Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Today I recieved an email from Baspinar warning me not to take more than 500 euros (or the equivalent of) across the border to the North or it may be confiscated.

Chris

CatalkoyChris wrote:Today I recieved an email from Baspinar warning me not to take more than 500 euros (or the equivalent of) across the border to the North or it may be confiscated.

Chris

This is interesting. Are we now led to believe that there is a GC currency control point leaving the south to cross northwards? There hasn't been ANY GC control crossing S to N before as the GCs say that would imply people were leaving the RoC to go to another country, i.e. the TRNC, which the GCs say doesn't exist.

It is a fact that controls are in place to the amount of cash that is allowed to leave the country but the order also specifically adds that the same rules apply to taking cash to North Cyprus.

Chris, bear in mind that this is per person. Also the rules could alter on a daily basis so if it is a concern keep checking until the time you travel.

I am coming over next week, and will be bringing stirling from the uk.
So logically I should be OK, but this is not a logical situation.

I'll keep the forum posted of any developments

I crossed over with the family on 2nd April and there were no checks on anyone leaving the greek side. The usual policeman was sitting in his box and was watching tv or his computer screen. As there are restrictions on how much cash you can draw in the republic, I don't see how it would be necessary to check anyway.

Chris, it does not matter what currency you bring. If it values more than the limit then.......

pc4854, Checks are being made on GC registered cars in particular. Because you did not see it does not mean it does not happen, it is well documented on this and other sites that stops have been observed. The fact is there is an edict in place and it is best not to go against it, it may be your turn next!!!! There is also a misconception that people cannot get cash, many withdrew cash before the bank closure, there will be under the mattress etc which people will try desperately to get out if the can. The poor "average man in the street" is the one suffering under all of this, it is already clearly identified by the alleged loss of bank records that some people have got there cash out of the banks and away.

If you have any concerns, then why don't you just put it in a bank in the UK. Then withdraw it in sterling from HSBC here in Kyrenia?

My parents arrived in to Larnaca yesterday, crossed over last night and had no problems at all.
My dad was worried after I told him what I'd been hearing here so he contacted various places, tour operator, British Embassy etc. and all of them said categorically there were no restrictions on any money he could carry through the South and in to North Cyprus.

When you say you 'Had an email from 'Baspinar'-what exactly do you mean by that?
Do you mean the entire people that live by the crossing sent you an email?

Maybe he means Baspinar car rental!?

Ahhh- now I understand.

Philoz wrote:When you say you 'Had an email from 'Baspinar'-what exactly do you mean by that?
Do you mean the entire people that live by the crossing sent you an email?

That really made me LOL

According to BBC Radio news this morning restriction on cash leaving Cyprus has been increased to 2.000 euro so I am sure it is not a problem for anyone on holiday.

Here is what I received from Baspinar Car Rental.....Subject Title was urgent money problems in south cyprus. Never hired a car from them but have made enquiries in the past so must be on there database.

Dear Customers,

We would like to make you aware, that because of the situation in South Cyprus you are limited to taking €500 cash or the equivalent in any other currency when flying into Larnaca, any more than this will need to be declared and there is a chance that it will be confiscated.

Problems may occur at the south border before entering the North.

There is no problem in the north of the island.

Baspinar


Уважаемые клиенты,

В связи с финансовым кризисом правительство Южного Кипра ввело ограничение на перевоз наличных денежных средств через границу Южного и Северного Кипра.

При пересечении границы, незадекларированные денежные средства, превышающие в эквивалетне 500 евро, будут конфискованы греческой стороной.

Прилетающим в Ларнаку и путешествующим далее на Северный Кипр необходимо задекларировать наличные денежные средства в аэропорту Ларнаки. На границе Южного и Северного Кипра Вас попросят предъявить соответствующие документы.

Башпынар

Baspinar Rent A Car
Besparmak Caddesi, No 1/4, Catalkoy
North Cyprus
Tel/Fax: +90 392 824 4338 / +90 392 824 4353
Mobile: 0090 (0) 542 888 4 888
http://www.baspinar-rentals.com

AS I said in previous msg, this is now overtaken by new regulations.

I think local sources may have given wrong info, everyone needs to read this - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus

"Driving standards are poor. You should drive with great care."

So, it is a Cypriot thing, then.

Taxi driver on Saturday said it's very rare for Brits to be questioned at border re currency let alone searched, we just sailed through while the GC customs official carried on watching tv.

Just came back from a lovely weeks stay over there.
No issues at the border, just sailed through - both ways.
I heard mention the limit had gone up to 2000 euros.