Nicosia, Cyprus Report of what it's like to live there - 01/16/25
Personal Experiences from Nicosia, Cyprus
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Djibouti and Zimbabwe before Cyprus.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
We usually go back to Utah for visits, and it's almost as long of an itinerary as when we traveled from Africa. About 22 hours is the best we can do and that's with two instead of three connections. Getting to the east coast is a bit easier/quicker.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2026
4. How long have you lived here?
About 18 months
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing varies but is generally nice. We live the farthest out in a single family home and our commute is only 20 minutes in rush hour. There are lots of apartments within waking distance of the embassy.
The homes tend to be a bit older and the apartments are newer and more modern. No one really has much of a yard (usually astroturf if anything) but often there's a balcony or patio area for when the weather is nice. Almost no one has garages and usually only one narrow spot for parking.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
The groceries definitely cost a bit more here, but the availability and quality are very good. Pork is abundant and cheap, but beef is not due to the lack of grazing areas. We love when the watermelon truck and other seasonal fruit/veggies arrive on the side of the road for quick stops.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We miss salad dressings and other cooking sauces.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are two food delivery apps that are generally reliable and work well. There's some variety in cuisine, but it's mostly tavernas and grilled meat options. You can get sushi, Italian, Chinese, etc. We miss good Mexican food, but there a few options on the island if you keep your expectations low.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants and roaches can be problems, especially when it rains and when the temperature drops.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have DPO and pouch. There are local post offices, but I've never used them.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many of us employee Filipino ladies as housekeepers and nannies. They need to be sponsored and are supposed to work full-time. However, some of them are willing to work half days or full days when they have availability from their main employer, or if they have residency. Full-time is paid monthly, but the part-time ladies are paid between 8-10 euros per hour, plus transportation costs.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
This is an incredibly safe place. Several people ride their bikes to the embassy, and there are riding paths around town.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are several gyms around, but I'm not very familiar with them. The embassy has a pretty good gym in the basement.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and ATMs are readily available and safe to use.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
It's mostly Greek Orthodox, but there are Angelican, Catholic and LDS services available.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Everyone here, with a few exceptions, speaks excellent English. My husband speaks Greek, and they're always excited to meet a Greek speaker. In general though, English works just fine. There are plenty of Greek classes of you want to learn.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Most places are accessible. The older areas of town might be difficult due to cobblestones and lack of sidewalks.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There's an Uber type services called Bolt that is used often by embassy people, including teenagers. There are buses, but I'm not very familiar with the cost or availability. Everyone here has cars.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Any vehicle would be fine in Cyprus, except large vehicles. The village roads and roads through older areas of town can be extremely narrow. Parking is also a huge issue everywhere, so smaller is better.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It's available and will be installed and ready before you move into your residence.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The embassy will provide your sponsor with how ever many SIM cards you request, so you'll have immediate service. The embassy has a contract with Cablenet, so everyone uses them.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
We don't have pets, but almost everyone else does. There are plenty of vets. There are also plenty of opportunities to adopt stray cats if you so desire. There are more cats than people in Cyprus.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There aren't as many EFM jobs available because some are filled by long-term Americans or Cypriots who don't rotate out. Most EFM jobs receive multiple applications, and some EFMs wait awhile for opportunities to work at the embassy. Some of us have spent time substituting at the school, which is flexible but doesn't pay well.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Animal shelters, Cans for Kids (they provide hospital equipment to children's hospitals), etc.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business and business casual at the embassy with jeans allowed on Fridays. There are a few formal events, but not many.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Not really. It's extremely safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is fine, but not always up to EU standards, and definitely not American standards. Adults have access to private hospitals, but children are only treated at the public hospital, which can be jarring if you're not prepared. There are good pediatricians and orthodontists here though.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality is not great pretty regularly. I know a lot of it has to do with dust, but I don't totally understand why the air quality is as poor as it is.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Many people develope allergies while here due to unfamiliar pollen. The bathrooms are also not ventilated well, so mold and mildew are a constant issue.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not that I'm aware of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It's extremely hot in the summer, really from late April through mid October. The rest of the year is very mild and occasionally rainy. The summers are long and brutal though.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The majority of embassy children attend American International School in Cyprus (AISC). In my opinion, most are not thrilled with the school, mostly due to the facilities. The teachers and academics are good, especially in elementary school. The IB program in high school is rigorous, but kids have the option if an American Diploma as well. Middle school seems to struggle a bit with challenging the kids academically.
The school is in an old hotel that they outgrew a long time ago but won't move. The parking and traffic around the school is horrendous. It's only 20 minutes from our house, but the kids are occasionally on the bus for 60-90 minutes trying to get home due to traffic and multiple stops. There are some after school clubs that my kids enjoy, but swimming is the only sport to speak of, and that seems to only be for a select and small group of kids. It's also important to note that the school is for profit and run by one family, so they don't reinvest in the school like they should.
There are a few other school options, all with better campuses. However, no one seems happy with them either. AISC used to have the only IB program, but a few other schools have added them this year due to changing demand after Brexit. They're all still British curriculum schools though, with the exception of America Academy which claims to have an American curriculum.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
They're not great dealing with gifted or special needs kids.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are several preschools available that embassy families seem happy with. AISC has preschool, but it's expensive and not great.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, but they are year round and intensive. Kids tend to pick one sport and are all in because there aren't really seasons for sports. Often the instruction is in Greek, with a little English,which can be frustrating for kids.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There's a good expatriate community that I've met mostly through the school. Morale seems good.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it's good for both. There are plenty of bars and clubs for singles, and everyone can enjoy the beaches, mountains, etc
3. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, the locals are very friendly and they love to share their culture and food.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes. The Cypriots tend to treat Filipino and other migrant works and refugees as second class citizens. It's extremely hard for them to get any jobs, and only housekeeping, janitorial or other menial jobs are options for them.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
There's so much variety for an island! The mountains and villages are beautiful, cooler and a great escape. There's even snow in the winter on occasion. There are so many beaches and amazing archeological sights to explore. Crossing over to the northern side can feel like a while different country.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
We love finding quiet beaches and areas up on the north western side of the island. Dragons Cave was one of our favorite finds that few people know about.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There's definitely some unique items to shop for. Lefkara lace is beautiful and only found here.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Nothing is too far away. You can get anywhere on the island in 2.5 hours max, but you won't run out of places to explore. There are also a lot of cheap regional flights around Europe and the middle east.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish I'd know more about the tensions here between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. It doesn't really affect us, but it does affect the locals on a deep level.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter coats and gardening tools
4. But don't forget your:
beach wear and toys
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Island of the Missing Trees is a great book.
6. Do you have any other comments?
This really should be an R&R post. Getting back to the States is expensive, but you'll need to get away at least once during your tour.
