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Renting a Car in Cyprus

When visiting Cyprus, renting a car can be a convenient and efficient way to explore the island at your own pace. However, it’s important to understand the local driving laws and requirements before hitting the road.

Understanding Local Driving Laws

In Cyprus, driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and the minimum driving age is 18 years old. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and the use of mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited. Speed limits are enforced and driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense.

Requirements for Renting a Car

When renting a car in Cyprus, you will need a valid driver’s license and a credit card for the deposit. Some rental companies may also require an international driver’s permit, so it’s important to check the specific requirements with the rental agency beforehand.

Choosing the Right Car

When selecting a rental car, consider the size of the vehicle and the type of driving you plan to do. If you’ll be exploring mountainous areas or rural roads, a smaller car may be more practical. Alternatively, if you’ll be traveling with a group or carrying a lot of luggage, a larger vehicle may be more suitable.

Booking in Advance

To ensure availability and the best rates, it’s recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Many rental companies also offer online booking options, making it easy to secure your vehicle before arriving in Cyprus.

Final Tips

Before driving off in your rental car, take the time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and its features. Be sure to inspect the car for any existing damage and document it with the rental company to avoid any disputes upon returning the vehicle.

By understanding the local driving laws and requirements, choosing the right car, and booking in advance, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring Cyprus by rental car.

Rental Requirements

Age Limits

In Cyprus, the minimum age for renting a car is typically 21 years old, although some rental companies may require drivers to be at least 25 years old. There is usually no maximum age limit, but older drivers may be subject to additional insurance fees.

Driving License Requirements

To rent a car in Cyprus, most rental companies require drivers to have a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year. If your license is not in English, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany your local license.

Documentation

When renting a car in Cyprus, you will need to provide a valid passport, a credit card for the security deposit, and your driver’s license. Some rental companies may also require additional documentation, so it’s best to check with the specific company beforehand.

Insurance Information

When renting a car in Cyprus, it’s important to understand the different types of insurance that are typically included in the rental agreement.

Basic Insurance

The basic insurance usually includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. CDW covers damage to the rental car in the event of a collision, while Theft Protection covers the loss of the car in case it is stolen.

Additional Insurance

In addition to the basic insurance, you may also have the option to purchase additional insurance coverage such as Personal Accident Insurance and Supplemental Liability Insurance. Personal Accident Insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and accidental death benefits for the driver and passengers, while Supplemental Liability Insurance offers protection against third-party liability claims.

Insurance Tips

Before renting a car in Cyprus, it’s recommended to check your existing travel insurance policies to see if they provide any coverage for rental cars. Some credit cards also offer rental car insurance as a perk, so it’s worth looking into this option as well. Additionally, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance coverage offered by the car rental company to understand what is and isn’t included.

Local Driving Laws and Regulations in Cyprus

General Traffic Rules

Driving Side: In Cyprus, driving is on the left side of the road.
Speed Limits: Urban areas – 50 km/h, rural roads – 80 km/h, highways – 100 km/h.
Other Useful Info: Traffic signs and signals are in accordance with international standards.

Overtaking and Lane Usage

Overtaking Rules: Overtaking is only allowed on the right on multi-lane roads.
Lane Discipline: Keep right except to overtake rule is in effect.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious of vehicles overtaking on the inside on multi-lane roads.

Seat Belt and Child Safety

Seat Belt Laws: Seat belts are mandatory for front and rear passengers.
Child Safety: Children up to 12 years old or 150 cm in height must use appropriate child restraints.
Other Useful Info: It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers are wearing seat belts.

Use of Mobile Phones

Mobile Phone Restrictions: It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Other Useful Info: Hands-free devices are allowed, but it’s safest to pull over to make a call.

Alcohol and Driving

Legal Blood Alcohol Limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
Zero Tolerance Policies: There are stricter rules for new drivers and professional drivers.
Other Useful Info: Random breathalyzer tests are common, and penalties for DUI are severe.

Tolls and Charges

Toll Roads: There are currently no toll roads in Cyprus.
Congestion Charges: There are no urban congestion charges in Cyprus.
Other Useful Info: Parking fees may apply in certain areas, especially in urban centers.

Roundabouts and Intersections

Navigating Roundabouts: Roundabouts are common and vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way.
Intersection Rules: Priority is given to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections.
Other Useful Info: Be cautious at intersections, as not all have traffic lights or signs.

Headlight and Windshield Wiper Laws

Headlight Usage: Use headlights at night and during rain or reduced visibility.
Windshield Wiper Rule: It is mandatory to use headlights when using wipers in poor weather conditions.
Other Useful Info: It is recommended to keep headlights on at all times for visibility.

Emergency Vehicles

Right of Way for Emergency Vehicles: Pull over and stop to give way to emergency vehicles with lights and sirens on.
Other Useful Info: Failing to give way to emergency vehicles is a serious offense.

Driving Tips for Cyprus

Road Conditions

Cyprus has a well-maintained road network, with highways connecting major cities and towns. However, rural roads can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to drive with caution, especially in the mountainous regions.

Urban vs. Rural Driving

In urban areas like Nicosia and Limassol, traffic can be heavy, and parking may be limited. In contrast, rural areas offer more relaxed driving conditions, but roads may be narrower and less well-maintained.

Navigational Tips

Using GPS navigation is highly recommended, as it can help you navigate the sometimes confusing road layouts and signage. If you prefer using a map, make sure to familiarize yourself with the route beforehand, as some areas may have limited or no signal for GPS devices.

Other Useful Tips

– Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially in rural areas.
– Speed limits are strictly enforced, so be sure to adhere to them.
– Always carry your driver’s license, registration, and insurance documents with you while driving in Cyprus.

Roadside Assistance and Emergency Procedures

Breakdown Procedures

If your rental car breaks down while you are in Cyprus, the first thing to do is to pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and put out a warning triangle if you have one. Then, contact the rental company’s emergency assistance number to notify them of the situation. They will provide further instructions on what to do next.

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, it’s important to know the contact numbers for the police, ambulance, and roadside assistance. The general emergency number in Cyprus is 112, which will connect you to the appropriate emergency service based on your needs. Additionally, the rental company will have a specific emergency assistance number for you to call if you encounter any issues with the vehicle.

Rental Company Policies

Most rental companies in Cyprus offer 24/7 assistance for their customers. This means that you can reach out to them at any time, day or night, for help with your rental car. They also typically provide towing services if the vehicle is not drivable. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific support offered by your rental company before setting out on your journey.

Where can you Rent a Car in Cyprus?

You can browse all the city locations below, sorted alphabetically. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on a Mac) to quickly find the one you want to explore.