Drinking Age Limit

The legal drinking age in Cyprus is 18. Drivers should exercise due care over the amount of alcohol consumed. The legal limit in breath is 9 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in blood is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Tap Water

Water is safe to drink in Cyprus. Water pollution is negligible and every home has fresh running drinking water. Tap water in hotels, restaurants, public premises, etc., is also safe to drink.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Cyprus is 230 volts, a.c. 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square pin in most buildings. More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point by using an adaptor (i.e. radios, electric clocks etc.). The use of adaptors for operating high current rating appliances is not recommended (i.e. electric heaters, toasters, irons etc.). Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception. Adaptors can be purchased from electricians, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc.

Measurement System

Cyprus uses the metric system of weights and measures. Temperatures are reported in degrees Celsius, petrol is sold by the litre, grocery items are in grams and kilograms, fabric lengths in metres, and road speeds and distances posted in kilometres.

Working in Cyprus

The employment of European citizens is regulated by the “Law on Free Movement and Residence of Nationals of the Member States of the European Union and their Families”. Some professions are regulated by local legislation setting out the qualifications and procedures needed to acquire the right to pursue a specific profession. The employment of non-European citizens is subject to the approval of the Department of Labour, which examines applications submitted by employers seeking to hire foreigners in order to meet pressing, short-term needs in the labour market in certain economic fields and occupations.

Further detailed information can be obtained from the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.