jim

I'm going to Cyprus next month, and would like to rent a car to drive around the island for a few days. any suggestions. is it difficult to do this?

Andy Iles

Cheaper to hire once you are there. <BR> <BR>Driving conditions very good, quiet motorways, although if you go up into the Troodos mountains, this can be scary! As in England, drive on the left, parking and driving attitudes are pretty good. <BR> <BR>No problem! Enjoy!

Sheila

Well now, I have a slightly different answer from Andy. For certainty of a "deal" on car hire, fix it before you go. In February you are well off season, however, and will almost certainly get a good deal when you're there. There are people offering car hire just everywhere. I would suggest you use one of the larger chains if you mean to stray off the main roads at all. In my experience there WILL be a problem and you will find it more relaxing to know that it's one of the bigger operators who has to sort it out. <BR> <BR>There are no good maps for anything off the main roads. Many smaller roads are untarred, and it's OK to use them if you have a sense of adventure (and a jeep). <BR> <BR>Some of the smaller tarred roads are only the width of one lane, and there is a wide cleared area at eitehr side. When approaching another car on one of these check if it's another tourist and if so, carefully put your offside wheels onto the verge, leaving the nearside ones on the tarred surface- you can be sure they will do the same. If the other driver is Cypriot. you will discover that you are in a game of chicken to which you do not know the rules. It will probably be OK if you follow the same routine as above but be alert and prepared to take avoiding action. <BR> <BR>Having said all that, and probably having scared you half to death,I've hired on 3 separate trips to Cyprus and apart from being bored waiting for them to sort out the problem with the gearbox/radiator/ wheel. never had the slightest problem. You'll love it. <BR> <BR>Where are you going?

tina

we hired from avis and it was cheap. they dropped the car off and picked it up. driving in Cyprus is easy.<BR>just ensure that if a sign is coming up and you have to turn you have to turn immediately. we spent a bit of time having to turn around due to missing the turn - if you understand what I mean!<BR>Tina

Christiana

I am going to Cyprus next week and I would like to know if anyone knows the rates and age limits for driving in Cyprus. I will be staying in the area of Limassol and I don't know anything about renting cars -- I've never done it in the States. I am just concerned it might cost too much -- or would you recommend the bus or taxis? If you'd recommend bus or taxis, what would be their normal rates? How does the taxi thing work? (I've never taken a taxi, either.) Also, what would you recommend for the Limassol area's sights? Appreciate any advice you can give me.

Sheila

I can't give you current rates because I haven't been for a few years, but I have the rules at home and will post them for you later.

Sheila

You need a valid driving licence or an international one. You drive on the left. No under fives in the front passenger seat.<BR><BR>From experience there are a lot of single track roads- with wide verges, and when you meet someone, you each put the offisede wheels on the verge. Not much traffic. You'll love it.<BR><BR>They do shared taxis in Cyprus. You get in and if the taxi's not full they pick up someone else.<BR><BR>It's a very tourist orientated island. Everyone is there to help

Andreas

Renting a car in Cyprus is very easy. You can pick up a car at the airport from major car rental companies or you can rent from just a about anywhere you are staying on the island either from major companies or smaller local companies (just as good). You need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid drivers licence. You don't need an international drivers licence. Driving is on the left (British system) and the maps which can be provided to by the rental company are very good (unless your sense of adventure will have you &quot;off roading&quot; the dirt roads of the island). Although the majority of roads in Cyprus are very good, driving can be a little intimidating because of the aggressive way Cypriots drive. They have a tendency to drive too fast, pass where they should't, cut you off whenever they please and generally behave like they own the road. Make sure you pay attention at all times, take your time, and you'll be fine. Happy motoring in Cyprus.