Is cash still widely used?
Moderately. Cyprus has good card acceptance at tourist hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, local tavernas, village shops, markets, and smaller businesses still commonly use cash. Rural areas lean more heavily on cash transactions.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are widely available in Nicosia, Limassol, and tourist areas. Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank machines accept foreign cards.
- Fees for foreign non-EU cards are around 3 EUR per withdrawal
- Good availability in tourist towns; more limited in mountain villages
Card acceptance
Good in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are broadly accepted. Local businesses and village establishments prefer cash.
Tips for travelers
- Carry euros for local tavernas, village markets, and smaller shops
- The Troodos Mountains have limited ATM access — withdraw in cities first
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants
- Northern Cyprus uses Turkish lira — a completely separate currency system