Is it cheap to travel to Northern Cyprus?

Every year, millions of tourists seek new and enjoyable experiences, but for many of us, a limited budget can be a significant barrier to fulfilling our dream trips. However, does this mean we cannot have unique and unforgettable experiences?

In this article, we explore ways to travel to Cyprus on a limited budget. Cyprus, an island rich in natural beauty, history, and culture, can be an excellent destination for an economical and enjoyable trip. From exploring historic cities to enjoying dreamy blue beaches, Cyprus offers various travel experiences for all tastes.

In this article, we provide tips and advice for a low-cost trip to Northern Cyprus, including choosing affordable hotels and restaurants, free or inexpensive activities, and budget-friendly tourist attractions. So, if you are looking for an unforgettable and economical experience in Cyprus, join us as we guide you to have the best trip on a limited budget.

Application fee for North Cyprus tourist visa

When planning a trip to Northern Cyprus, one of the factors to consider is the cost of a tourist visa. Typically, you need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Northern Cyprus. The cost of this visa can vary and depends on your nationality, the desired length of stay, and the immigration regulations of Northern Cyprus.

The cost of a tourist visa includes the visa application fee and the interview fee (if necessary). For precise and up-to-date information regarding visa costs and related details, it is advisable to contact the Northern Cyprus embassy or consulate in your country to obtain the latest information for acquiring a tourist visa.

The cost of a flight ticket to Northern Cyprus

When planning a trip to Northern Cyprus, one of the main factors to consider is the cost of the flight ticket. This cost varies depending on several factors such as the departure and destination points, the travel season, airline offers (such as flight discounts), the time of ticket purchase, the type of flight, and the flight class.

To obtain more accurate information and review ticket prices, it is advisable to determine your travel date and destination, and then use online ticket purchasing websites to compare various flight prices to Northern Cyprus. Additionally, airlines may offer discounts and special deals at certain times, which can help reduce the cost of the flight ticket.

The cost of food and drink in the trip to North Cyprus

One of the significant aspects of travel expenses to Cyprus is the cost of food, which varies depending on various factors, including the type of restaurant, recreational areas, restaurant facilities, and your preferences. In Northern Cyprus, you can enjoy a wide range of food options, including restaurants, cafes, and local eateries. The cost of food and beverages in these restaurants and cafes is generally moderate to high.

However, you can save on food costs by choosing local restaurants and dishes. Additionally, the prices of food items in stores also vary, and you can purchase items such as fruits, vegetables, bread, and other food products at reasonable prices. On average, the cost of breakfast is around $7, lunch $10, and dinner $25, totaling approximately $43 for daily food expenses during a trip to Cyprus.

While you can drink tap water in Cyprus, it has a terrible taste due to the chemicals used in the filtration process. Therefore, it is better to use bottled water during your trip to Cyprus.

Cost of public transport in Northern Cyprus

The cost of public transportation in Northern Cyprus is an essential factor to consider when traveling to this region. The major cities of Northern Cyprus have a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and online taxi services. Using buses is generally economical, and fares are determined based on the distance and your destination. Overall, the cost of public transportation in Northern Cyprus is reasonable, and you can easily get around the city using these services.

On average, travelers spend about $13 on local transportation. Additionally, you can save on transportation costs by renting a car daily through car rental companies. For a 3-day car rental, you will need approximately $50. Therefore, a total of about $100 for 6 days during the peak tourist season and half this amount during the off-season is expected. It is important to remember that the cost of renting a car depends on the type and model of the car, and besides the rental fee, you must also consider the fuel cost, which may vary depending on the usage of the car.

Tips to reduce the cost of air travel to North Cyprus

When looking to purchase a plane ticket for a trip to Northern Cyprus, you might consider connecting flights that go from Iran to Turkey and then to Northern Cyprus. These flights often come with higher costs. For example, you may be required to first buy a ticket for the flight to Turkey and then purchase a separate ticket at the Turkish airport for the journey to Northern Cyprus. In this method, you need to go through the process of getting a boarding pass at the airport in Iran, whereas at the origin airport, you receive both boarding passes. However, it should be noted that in Turkey, your baggage will not be delivered to you, and in case of a delay in the first flight, the cost of the other ticket will not be refunded. Although this method can reduce travel expenses by several million tomans, it has its drawbacks. For example, you need to collect your baggage in Turkey and may have to spend time again to get the boarding pass. Additionally, in case of a delay in the first flight, the cost of the other ticket will not be refunded.

Land trip to Northern Cyprus

Traveling to Northern Cyprus by personal car is a popular option, especially for international students. You can travel to Turkey with your own car and then drive to ports such as Mersin or Antalya via land routes. From there, you can take a ferry to ports like Kyrenia or Famagusta in Northern Cyprus and enter the country with your vehicle.

Keep in mind that to travel to Northern Cyprus with a personal car, you need an international driving license or a Northern Cyprus driving license. Additionally, you might have to pay tolls when exiting the country and adhere to relevant regulations, which could be time-consuming.

The difference between air travel and land travel to North Cyprus

Traveling to Northern Cyprus can be done in two ways: by air or by land. Each of these methods has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Below, we compare the main differences between air travel and land travel to Northern Cyprus:

1. Time and Duration of Travel:

   • Air Travel: Traveling by plane usually requires less time and allows you to reach your destination quickly. This can be crucial for travelers who need to reach their destination in the shortest possible time.

   • Land Travel: Traveling by car or bus may take more time, especially if travelers start from distant airports or plan to make multiple stops along the way.

2. Cost:

   • Air Travel: The costs associated with air travel are usually higher than those of land travel, but this method typically requires less time.

   • Land Travel: The costs of land travel may be lower, but it generally takes more time.

3. Comfort and Variety:

   • Air Travel: Traveling by plane is often more comfortable, as passengers usually enjoy the comfort of airplane seats and can take advantage of services such as in-flight meals and entertainment.

   • Land Travel: Traveling by car or bus may offer less comfort, but passengers can make numerous stops along the way and enjoy beautiful landscapes and tourist spots on the road.

In the end, the decision to choose air travel or land travel to Northern Cyprus depends on the travelers' preferences regarding convenience, time, budget, and personal preferences.

When is the best time to travel to North Cyprus?

Northern Cyprus is generally considered a long-term tourist destination because it offers unique attractions in every season. The country has diverse climatic conditions, allowing travelers to enjoy their trip and make the most of their leisure time at any time of the year. Many tourists consider spring and summer as the best times to visit Cyprus.

During spring and summer, the weather is warmer, and the days are longer, providing travelers with more opportunities for sightseeing and recreation. These seasons are known as the best times to enjoy the natural beauty and tourist attractions of Northern Cyprus. However, autumn and winter also offer a great travel experience for those who enjoy cooler weather and the natural beauty of these seasons.

In winter, with snowfall and ideal conditions for winter sports like skiing, the country becomes especially attractive. While this season is particularly appealing to winter sports enthusiasts, it is also suitable for those who want to enjoy the serene and beautiful natural landscapes. Therefore, winter can also be a suitable time to visit Northern Cyprus.

Internet and SIM card costs in North Cyprus

One of the significant costs when traveling to Cyprus is the cost of internet and SIM cards, which can vary depending on the service provider, contract or prepaid plans, and your specific needs for the SIM card. In Northern Cyprus, you can choose from various mobile communication companies and internet service providers. Typically, you can use a local SIM card to access the internet, which can be purchased from stores and various locations around the city.

The cost of SIM cards and internet packages usually depends on the data volume, internet speed, and usage duration. To reduce internet costs, it is advisable to review different internet packages before your trip and choose those that best meet your needs. Additionally, if public Wi-Fi is available, you can use it to lower your internet expenses.

Entrance fees to North Cyprus tourist and entertainment attractions

The entrance fees to tourist attractions and recreational sites in Northern Cyprus vary depending on the type of attraction and the level of recreation you are seeking. These attractions can include museums, local markets, castles, natural landscapes, and beautiful beaches. The entrance fees are usually determined based on the significance and popularity of the attractions and may also include the cost of city tours and tour guides, adding to the overall travel expenses. For accurate information about the costs, it is advisable to check the websites of the attractions, guides, and other reliable sources for up-to-date information before your trip to Northern Cyprus.

If you plan to visit tourist and recreational sites using local tours, you might consider multi-day tours, which can increase your travel budget. Otherwise, on average, budgeting around $200 for entrance fees to attractions in Cyprus is reasonable.

Is it cheaper to travel to North Cyprus or South Cyprus?

Traveling to Northern Cyprus is generally cheaper than traveling to Southern Cyprus. Several factors contribute to this cost difference:

Accommodation Costs: Hotel and accommodation prices in Northern Cyprus are typically lower than those in Southern Cyprus. This difference is due to the lower level of development and less demand for tourism in Northern Cyprus.

Food and Drink Costs: Restaurants and cafes in Northern Cyprus generally have lower prices compared to those in Southern Cyprus.

Transportation Costs: Public transportation and taxi fares are cheaper in Northern Cyprus.

Tourist Attractions and Activities: Many tourist attractions and activities in Northern Cyprus are offered at more affordable prices.

Flights: There are more direct flights to Southern Cyprus than to Northern Cyprus, which might make traveling to Northern Cyprus cheaper. However, flights to Northern Cyprus often require a layover, which should be considered.

Overall, if you are looking for a more economical trip, Northern Cyprus can be a better option. Of course, this decision should also take into account personal preferences and travel goals.

Is a visa required to travel to Northern Cyprus?

Traveling to Northern Cyprus does not require a visa for citizens of many countries, especially if the stay is short-term (up to 90 days). Citizens of European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and some other countries can travel to Northern Cyprus without a visa. However, citizens of other countries might need a visa.