What is the Currency in Cyprus?

What is the Currency of Cyprus?

If you’re travelling to Cyprus—whether for a relaxing beach break, a cultural city escape in Nicosia, or a resort stay in Paphos—it’s important to know what currency is used and how to manage your money effectively. This guide is tailored for UK visitors and explains the currency situation in both the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-controlled north.

What currency does Cyprus use?

Cyprus has a divided currency system, depending on which part of the island you’re visiting:

• Southern Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus): Uses the euro (EUR / €)

• Northern Cyprus (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus): Uses the Turkish Lira (TRY / ₺)

Most UK travellers holiday in southern Cyprus, which is an EU member and part of the Eurozone. In this region, the euro is the only legal tender.

How is the euro structured?

The euro is divided into 100 cents, similar to pounds and pence. Common denominations include:

• Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, €1 and €2

At the time of writing, £1 is worth around €1.15, though rates vary by provider.

What about Northern Cyprus?

In the Turkish-controlled north (which is not internationally recognised and operates separately), the official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). However, euros, pounds, and US dollars are often accepted informally, particularly in tourist areas, though change may be given in lira.

Travellers visiting both sides should prepare to carry both euros and lira, or exchange euros locally once in the north.

Should you bring cash or use a card in Cyprus?

Cyprus is a card-friendly destination, especially in southern tourist zones. Most hotels, shops, and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard. Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely used.

In the north, cards are accepted in many places, but cash is more commonly used—especially in smaller towns and local businesses.

Tips for managing money in Cyprus

• Use euros in the south and lira in the north

• Exchange small amounts at a time if visiting both regions

• Always pay in the local currency for the best rate (avoid paying in GBP)

• Carry some cash for rural areas, taxis and small shops

• Use bank-affiliated ATMs to avoid unnecessary charges

Common mistakes to avoid

Some travellers assume the euro is used island-wide, which is only true for the south. If you plan to cross into Northern Cyprus, you’ll need Turkish lira for local use.

Another mistake is withdrawing cash at the airport or using dynamic currency conversion (when card machines offer to charge in GBP)—always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid high conversion fees.

In summary

The official currency in Southern Cyprus is the euro (EUR). In Northern Cyprus, the currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), though other currencies may be accepted informally. UK travellers should prepare with the appropriate currency for their destination, use fee-free travel cards where possible, and always pay in the local currency for best value.