BABY - FOOD, NAPKINS etc.

Both international and locally-produced brands of baby food, napkins, disposable diapers, baby cosmetics, anti-rash creams etc., are available on the Cyprus market. There is a big variety from which to choose "babies' necessaires", and these can be found in Pharmacies (chemists) and in supermarkets.

Pharmacies (Chemists, Drug stores) can be traced in the yellow Pages of the Cyprus Telephone Directory.

BABY-SITTING SERVICES

Almost all Hotels in Cyprus offer baby-sitting facilities, provided arrangements with the reception are made in advance.

BANKING

The Banking system in Cyprus is well-developed and capable of coping with the diverse needs of the business community. The commercial banks in Cyprus have correspondents in most major cities around the world, and transactions can be negotiated in all leading currencies.

The Central Bank of Cyprus is responsible for the monetary, credit, and exchange policy, issues currency and acts as banker of the Government. Commercial Banking arrangements follow the British model, and the majority of Commercial Banks on the island are now full members of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, (S.W.I.F.T.).

- Banking hours for the public: Monday - Friday: 08.15-12.30
- Centrally located Banks provide "afternoon tourist services" from Tuesday to Friday.
- Banks at the Larnaka and Pafos International Airports provide services throughout the day, as well as a night service for most flights.
- Banking facilities are also available at the Lemesos (Limassol) Harbour.
- Hotels, large shops, restaurants, e.t.c. usually accept travellers cheques and major credit cards. Rates of exchange are published daily in the local press, and are also broadcast at the 10.00 o'clock News Bulletins by the CBC (except Sundays) on Channel 2, on 693 KHz, on Medium waveband.
- Bank holidays are the same as Public Holidays (please refer to page 79).

BIBLIOGRAPHY ON CYPRUS

Numerous books have been written on Cyprus in various languages covering topics like: History, Archaeology, Ecclesiastical Art and Monasteries, Towns and villages, Folk Art and Environment, Cookery as well as Tourist Guides. Most publications can be obtained both in Cyprus and abroad from various bookshops.

BOATS CONNECTING CYPRUS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES

Passenger ships from the ports of Lemesos and Larnaka connect Cyprus with various Greek and Middle East ports: Piraias, Rodos, Irakleion, other greek islands, Haifa, Port Said, Junieh (Lebanon).

Please note that most of the boat services offer reduced services during the winter period.

Regular services commence again in spring with more or less the same itineraries.

Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) issues a detailed Info-Paper on Ferry Boats which can be obtained from CTO offices in Cyprus and abroad, upon request.

BOAT TRIPS ALONG THE COAST OF CYPRUS

One-day sea cruises in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, are organised from May to October, weather permitting, and these usually include drinks and snacks on board, with lunch served either on board, or at a sea-side restaurant.

Itineraries are as follows: From Lemesos (Limassol) Harbour to Lady's Mile beach and back.
From Pafos Harbour to Coral Bay, Pegeia area and back.
From Agia Napa to Paralimni, Protaras area and back.
From Larnaka Marina along Larnaka, Agia Napa, Protaras coast and back.
From Polis (Latsi) along the Akamas coast.

For further information visitors are requested to contact the Sightseeing Tour Operators.

BUSINESS / SHOPPING HOURS

PUBLIC SERVICE HOURS

 
Winter Period (Sept. 1 - June 30)
 
Monday - Friday: 07.30-14.30
 
Thursday       : 07.30-14.30, 15.00-18.00 
Summer Period (July 1 - Aug. 31)
 
Monday - Friday: 07.30-14.30
 

BUSINESS / SHOPPING HOURS

 
Winter Period (Oct. 1 - April 30) 
Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri.   : 08.00-13.00 
                        : 14.30-17.30 (shops) 
                        : 15.00-18.00 (offices) 
Wednesday, Saturday     : 08.00-13.00 
Summer Period (May 1 - Sept. 30) 
Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri.   : 08.00-13.00 
			: 06.00-19.00 
Wednesday - Saturday    : 08.00-13.00 

BYZANTINE CHURCHES AND MONASTERIES

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation's publication "9000 years of History and Civilisation" refers briefly to the various churches and monasteries on the island. Many of these churches can be reached by public transport. Others, however are accessible only by private car, or private taxi, as they stand away from main roads and inhabited areas.

Because of the eminent importance of the icons and frescoes, most churches and monasteries are kept locked. Therefore, visitors wishing to see any of these churches should first ask for the priest, or any other responsible person who will escort them to the church, at the "coffee shop" of the village.

IMPORTANT NOTES
- Wearing shorts, backless tops, very short dresses etc should be avoided.
- The use of flash is prohibited as it may damage the icons and frescoes.
- No accommodation is offered in the monasteries.

Some of the Monasteries have visiting hours which have to be respected by visitors. Stavrovouni Monastery:

 
From September to March  : 08.00-12.00 and 
                         : 14.00-17.00
 
From April to August     : 08.00-12.00 and 
	                 : 15.00-18.00 

NOTE:
- Women are not allowed to visit Stavrovouni Monastery. Men may visit the monastery, dressed properly. The use of cameras or video-cameras is prohibited.

Agios Minas Convent: The convent is closed during the following hours:

 
From October to April   : 12.00-14.00 (daily) 
From May to September   : 12.00-15.00 (daily) 
The Convent remains closed all day on Saturday. 

Agios Neofytos Monastery:
From April to September : 09.00-13.00
: 14.00-18.00
From October to March : 09.00-16.00
The entrance fee for the Museum and the Encleistra is: C .50.