyprus duty free
Cyprus's duty-free allowance for travellers arriving from within the EU:
If you are over 17 years old, you can transport goods freely between EU countries, provided they are for personal use and not for resale. Taxes must already have been paid on these goods in the country of purchase. If you exceed the following guideline amounts, customs officials may question you to ensure the goods are for personal use:
• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1 kg of tobacco.
• 90 L of still wine (of which a maximum of 60 L can be sparkling wine).
• 110 L of beer.
• 10 L of spirits over 22% alcohol by volume or 20 L of fortified wine or other beverages up to 22%.
• Travellers under 17 years old may not bring in tobacco or alcohol products, and rules may vary slightly between EU countries.
Cyprus's duty-free allowance for travellers arriving from outside the EU:
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Cyprus by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco. You may combine these tobacco products provided the total limit is not exceeded.
• 1 L of spirits over 22% alcohol by volume or 2 L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% alcohol by volume.
• 4 L of wine.
• 16 L of beer.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air or sea passengers (reduced to €150 for travellers under 15).
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Prohibited items include narcotic and psychotropic substances, illegal weapons, counterfeit currency or goods, obscene materials, and chemical/nuclear/biological weapons. Import of some agricultural products (meat, dairy) from non-EU countries is restricted or banned. This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should check with Cypriot Customs or the nearest embassy for up-to-date export restrictions.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on various goods imported from the Russian Federation, including diamonds, gold, jewellery, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (such as caviar), spirits (like vodka), shoes, clothing, and smartwatches. However, it is important to note that the specifics of these sanctions can evolve, so travellers should consult the European Commission's communications for the most current and detailed information.
Prohibited exports include endangered species and their derivatives, national cultural or historical artefacts without export permits, narcotics, and arms or military equipment without authorisation.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should check with Cypriot Customs or the nearest embassy for up-to-date export restrictions.
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