Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Just wondering really what people's views are on whether you could or have tried to live without a car in the TRNC, either in retirement there or on extended stays. I do of course realize it is very much a personal thing and may depend on where based or an individual's particular interests, activities or pastimes and whether there is any alternative public transport. I would be reluctant to buy a vehicle that I might use only occasionally and at some expense and the standard of driving and road maintenance does look quite appalling in places.

We are based in Esentepe area and l would say a car is essential for every day living

No!

We have considered if we could manage without a car in the future, when we are elderly and doddery. It does depend on what you want out of life and where you are located. Not being huge lovers of traveling out for social purposes, then I think we could. The saving on the expense of a car could be spent on taxis for shopping, or a delivered hire car for a week for occasional outings, and probably much less dangerous than continuing to drive with diminishing faculties

I think possibly without a car you have a chance of living longer

Depends on where you are living , central/outskirts of Girne, close to a main road ,Not an Issue .

Why not plenty of cabs about have known a few people do it

We actually live in a very isolated area, because we prefer it, and still will consider doing without a car eventually. It depends on how much of a home bunny you are. I am happy to not trek to places like Girne, or anywhere built up. Plan for supplies and it's not necessary

I don’t have a car but live in Girne. I can walk into town easily. I have good friends who take me to the supermarket for heavy shopping (I really miss Starlings on line shopping and delivery) and visits to the vet etc. There are smaller supermarkets, dentist and hospitals within walking distance. In the summer it is very difficult to walk anywhere in the heat so have to rely on friends and taxis etc

I couldnt no bus service where I live and a long way from any shop. Gives me my freedom too.

If we lived on a bus route, then I'd be prepared to give it a try, but we don't, plus it would a total block on most of our charity, church, vet visits, medical treatment and social life etc. I know people who always rely on other people and it can be a bit of a nuisance if I'm honest, as it means we have to take longer routes than we need to. All in all, I think the answer is NO!!

Thanks for all the responses, definitely something to think about. It looks like it could be feasible, depending as I thought on lifestyle and how remote you are from facilities. I have been looking at a property in the Kayalar area which does look a little remote (although on the outskirts of a village) and as something of a 'home bunny' myself would only need to venture out to a large town perhaps fortnightly for essential basic supplies and the occasional large purchase, so a Taxi would be adequate for my needs. To be honest it would be nice to get away from the seemingly constant 'need' to visit the shops! Thanks again!

In the uk I live 5 minutes walk from 4 bus services that connect me to a City town and trains and airport its a flat walk

In the TRNC its a five minute walk to Dolmus a ten minute walk back up hill June to September too hot to walk in the dark you are likely to be hit by cars

We have lived in Dipkarpaz - 80+ km from Famagusta - permanently for 10 years without a car. We have bicycles and use them for shopping as well as exploring. There was a bus service to Famagusta at 7.30 but unfortunately now leaving rather early - 6am, returning from Famagusta at 4.15pm
We have made many nice friends and we often get a lift with somebody to Yenierenköy weekly market. Sometimes we also pay somebody to take us to Famagusta when we need to go there and don't fancy getting up so early.
So not having a car has never been a problem.
I don't know how much it costs to buy and maintain a car, but even if we paid somebody to take us somewhere every week, it would be cheaper than running a car,I am quite sure. You have to be organised and an opportunist. As neither of us have a driving licence, we are used to thinking like this. The only thing we don't have is to be able to be spontaneous.
But it was the same in England for us.

Cyprus2016 Kayalar is where we are, there is no shop and only one or two buses. There is a bar open only in summer, so it does need forward planning. A small community, and if you try to walk the mountain road down to the main drag, chances are good of anyone passing giving you a lift.

Thanks so much JayJaycbg, that is really useful information about Kayalar.

Welcome Cyprus 2016' in my view, the relative peace and beautiful sea view we have more than makes up for the drawbacks, feel free to pm me if you want to know anything else. Been up here 8 years or so full time

You could probably manage. But i do think it helps full enjoyment of the island.

Why would you do that when you can have one for as low as stg 1500?

I'm very happy with my 2003 toyota duet ^^

I go back to my earlier message. People without cars can (but not always) be a bit of a nuisance when they rely on other to give them lifts and in doing so go out of their way!!