Cyprus Local Custom Tips by rachel_sun Top 5 Page for this destination

Racism

Cyprus people are very friendly and genuine and are not racist at all.Both sides of the island are very friendly to visiters.If you happen to be Greek and try to enter the north without getting a visa first you will be thrown out.If you make it across people may treat you with curiuosity and be abit weary and mostly the elderly Turkish people.If Turkish people go into South they will be treated with respect but may be a spectacle for some Greek Cypriots.Some Turkish people cross every day as they work in the South.I just think both sides try to treat other with respect and try not to start fights and want peace.Just want to get on with their lives with no hastle.

Languages

I found on my visit that most Cypriots spoke English and road signs etc were in Greek as well as English.When I went shopping etc everything was in both langauges.On the North you will have to learn some Turkish to get by though.Greeks in Cyprus speak Greek, but it is not the same as you will hear in Greece.The vocabulary of Cyprus Greeks has its own set of words that are not heard of outside Cyprus.Greek nor Turkish people will expect visiters to speak their perfect language but learning a few words will help people respect you .I found Cyprus people quite loud and bold when talking and sometimes they souded angry or as if they were arguing.But it's just how they are and how they talk etc.How they express themselves.They are easy to understand as most speak English and very friendly and complimentary.I felt relaxed around Cypriot people.Not at all threatened or anything.I also did not feel pressured when going out in the eevening for meals etc as at some other holidays I have had.They were simply friendly and genuine.

Religion

Around 78% of Cypriots are a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and 18% are Muslims and 4% are Maronite etc.Muslims are mostly in the north and Greek Orthodox in the south.Religion is big in a Greek family.Many Greek people when they have worries will goto the church and lite a candle to the saint they feel can help them.Sunday is a big day for people visiting Monestries,especially afternoons.Most Turkish Cypriots are Sunni Muslims and they are religious but not as much as other Middle Eastern countries.Turkish Cypriots drink alcohol and the ladies dress more casual etc.They are not so strict as other countries in their religion.

What to do and what not to do.

Cypriot people are very friendly and may ask you for drinks and food at their home.Whatever you do dont offer them money as thanks.This will offend them.You are better buying the family a small gift or a child of the family a little gift.When we got a flat tyre two Greek men came out of a shop and changed the tyre for us and my nanny offered them some money to say thanks but they did not want it.If you go for a meal in Cyprus and the host is Cypriot, the host normally pays the full bill.When you are drinking only fill a glass half full and never drink the glass empty as it is considered inpolite.You must constantly replenish it so the glass never gets empty.If a person offers you a drink it is rude to refuse.If you are given a coffee and a glass of water and some preserves.Drink the water first, then eat the preserves and then drink the coffee.Cypriot people call people by Mr or Miss etc instead of using first names.Well using first names alone is abit rude.Cypriot people keep to appoinments normally but I found they did not for my mum.She had a tv being delivered and it did not turn up and she had to call and they then said it was being delivered next day and we waited all day and she had to keep calling to see when it was coming etc.She also had her builder coming round and he did not turn up either.I found that abit anoying as I think if people cannot make it they should at least call you.This happened lots of times.
Topless sunbathing does not go down very well.When visiting a church, dress respectfully.On the Turkish side dont point your finger directly at someone.Dont show the bottom of your shoe to anyone.Dont blow your nose loudly.Picking your teeth is also rude.When on Greek side be careful what you say about Turkish side and vise versa as not to offend anyone.

Traditional Cyprus

Cyprus has many customs.Such traditional things such as weddings and funerals, name days etc.Weddings in Cyprus are a big event.The wedding celebration often lasts for days with dancing and eating and drinking and partying.Weddings are also very big affairs.In villages the entire village is often invited.Many Greek Cypriots are superstitious.Some think Tuesday is an unlucky day because that was the day that Byzantine Empire was taken by the Ottomans.Greek Cyprios will avoid doing important things on a Tuesday.Cypriot people also believe in the evil eye.They believe an evil eye brings bad luck.People who may get the evil eye are people who envy another person or belongings etc.Cypriot people are careful not to pay too much attention and compliments to new born babies etc.Some Cypriot people wear a piece of blue glass which looks like an eye around their neck as a necklace hoping it will ward off evil spirits etc.I have one hanging in my lounge.Turkish Cypriots are very polite.Learning the language ,Greek or and Turkish is a very good way to gain the respect of Cypriot people .They see you have made an effort to learn a few words and respect you for it.

1974 Division of Cyprus

Both Turkish and Greek people on both sides of the Island say they are Cypriots.Cyprus still has it's british feel about it.Driving on left etc and people being puntual.But in the North, Turkish people have taken down Greek names and signs changed them over to Turkish.On both sides on the border, Cypriot people are friendly and very halpful.People here are keen to have peace and keep peace and are very family wise.Families stick together and are very close.Cyprus is very safe.People often dont lock their front doors or cars up etc.I felt very safe walking around and when we got a puncture people were willing to help.Crime is very low on Cyprus.The only crime that you may come across is petty crime in tourist areas.And that's probably done by tourists too.Cyprus is a very stable country and I found the people genuine and friendly and would go out of their way to help.And for nothing in return.