Living in North Cyprus

How to buy anything in North Cyprus

Buying something in North Cyprus (the TRNC) is easy once you know how the place works, and confusing until you do. Online shopping habits don't transfer: global retailers often won't deliver, prices can appear in three currencies, and a lot of the second-hand market lives in phone calls and Facebook groups. This guide covers what visitors, students and new residents actually need.

Which currency do you pay in?

Everyday life runs on the Turkish lira. Rent and property are usually quoted in pounds, and tourism often in euros, so one street can show three currencies. Before you agree a price, ask which currency it is in, and check today's rate yourself. The lira moves, and an old price is not a promise.

Cards, cash and cash machines

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in towns and resorts. Keep some cash for small stalls, villages and private sellers. Cash machines can be fussier than the shops: residents report that a Visa card generally works only in a Visa ATM and a Mastercard only in a Mastercard ATM, so you may need a second machine.

Source: What's On In TRNC — ATMs, withdrawal limits & bank charges. Card behaviour varies by provider; treat this as what residents report, not as a rule.

Why online orders often don't arrive

The north's postal address routes through Turkey (“Mersin 10, Turkey”), and many global retailers won't ship to it directly. Parcels often go via Turkey and take longer, or you use a forwarding service. For anything you need this month, it is usually faster to buy locally.

Source: DOM — does Amazon deliver to Cyprus?. Delivery varies by retailer and courier.

Where to find second-hand goods

Students move out, families relocate and holiday homes change hands, so there is a steady supply of furniture, white goods, cars and electronics. There are three common routes:

What you can find on bangocuk

• Home and furniture: sofas, tables and white goods from residents and shops.
• Cars and motorcycles: filter by make, year, mileage and steering side.
• Homes: flats, villas, shops and land to rent or buy, also on a map.
• Trades and services: cleaners, tradespeople and specialists with profiles and reviews.
• Everything else: electronics, fashion, baby gear, books and cosmetics.
• Guides: Turkish-language guides on buying, selling and renting.

Buying from a stranger, safely

• See it first. Don't send a deposit for something you haven't seen, however good the story.
• Meet in daylight, in a public place where you can, and bring someone along for large purchases.
• Test it. Plug in appliances, power on electronics and check that the serial number matches any paperwork.
• Agree the currency and the total before anyone carries anything.
• Keep a written record: a message confirming the item, the price and who pays for delivery.

Buying a used car

Traffic in North Cyprus drives on the left, so check which side the steering wheel is on: both right- and left-hand-drive cars are on the road. Have an independent mechanic look at the car, and check its history, registration and tax status before paying. Ownership transfer is an official process, so confirm the current documents and fees with the relevant office before you hand over money.

Planning to drive in the south? Check the rules first. A car registered in the north and a car registered in the south are treated very differently at the Green Line. Read our border guide.

Buying or renting a home

Property is a different league from a sofa. Listings help you see the market, but a purchase needs an independent lawyer who checks the title and explains the rules for foreign buyers. When renting, read the contract, confirm what the deposit covers, and see the home before paying anything. Our cost of living guide gives typical rents by city.

Taking goods across the Green Line

If you are flying home from Larnaca, remember that what you bought has to cross the Green Line with you. Limits apply, and they are stricter than most visitors expect. Our Larnaca departure guide covers the published limits.