Expertly Curated Travel Experiences

If you're setting foot on this beautiful island, or "Kypros" as it's called in Greek, and have managed to find yourself a cozy spot to stay, it’s easy to fall in love with it, kick back and relax. Indulge in a lazy afternoon by the pool or beach. Soak up the sun, have a dip in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and enjoy a cold KEO beer.

But hold your horses—just one afternoon of leisure is enough for now. You've got a mountain of things to tackle.

Visiting Cyprus as a tourist is a whole different ballgame from settling down here. Exploring Cyprus as a tourist is a totally different experience than making it your home.

This book is here to shed light on the beauty and complexity of this vibrant country for new expats. Let’s be honest—it can be pretty bewildering to move to this far-flung island in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Middle Eastern traditions mix with European influences.

And just to set the record straight, yes, it’s an actual country (even if it's on the smaller side)! I’ve lost count of how many times people have asked if I live in the “Greek” or “Turkish part.” For newcomers from every corner of the globe, understanding the correct terminology is crucial. There’s only one Cyprus.

My sister's trying to send me a parcel but can't decide: should she put "ROC" or just "Cyprus"? 

- Easy fix: just tell her to go with "Cyprus." 

- What if it lands in the Turkish part? 

- Don’t say “Turkish part.” Down here, it’s always "Occupied Territories." 

- Just explain it’s a mess, and tell her to send it to "Cyprus"—everyone knows that refers to the Republic of Cyprus.

But once you dig a little deeper, living as an expat in Cyprus can turn into a thrilling and enriching adventure. 

This book serves as your essential guide to addressing key questions you may have about relocating to Cyprus. Inside, you’ll find insights and guidance to help you navigate your new adventure. The reason I wrote this book is because I’ve walked the path you’re probably on right now, sorting through bits and pieces of information about life in Cyprus.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Putting Down Roots: Ready to call Cyprus home? We’ll cover everything you need to know about securing a cozy place, finding schools, and snatching a job—plus all the essentials like shopping and driving.

• Renting vs. Buying: Navigating the property market jungle.

• To Ship or Not to Ship: Weighing whether to take your belongings or start from scratch? Let’s break it down.

• Weathering the Elements: Survive scorching summers and drafty winters.

• Network Like a Local: In Cyprus, it’s all about connections. Discover how to integrate into Cypriot society and build a meaningful network.

• The Cypriot Problem: Get a grip on the historical and contemporary issues that shape the national psyche—with a deep dive into the Cypriot Problem.

• Uncover the secrets to blending in: Learn how to master the local dialect, Kypriaká.

The preliminary sketches/illustrations have been done by me, to accompany some of the topics tackled, such as “Where to live?”, “Laid back vibe, local Traditions and Food”, and “Driving in Cyprus: Quirks and Caution!”

ABOUT MYSELF:

I'm a seasoned reporter and researcher specializing in the Middle East, with my work featuring across print and broadcast media. I thrive in diverse environments—whether in the Middle East, Asia, or Europe. For the past six years, Cyprus has been my home base. As a passionate language learner and teacher, I speak eight languages, including Greek, and I’m currently diving into Kypriaká.