Shopping in North Cyprus

Shops

Supermarkets are open 7 days per week from 8.00am to 8.00pm. Most goods are available in the local shops. There are several well-stocked supermarkets for food stuffs and many small stores which provide most daily requirements. There is a wide range of wines and spirits at low cost, popular brands of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco are freely available.

There is a high standard of ladies and gentlemen's hairdressing and beauty treatment.

Chemist shops stock most products available internationally.

Furniture can be bought ready made or made to order.

There is a wide range of good quality materials. There are many boutiques for ladies clothes and also dressmakers. Mens tailoring is good, as are shirts and shoes, all generally cheaper than in the UK.

There are local potteries where a wide range of hand-made goods can be found.

UK newspapers are available at a few supermarkets and the British Council in Lefkosa generally has the previous day's papers for reading in the Library.

Markets

There is a large market held every Wednesday near to the main Police Station in Kyrenia. Selling all kinds of produce, from fresh fruit and vegetables to Cotton towels.

Running costs

Living costs in the TRNC are much cheaper than the UK and most of Europe. There is no rates system at present. The main costs are electricity (approx. £15 monthly per house for a couple), water (£5 monthly) and an annual council tax is less than £50. Central heating is becoming more popular with new build properties and is usually run on gas, oil or diesel. Most cookers are run on calor gas and/or electricity.

Consumer Markets

There is a wide selection of consumer goods of good quality. In addition to locally produced goods almost all foreign brands are available on the market. It can be estimated that the cost of foodstuffs generally is about half of the price in the UK, with items such as local brandy / vodka, retailing at around £1.20 per bottle.

Household Furnishing

Household items can be bought in North Cyprus at about the same price as Europe. Most international makes and models are available (Whirlpool, Kelvinator, Candy, Philips, Beko, Sony etc). Auctions are also held monthly where a vast array of items can be purchased at reasonable prices.

Fraser and Beyler offer a furnishing package where an in-house colleague can advise you on furnishings and places to purchase. We have furnished several houses and can offer various standards from basic to luxury furnishings packages with prices from STG£2,500 - STG£10,000.