Of course change is always with us, but rarely has change happened as fast as this Summer. We thought it would be worth while to look at what has changed here in North Cyprus as the Summer starts. Let’s Go!
Covid Rules: Basically, there are none. As of this writing (please check before coming) you can visit with or without a vaccine record of test results. Even if you haven’t been vaccinated, you will not be required to take a test.
Tourism: (İnşallah!) for the most part things have returned to normal. The local car rental company, Sur Car Hire, has an empty lot for the first time in two years. They normally have just under 100 cars.
Property Sales: Again, things are quickly returning to normal. Surprisingly, throughout Covid, the major construction companies never stopped building new complexes. The big problem now is the lack of used homes coming on the market. Inventory is low in the resale sector.
Inflation: North Cyprus uses the Turkish Lyra as the national currency. Turkey (Türkiye) is currently having real financial problems with inflation galloping at an astonishing 80 to 100%. Obviously, this will affect North Cyprus and while inflation here is nowhere near that nose-bleed level, it’s far too high. This is not bad news for tourist or home buyers as your money will go much further in most situations.
Politics: In terms of relations with the Republic of Cyprus, things seem stable. The biggest single move has been the proposal to give the Airport, Earcan, and the ghost city, Varosha, to the UN to be opened and administered. Türkiye is doing all it can to tighten its grip on the TRNC Government and appears to be having success.
Retail: Unfortunately some small businesses could not survive without tourism for two years. Most restaurants and hotels that did close are now reopening, sometimes under new names and management after being sold. Major attractions, like Casinos, appear to have made it through unharmed. Of course, castles and beaches are owned by the Department of Tourism and never closed.
