Banks: 08.30 to 12.30, Monday to Friday; Monday 15.15 to 16.45
Post Offices: 08.30 to 15.30, Monday to Friday
Government Officers: 07.30 to 14.30, Monday to Friday; 15.00 to 18.00, Thursdays
Business Centres: 08.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 08.00 to 19.00, Monday to Saturday (closed for one hour over lunch)

Paphos is a family destination and safe for all travellers. There are very few risks to personal safety which visitors need to be aware of. However, it is always adviseable to look after your belongings and to never show off excessive amounts of cash or stray from the tourist track at night. Pickpocketing can be a problem, as with any popular tourist destination, so be aware of this when you are sightseeing. Young ones should be supervised at the beach at all times.

220V, 50Hz, two-pronged round pinned plugs

Paphos has very good medical care for those who are struck down with illness or involved in an accident. However, for minor needs the pharmacies located throughout the city centre are all manned with trained pharmacists who can assist you. European visitors should ensure they carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them at all times in order to receive free or discounted treatment in case of emergency.

Emergency services: 199
Paphos Hospital: +357 26 803 100

The majority of Cypriots speak Greek and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect is, however, different from mainland Greece.

Cyprus uses the euro (EUR), with €1.00 equal to 100 cents.

The following can be brought into Cyprus by visitors originating from destinations outside the EU without incurring duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; one litre of spirits or 750ml of wine; and 300ml of perfume. The import of fruits and fresh flowers is prohibited.

The Cypriot military prohibits any photos being taken of soldiers or any military premises, so always bear this in mind. Religious customs such as Ramadan should be respected and women should dress modestly when they are not on the beach. Cypriots are respectful of hierarchy with the elders of the community are the most revered. The oldest member of any party is always served and introduced first.

When you meet a Cypriot for the first time, shake hands, smile and maintain direct eye contact throughout the greeting. You may notice that the person you are meeting lowers their eyes. This is a sign of respect and should be followed. If the person you are meeting is a strict Muslim, they will not shake a woman’s hand.

You should always wait to be invited to use somebody’s first name before using it and wait to be introduced by hosts at a party before introducing yourself. When you are leaving an event or a party, you should make the time to say goodbye to everyone individually and complement the house and food while leaving.

People who are visiting from an EU country do not need a visa to enter Cyprus. However, those arriving from non-EU countries may require a tourist visa. Contact your nearest Cypriot embassy for up-to-date information on visas.

Visitors will find the Paphos tourist information office on Posidonos Avenue, Kato. Phone: +357 26 930 521.