About British Community and Cost
of Living The British Community is growing very fast as more
and more British couples (retired and families with children) buy a property in
Northern Cyprus and come to permanently live on the northern side of the island.
The main attraction of this area is that it is unspoilt by commercial tourism
and has a slow pace of life, safe environment (the area is virtually crime free),
the best value for money property and low cost of living in Northern Cyprus than
in other Mediterranean countries. Click
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UK visitors and residents receive a very warm welcome from the local population.
English is widely spoken and there are some unmistakable influences of the British
colonial era on the island. Northern Cyprus community is predominantly Muslim
and is very tolerant to other customs and traditions; they especially show respect
and appreciation for British culture. There are several churches in the Northern
part of the island. The Anglican Church of St Andrew's is situated in Girne and
services are held on Sundays and Thursdays. Also church services are held at the
Nestorian Church of St George in Famagusta every Sunday (5.00pm). The Roman Catholic
Church is located in Girne town centre a walking distance from the Dome Hotel.
The times and days of these services do vary. Click
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Families with children will have a choice of several English speaking schools.
In Girne (Kyrenia) there is an English-run nursery. Also there are two English-language
primary schools attached to the universities. English language secondary education
can be received at the International American College (Lefkosa), Girne American
University and University in Lefkosa. There are several societies on the island,
to name a few: Kyrenia Amateur Dramatic Society (KADS), Northern Cyprus Society
for the Protection of Birds and Nature, Kyrenia Animal Rescue, The Red Cross and
others. The rules and processes occasionally change and it is
very important to have up to date information when buying a property in Northern
Cyprus. We can provide you with free information about medical care, education,
domestic services, finance, etc on the island and advise you on how to apply for
a residence permit, start a new business or export register and maintain your
car. The cost of living in North Cyprus is not as expensive as in UK.
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There is local English newspaper which will help you to know what's going on the
island and get your messages through to the community. Most of the supermarkets
and local corner shops sell the weekly English paper “Cyprus Today”, which is
published every Saturday. All forthcoming events – concerts, charity events, evening
and day entertainment, as well as useful information and advertisements from different
business, restaurants and bars are advertised here. North Cyprus living could
be as exciting and eventful as you would like it to be. The British
Residents Society also provides a comprehensive telephone list of its members
which is updated every six months. It could be a good help to the local telephone
directory. Buying a property in Northern Cyprus as well as anywhere
overseas is big step and you need to have your eyes wide open and have as much
information as possible. Remember, we are here to answer your
queries. Back to Top |