Most visitors to Cyprus stay on the coast, in Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca or Ayia Napa, and add a drive into the Troodos mountains or out to the Akamas peninsula. In the Republic of Cyprus, EU SIM cards are covered by Roam Like at Home. The island has been divided since 1974, though, and the north, run by the Turkish Cypriot administration, is outside EU roaming.
Key facts for Cyprus
- EU roaming: covered by Roam Like at Home (except in the north)
- Local networks: epic, PrimeTel, Cyta (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112 or 199
- Embassies: in Nicosia
Crossing to the north
The Green Line divides the island, and you can cross on foot or by car at several checkpoints, including Ledra Street in the centre of Nicosia; take your passport or national ID card. In the north, phones connect to Turkish Cypriot networks, which are outside EU roaming: EU operators charge them as a non-EU destination, and a plan for Cyprus does not cover them. Turn off data roaming before you cross, and near the Green Line check which network your phone has chosen. Many rental contracts and insurance policies from the south do not cover the north, so check yours before driving across.
The coast: Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa
Coverage is strong in the resorts and along the motorway that links Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Buses connect the main towns, but a rental car makes it easier to reach beaches and villages. Larnaca airport is the main gateway, and Paphos airport serves the west of the island. Cyprus drives on the left, a legacy of British rule.
Troodos and Akamas
In the Troodos mountains, where Mount Olympus sometimes has enough snow for skiing in winter, villages and the main roads have a signal, but it can drop in the valleys and on hiking trails. The Akamas peninsula, with the Blue Lagoon, is reached by dirt tracks where coverage is patchy, so download maps and carry water. In summer, wildfires are a serious risk: follow the authorities' instructions and never light a fire outdoors.
Paying
Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere in the south. The north uses the Turkish lira, though many places there also take euros.
Getting connected
EU SIM: in the south, your tariff works as it does at home; in the north, it does not, so keep data roaming off there.
SIM from outside the EU: install a travel eSIM before departure. It starts on its first connection in Cyprus, and your usual number stays reachable for calls and bank codes.
Cypriot prepaid SIMs from Cyta, epic or PrimeTel are sold in phone shops and kiosks, and they must be registered with an identity document.
Consular protection: who to call in Cyprus
- 112 or 199 reaches the police, ambulances and the fire service.
- Embassies are in Nicosia. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- The app has emergency phrases in Greek, ready to show on screen.
Questions travellers ask about Cyprus
Does my EU plan work in Cyprus?
In the Republic of Cyprus, yes. In the north, operators charge it as a non-EU destination.
Do I need my passport to cross to the north?
Yes: take your passport or national ID card to the crossing points.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Cyprus?
epic and PrimeTel on most plans, and Cyta on some, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
112 or 199, for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
The short version
In the south, your EU plan works as at home; turn off data roaming before crossing to the north, drive on the left, download maps for Akamas, and save 112.
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