Reasons why so many Brits are leaving Island?

IPA · Post by **IPA** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 3:58 pm

Hello ! I have been coming to Northern Cyprus on and off for the last 12 years but have been surprised by the number of Brits leaving recently. I am wondering the reasons why?

Maisiemoo · Post by **Maisiemoo** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 4:00 pm

Long term medical conditions are a reason many leave. Many people who were buying 2003/4 are now reaching retirement + age and medical care is expensive here. We are swallows and even though my husband's health is better in North Cyprus we couldn't afford the ongoing medical costs that would be involved in his care if we lived here full time. His medication alone would cost a lot!

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 5:24 pm

The place has been ruined by:

Mountains of rubbish on the beaches, roadside and in the mountains.

The ubiquitous blocks of flats sprouting up just about everywhere. Soon there will be no views of the sea along the coastal road.

The ever increasing eye sores in the form if Turkish- funded hotels, the illuminated signs of which have created unacceptable amounts of light pollution and noise pollution.

Electricity and water prices have rocketed.

Food prices have doubled in the last 5 years.

We are very happy that we were able to sell up and leave.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 5:57 pm

There will always be negative posts.....I would agree with Maisomoo, which is probably the most realistic....the Brit population over here is of an age where medical problems start to kick in, and whilst the treatment you get over here is excellent (I know this as I have first hand experience), unless this is factored in to living expenses when people choose to live in a country where you do not get 'free' medical care, then often the alternative is to leave and go back to UK. I have no idea where Fatouche has moved to but I doubt it will be back to UK, although, obviously I am happy to be corrected on this. In UK, depending where you live, there are many things that may blight your life other than rubbish on the beach, although I agree it is sad to see. The town that I originated from in UK is now overrun with Romanians. The place is a dump, people are worried to even walk down the streets. Ok the cost of living has increased over here, as it has everywhere. We have been here now for 8 years, and at this point in time see no reason to leave, but horses for courses.....of course.

Mollie the cat · Post by **Mollie the cat** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 6:14 pm

Fatouche is spot on.

This place has changed beyond belief in the past 5 yrs, we too are on our way out!

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 6:35 pm

I have lived and worked and now we are swallows to the island of Cyprus, from the early 70s as a teenager to the present date. The island has of course changed dramatically both south and a little more slowly in the north. Yes there are warts on both sides of the island but despite this we still love the place. If you know where to go and explore there are still many miles of unspoilt areas virtually untouched by the vagaries of tourism and people. We have had our own place for just over 5 years and yes we have seen changes - sometimes we do think why another huge hotel! But the changes have not really made us think its time to leave. Everywhere changes, prices increase but we still feel we get excellent value for money when we are out for our stay and our money definitely goes further.

I do think the health concerns are a prime factor in people deciding it is time to leave and return home. The treatment and facilities in the TRNC are in my opinion very good and difficult to fault. The costs whilst reasonable are of course costs and sometimes the money just does not stretch that far.

Warts and all the island still has a strong pull for us, but we are swallows and would never burn the bridges and decide to live permanently on the island. We hope for many years spending time on the island, but realise at some point this will not be possible for health reasons, but we are sure our family will enjoy just as much as us.

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 6:48 pm

I've moved to France; moving back to the Uk is not an option.

thickey · Post by **thickey** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 6:56 pm

When I retire give me 15 to 20 years in North Cyprus. And then when ill heath comes ,Its time to return to the UK and fade away

frugal90 · Post by **frugal90** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 7:52 pm

Fatouche, how are you finding French beaurocracy?

David · Post by **David** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 7:55 pm

Lack of infrastructure for me

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 8:41 pm

Haven't encountered much so far frugal90, but I've been told they love paperwork. I bought a property here and signed in excess of 30 pages! We live in the middle of nowhere in central France, where there are more cattle than people, and the water is plentiful. It's fab!

RAZR63 · Post by **RAZR63** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 11:02 pm

fatouche wrote:Haven't encountered much so far frugal90, but I've been told they love paperwork. I bought a property here and signed in excess of 30 pages! We live in the middle of nowhere in central France, where there are more cattle than people, and the water is plentiful. It's fab!

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/c ... try=France

Is it cheaper than TRNC ??? I guess you don't drink beer

MoonageDaydream · Post by **MoonageDaydream** » Mon 27 Feb 2017 11:43 pm

Fatouche - that's my idea of hell!
Miles from anywhere loads of mud around, agricultural smells, climate almost as bad as the UK, no coast, and no cheap Efes in the supermarkets!

I suppose its a case of each to their own, but I prefer it here in the Mediterranean sunshine!

Reyntj · Post by **Reyntj** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 8:31 am

Prices havent gone up here in £ terms in fact inwould say they have gone down . 5 years ago tl £ was 2.5 now its 4.5 tl . Its actually cheaper here in £ terms than 5 years ago

Reyntj · Post by **Reyntj** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 8:40 am

I buy a whole fillet steak top quality from my butchers in iskele its 50 tl per kg c £11 per kg in uk the same quality is more than £40 per kg . If i want i can have steak sandwich for snack every day in england you would think you where a king ! Also i dont fancy paying £200 per month council tax . A percentage of people leaving will probably never be happy anywhere always thinking the grass is greener elsewhere which prompted them to move here in the first place . A lot of people move to different countries as they are not happy thinking its their surroundings which is at fault when its actually other personal reasons .

Thers a good programme on couples moving to australia which examples this and most of them end up getting divorced and moving on thinking australia would be the solution .

kibsolar1999 · Post by **kibsolar1999** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 9:01 am

Well, I spoke to several people..…some intend to leave, some want to stay… but, it seems the situation is more or less like this:
Say, some time ago, many sold their homes in the UK and bought a house in N.Cyprus.
Remainders was put in the bank with 6- 8% interest rates (or much more for TL), GBP to the dollar (indirect: the Turkish lira) 1,65 and climbing, prices (eg, labour) in TL good to very good. (+ a (small) pension), life was easy... 3 times a week dining out.
They spend thousands for infrastructure (additional water tanks) and whatever, GBP went down every year and oil prices up = energy prices and “somewhat everything” in GBP (felt) doubled, also because Cyprus is not the “3rd world country” any more…
The old interest rates contracts expired one by one, the new ones give less and less…
Income, say, (felt) halfed and prices (felt) doubled.
The mourning started, about this and that, the traffic, the dirt, the electricity prices, the hotels, casinos, the water meter connection costs… whatever, as life is simply not so easy any more. Investments are stopped, no dining out any more, cancel the pool service.
On top, NHS access is now restricted (private insurances needed), on top the people became a bit older… and not healthier.
To say (Poshin) “I do think the health concerns are a prime factor in people deciding it is time to leave and return home” is not entirely true.. it is the “coffin nail”.
And the sword of damocles, the restricted retirement monies payments for expats still to come...
Still they have no title deed… more thousands might be needed to keep track…or they have given up. Thousands and thousands are lost.
It seems very simple: they are “tired” or fed up or both and do not want to “miss out” the moment to return and may finally end up “stuck, old, sick, poor and forgotten” in N. Cyprus….
In many cases it seems to be an “emergency brake” decision.
Surely the majority of leavers have no funds to relocate in France and I personally find the posts of Fatouche pretentious and I have no clue why Fatouche does not join the expatsinthemiddleoffrance forum instead.
The French is bad, isn’t it?, as bad as the Turkish, maybe.

.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 9:03 am

MoonageDaydream wrote:Fatouche - that's my idea of hell!
Miles from anywhere loads of mud around, agricultural smells, climate almost as bad as the UK, no coast, and no cheap Efes in the supermarkets!

I suppose its a case of each to their own, but I prefer it here in the Mediterranean sunshine!

We are very lucky! We live in the sticks in Devon, surrounded by fields, cows, rolling hills, mud and agricultural smells and noises..... plus we also have our little place in the sun.

Perfect.

old trucker · Post by **old trucker** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 9:27 am

We are moving backto the TRNC cant wait to leave the UK its not the place it once was poor health service over run with migrants coming for freehand outs bad weather are just some of our reasons for leaving

woodspeckie · Post by **woodspeckie** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 9:38 am

old trucker wrote:We are moving backto the TRNC cant wait to leave the UK its not the place it once was poor health service over run with migrants coming for freehand outs bad weather are just some of our reasons for leaving

So you won't be returning to the UK for NHS treatment when you are ill ?

old trucker · Post by **old trucker** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 9:41 am

No after the treatment my father in law received or lack of we will not be going back but will put aside funds should it be needed.

aripointer · Post by **aripointer** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 10:07 am

MoonageDaydream wrote:Fatouche - that's my idea of hell!
Miles from anywhere loads of mud around, agricultural smells, climate almost as bad as the UK, no coast, and no cheap Efes in the supermarkets!

I suppose its a case of each to their own, but I prefer it here in the Mediterranean sunshine!

kibsolar1999 · Post by **kibsolar1999** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 12:46 pm

old trucker
then check of how much certain treatments do cost, how much these cost went up over the years and put aside a 200 - 500 k just in case.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 1:38 pm

The treatments in TRNC for private care are much cheaper than UK if you compare to BUPA. If anyone watched the recent series about UK hospital care it was one heck of an eye opener about the cost of medical care. The thing is the NHS is creaking so much that people may die, or at best their condition get much worse whilst waiting for treatment. Up until the age of 70 I think you can take out insurance here, or if you have made good plans, then you can invest money in TL and get a good rate of interest which would provide a pot of money to pay for medical care...that's one way to look at it. Personally, I don't find the cost of private care here too bad, and the State Hospitals are cheaper of course, and in an emergency, peanuts. But, as always, you pays your money you takes your choice.......

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 2:08 pm

Kibsolar, my name is Fatma, and I'm only British by virtue of my passport. My father is Turkish Cypriot and my mother's Belgian. French is my first language.

I've been called forthright,loud,abrasive,but never pretentious, for pretentious I am not.
We didn't vcome to the TRNC to live the retirement expat life style. We can't afford it, and my husband's about 32 years away from retirement age. We came for a simpler, tranquil life in 2011. It didn't last long.

We don't have a pot to p!ss in and lived very simply. We worked for the minimum wage for 5 years.I took Kibtek to task when they were charging me 600TL a month for a 1 bedroomed house with no pool, no immersion heater, no electric heating (and no we weren't on builder's electric). They were simply fleecing us and I made a nuisance of myself until it stopped.

I took the police to task (without a lawyer since I couldn't afford one) over 14 allegations of speeding in the court in Girne. I won as the police had no evidence.

I was unfairly dismissed by a certain state-of-the-art supermarket in Catalkoy as a result of an injury at work caused by their negligence. They didn't even pay for the cost of the ambulance and never admitted liability. I decided to let that one go for my own sanity.

Is it pretentious to speak the truth? What was a beautiful part of the island is being systematically vandalised by unscrupulous developers. The corruption is simply scandalous, and just paying people off to have a quiet life will never solve the problem We didn't have any choice but to fight since we had no money.We couldn't bear to see the appalling treatment if dogs and cats either, and were delighted to be able to take our 3 dogs with us despite the considerable cost.

We were lucky to sell our little house in Baspinar and move over here where the air is clean, the water is plentiful, and the property is cheap.Property in this part of France is much cheaper than in TRNC. We purchased a small farmhouse with a stone barn on 3/4 of an acre for 30.500 euros, including the legal fees. The house is in need of modernisation, but it is habitable and the barn will become part of the house one day.

Water costs 202 euros a year (unlimited supply).

The cost of having the electricity transferred to our name was 8 euros, and we pay 56 euros a month direct debit. We have the immersion heater on all day, every day(couldn't afgord to use it in Cyprus).

The property tax is dearer at 485 euros per annum, but the property and plot are considerably larger.

Diesel and petrol cost about the same as those in TRNC a year ago.

Food is cheaper (apart from meat) because the numerous supermarkets are in constant price wars. Wine is cheap, but we don't drink.

Where we are is not for everyone, but it's right for us. The next challenge is to find work, but at least here, the minimum wage is 1485 euros per month, as opposed to 1800 TL.

Moonagedaydteam, there isn't much mud as even the country lanes are tarmacked and maintained. We did have a cold winter, but spring in on its way. Summers are hot and often go into late October. We're grateful to have seasons again to be honest.

Cally · Post by **Cally** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 4:47 pm

I am so happy for you & your family in your new life Fatma, long may it last......

Dalartokat · Post by **Dalartokat** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 5:10 pm

Kibsolar....I cannot see in any of the posts that Fatouche has made to be pretentious, but in my opinion(and you made yours) there are others in this thread whom you could have said were, but you have chosen not to say the same.

Gozoa · Post by **Gozoa** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 5:26 pm

Great post from Fatma.

What happened with the Police speeding tickets? Where they completely unfounded?

I may have been flashed a couple of times a few months ago on a camera but I heard if they don't give you the document to sign within 15 days it is invalided, so I have just ignored it.

Art · Post by **Art** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 5:41 pm

Many Brits leaning the island.?

How many?

Where is the evidence?

How many Brits moving in?

elkiton · Post by **elkiton** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 6:00 pm

We retired and moved (permanently) to Cyprus in 2008 and then moved out and on in 2015...not back to the UK, but to a rented house near Prague in the Czech Republic. Factors determining our move were many and I will try to summarise them for you, but I should say that we had overall a very happy time in NC and are pleased we came. ..

55 % ... After retiring it took a couple of years to realise that retirement in the sun was not fulfilling all that we needed, in fact we found we had outgrown the Island and what it offered and desired a lot more to fill our time, and minds.
Culture, we lacked good music, latest multiplex cinemas, theatre, architecture, cuisine, history, shopping.

25 %... Heat, and cold. As we got older, we appreciated the unremitting heat and mosquitos less and less, and the houses are cold in winter. One appreciates now the Seasons, the European standard of housing and insulation, even in winter we are warm and cosy when the outside temp is -18C and the snow is good for skiing. - Also the sun here is like Cyprus in that it has power, not weak like the UK, and our climate is drier too.

10%... Travel, is expensive from Cyprus to anywhere, requiring hotels and hired cars...we wanted to travel around a lot on a limited budget several times a year, as in camping, B&B so Europe offered a better selection of places to go to.

5% .... Medical....not very important, we had a couple of ops in NC and found the medical care relatively inexpensive and the quality of care excellent. Fear of getting old was a minor factor in the move.

3%... Family matters. Low in importance, we are not tied to our UK family, we see them a couple of times a year, but it is easier to do from back in Europe now we are reaching 70, and the internal flights are very cheap.

1%... Cost of living....not important, to us, although here in Prague the COL is less than Cyprus and the services better.

1%... TRNC development / political stability /bureaucracy. Everywhere gets developed, you have to expect change, it's a fact of life, and if you want to see real protocol, try an ex-commie country, they love big ink stamps on paper, in triplicate lol

I don't know if we are typical or un-typical ex-pats but that was a synopsis of why the move.
Certainly we will not go back to the UK, we feel safer here, the infrastructure is better, there is still a culture of respect and a high degree of nationalism, and you get to see a dentist for emergency treatment at 2 hours notice and a charge of £25 (plus S1 / EHIC) lol

On the Brexit front, we voted for it, and have no belief that we will be forced to move out of Europe, that is stupid talk by the espousers of Project Fear, although to safeguard ourselves I have taken Czech Residency and a Czech Driving Licence, that is just prudent in these flexible times.

Have a good one and I wish you all well.

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 6:15 pm

Gozoa, they had no photographs from the speed cameras, and no calibration reports to prove that the cameras were working correctly. In fact they'd never heard of calibration. I know about it as I was once a police officer in London. To make matters even worse, a police officer had signed the tickets on my behalf, pretending that I had accepted the fines. It can actually take 6 months for the paperwork to reach Girne from Lefkosa, and I've not heard of the 2 week rule. Expats have actually been made to miss flights by the police on the way to the airport, or at the airport because there were fines outstanding.

IPA · Post by **IPA** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 8:16 pm

Many thanks to all who posted their views. My question about why so many Brits seemed to be leaving was not based on any scientific survey but just Brits who I met by chance. From my own interactions and your posts - it seems concerns about medical insurance and costs are a big factor. Concern about new building developments and increasing cost of utilities as well.

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 8:38 pm

Gozoa wrote:Great post from Fatma.

What happened with the Police speeding tickets? Where they completely unfounded?

I may have been flashed a couple of times a few months ago on a camera but I heard if they don't give you the document to sign within 15 days it is invalided, so I have just ignored it.

What you have heard is totally wrong... ignore it at your peril as the fine increases if you don't pay it within 15 days of being notified that you have a ticket and as the matter is not criminal there is no statute of limitations - i.e. they can get you years later! Each month that passes and you don't pay the fine increases....

Gozoa · Post by **Gozoa** » Tue 28 Feb 2017 8:57 pm

Thanks for the info Fatouche.

Groucho, I received no notification so as far as I'm concerned the flash was a malfunction of the camera.

Also, the person who told me was a Taxi driver for 10 years and switched to Ambulance driving and he is a relative, so I'd imagine he knows the policies. What makes you think its incorrect? Apparently you pay whatever they ask and you don't pay what you refuse here according to the story above.

When you say it doubles every month and no statute of limitation, well, that's obviously incorrect isn't it....250tl fine becomes 128,000tl in a year if it doubles every month as you say. 4million TL fine a year later lol.

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 7:13 am

Gozoa wrote:Thanks for the info Fatouche.

Groucho, I received no notification so as far as I'm concerned the flash was a malfunction of the camera.

Also, the person who told me was a Taxi driver for 10 years and switched to Ambulance driving and he is a relative, so I'd imagine he knows the policies. What makes you think its incorrect? Apparently you pay whatever they ask and you don't pay what you refuse here according to the story above.

When you say it doubles every month and no statute of limitation, well, that's obviously incorrect isn't it....250tl fine becomes 128,000tl in a year if it doubles every month as you say. 4million TL fine a year later lol.

No you haven't been notified - yet!

However, you will be notified when leaving or entering the TRNC...or if you go to the police station. from then you have 15 days to make payment, if you don't pay it doubles. If you think you may have been caught it's advisable to check with the radar section at the police station... this can take time to come through. Otherwise it can come as a nasty shock when re-entering the TRNC

So if you don't leave you are unlikely to get notified. Taxi drivers - he ha ha... that well known source of correct legal opinion. you are kidding are you not?

This island is rife with dodgy advice about how to circumvent the laws and payments - which is all lovely until the sh1t hits the fan... then those who gave you the dodgy advice will shrug before making a dash for the door.... You have been warned.

Loads of locals ignore the fines - but they don't want to leave the island. They don't have tax or insurance either... it doesn't make it correct to say you don't need either...

Laura B · Post by **Laura B** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 9:08 am

Aside from the difference of opinion on speeding fines! I find it very sad that when people leave a place they feel the need to run that place down. I have heard many ex-pats in various places in the world running down the UK.....until they find they have to return there! Also they are quite happy to take their pension payments from there and any other payments they deem appropriate. Also of course many use the NHS as they think they are entitled. The same when leaving a 'foreign' country. Run the place down to make their decision to leave the right decision. How long before the rose-tinted specs come off again? Nowhere in this world is ideal. It is all about enjoying ones own life and making the most of the downsides or move on and see if things are better.....for YOU.

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 1:23 pm

Laura B wrote:Aside from the difference of opinion on speeding fines! I find it very sad that when people leave a place they feel the need to run that place down. I have heard many ex-pats in various places in the world running down the UK.....until they find they have to return there! Also they are quite happy to take their pension payments from there and any other payments they deem appropriate. Also of course many use the NHS as they think they are entitled. The same when leaving a 'foreign' country. Run the place down to make their decision to leave the right decision. How long before the rose-tinted specs come off again? Nowhere in this world is ideal. It is all about enjoying ones own life and making the most of the downsides or move on and see if things are better.....for YOU.

Hear hear!

One point.... The pensions that people have paid in for are exactly that.... They don't need to justify being in receipt of them. Similarly the NHS. If you've paid all your dues I don't have a problem with that either...

The number of people who have left Cyprus is reflected in the number of people who flocked here.

I find the need to run down the place to justify their decision to move away says more about them than it does Cyprus.

People leave... so what... people leave towns and villages back in the UK... I'm sure they don't go on the BBs of their erstwhile location to run the places down... so why do they feel the need to tell us all how wonderful their new place of residence is? Or is it self-delusion?

I should point out that I am not of UK pensionable age and therefore I don't get a UK State Pension (yet).

Gozoa · Post by **Gozoa** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 1:34 pm

Groucho wrote:
No you haven't been notified - yet!

However, you will be notified when leaving or entering the TRNC...or if you go to the police station. from then you have 15 days to make payment, if you don't pay it doubles. If you think you may have been caught it's advisable to check with the radar section at the police station... this can take time to come through. Otherwise it can come as a nasty shock when re-entering the TRNC

So if you don't leave you are unlikely to get notified. Taxi drivers - he ha ha... that well known source of correct legal opinion. you are kidding are you not?

This island is rife with dodgy advice about how to circumvent the laws and payments - which is all lovely until the sh1t hits the fan... then those who gave you the dodgy advice will shrug before making a dash for the door.... You have been warned.

Loads of locals ignore the fines - but they don't want to leave the island. They don't have tax or insurance either... it doesn't make it correct to say you don't need either...

The Taxi driver, as I said before, is my relative and he is also an ambulance driver....we both went and asked the police on duty in the Hospital a few months ago and it was them that told him and he relayed it to me because I was waiting outside.

I know it isn't good to trust what you are told when someone without authority tells you something, but this came from the police so they do have a little authority on this subject.

Of course they could easily be wrong but they are probably more likely to be right than a random stranger of which I have had some unusual advice from during my time here, once, someone told me if you didn't pay a speeding fine after 2 years they'd bill you over a million TL in late fees. I guess some people really do just make it up as they go along.

I think the majority of the reason why British people come here is because the property is so cheap they are able to purchase a house of size, style and location that they could only dream of elsewhere. They get to play out a "rich" fantasy and tell everyone at home about their new life in their "mansion", they spend a few years looking down on the local population pretending they like they "way of life" before going back to their average UK life with stories of grandeur.

Of course there are a minority of exceptions.

woodspeckie · Post by **woodspeckie** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 1:42 pm

The last time I came through Ercan a man in front of me at passport control was refused admission until he had paid 4 speeding fines from his previous visit, he had to pay by credit card.

Becker · Post by **Becker** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 2:02 pm

I had a fine on 27th December 2011, camera at Escape Beach. We received notification of it in January 2013 at Metehan on way to LCA airport,had to go to Girne Station to pay fine next day.Was charged as I remember 138TL,so no extra for late payment,they had tried to deliver direct to me at our address twice previously.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 2:32 pm

Gozoa wrote:
Groucho wrote:
No you haven't been notified - yet!

However, you will be notified when leaving or entering the TRNC...or if you go to the police station. from then you have 15 days to make payment, if you don't pay it doubles. If you think you may have been caught it's advisable to check with the radar section at the police station... this can take time to come through. Otherwise it can come as a nasty shock when re-entering the TRNC

So if you don't leave you are unlikely to get notified. Taxi drivers - he ha ha... that well known source of correct legal opinion. you are kidding are you not?

This island is rife with dodgy advice about how to circumvent the laws and payments - which is all lovely until the sh1t hits the fan... then those who gave you the dodgy advice will shrug before making a dash for the door.... You have been warned.

Loads of locals ignore the fines - but they don't want to leave the island. They don't have tax or insurance either... it doesn't make it correct to say you don't need either...

The Taxi driver, as I said before, is my relative and he is also an ambulance driver....we both went and asked the police on duty in the Hospital a few months ago and it was them that told him and he relayed it to me because I was waiting outside.

I know it isn't good to trust what you are told when someone without authority tells you something, but this came from the police so they do have a little authority on this subject.

Of course they could easily be wrong but they are probably more likely to be right than a random stranger of which I have had some unusual advice from during my time here, once, someone told me if you didn't pay a speeding fine after 2 years they'd bill you over a million TL in late fees. I guess some people really do just make it up as they go along.

I think the majority of the reason why British people come here is because the property is so cheap they are able to purchase a house of size, style and location that they could only dream of elsewhere. They get to play out a "rich" fantasy and tell everyone at home about their new life in their "mansion", they spend a few years looking down on the local population pretending they like they "way of life" before going back to their average UK life with stories of grandeur.

Of course there are a minority of exceptions.

There may well be some people who are attracted by the cheap property, but they are not all British. There are many nationalities who have bought property in the TRNC. Some also may fall into the categories as highlighted in bold above.

However; equally there are many people who have lived here many many years who came to the island because they loved it and still do. Many of them have aged gracefully and despite having seen many changes over the years still love the place. Whilst we are not in that age group our reason for buying was because we had always felt the pull that this lovely island held over us. Eventually we decided that despite the risk....and there are a few, we would buy a small place so we could immerse ourselves into the culture, history, weather and beauty of this place. We are not acting out a rich fantasy, nor do we have a mansion.....far from it. Nor do we look down on the local population....we have many Greek and Turkish Cypriot friends.

We are here because we fell in love with the place and 35+ years on despite all that's changed the feeling is the same!

turtle · Post by **turtle** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 2:45 pm

I think the majority of the reason why British people come here is because the property is so cheap they are able to purchase a house of size, style and location that they could only dream of elsewhere. They get to play out a "rich" fantasy and tell everyone at home about their new life in their "mansion", they spend a few years looking down on the local population pretending they like they "way of life" before going back to their average UK life with stories of grandeur.

Wow, if that is what TC's think of us then I think it's time to pack up and leave now ...

Gozoa · Post by **Gozoa** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 3:10 pm

How do you expect one person to represent the view of everyone? I represent myself only, obviously. I see a lot of people looking down on locals here, from their rules (this translates to way of life, doesn't it?) to how they drive, how they 'rip' you off in the shops etc etc then how when they leave they vent it all on here. Which is what I considered that one the other day moaning about the money back policy of mm to be doing.

But the ones like the post above above, you are great, but you are probably more rare than you expect.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 4:16 pm

Gozoa wrote:How do you expect one person to represent the view of everyone? I represent myself only, obviously. I see a lot of people looking down on locals here, from their rules (this translates to way of life, doesn't it?) to how they drive, how they 'rip' you off in the shops etc etc then how when they leave they vent it all on here. Which is what I considered that one the other day moaning about the money back policy of mm to be doing.

But the ones like the post above above, you are great, but you are probably more rare than you expect.

All I can say is that maybe we are fortunate in that we don't mix with the type of people who look down on the local population, brag about their house/pool/gardens and moan about everything. In fact we go out of our way to avoid them. Most of the people we know love North Cyprus, the people, the way of life etc.

geroff · Post by **geroff** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 4:51 pm

Majority leave because of Health, the older expat. There are loads of younger ones always migrating to new ventures , so think the Brits just like other nationalities are just coming and going . Its called migration .

PapaBravo · Post by **PapaBravo** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 5:02 pm

then check of how much certain treatments do cost, how much these cost went up over the years and put aside a 200 - 500 k just in case.

Wow kibsolar 1999, those are scary figures! Grateful if you would explain how you came up with those figures.

Makum · Post by **Makum** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 8:14 pm

Although

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 9:42 pm

Becker wrote:I had a fine on 27th December 2011, camera at Escape Beach. We received notification of it in January 2013 at Metehan on way to LCA airport,had to go to Girne Station to pay fine next day.Was charged as I remember 138TL,so no extra for late payment,they had tried to deliver direct to me at our address twice previously.

Yes - no extra payment required because you paid within 15 days of receiving the notification... The 15 days before a penalty increase is only once the notice has been served...

As has been stated by others above - this often only occurs when you leave or re-enter the TRNC....

So, in short, it is not a matter of ignoring speeding fines ad infinitum, it's that once told you have 15 days. If you think you have a speeding ticket you may well find out years later... that does not mean you can ignore it. Once told - sort it.

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 9:52 pm

Gozoa wrote: The Taxi driver, as I said before, is my relative and he is also an ambulance driver....we both went and asked the police on duty in the Hospital a few months ago and it was them that told him and he relayed it to me because I was waiting outside.

I know it isn't good to trust what you are told when someone without authority tells you something, but this came from the police so they do have a little authority on this subject.

Of course they could easily be wrong but they are probably more likely to be right than a random stranger of which I have had some unusual advice from during my time here, once, someone told me if you didn't pay a speeding fine after 2 years they'd bill you over a million TL in late fees. I guess some people really do just make it up as they go along.

You say "Of course they could easily be wrong but they are probably more likely to be right" Well they are not right and neither are you... I suggest that if you have triggered a speed camera legitimately (i.e. you have been caught) then at some stage you will be served a notice that needs to be paid in full within 15 days. The 15 days applies to you not them. They can serve the notice any time - as a civilian matter of less than a certain value there is no limitation on how long the period between the offence and the date of serving the notice can be.

I have never said that it would double exponentially only that the original amount will double after 15 days and a further increase in the penalty will accrue with each passing month thereafter.

RAZR63 · Post by **RAZR63** » Wed 01 Mar 2017 10:34 pm

If your going back to England here is the top ten most desirable places to live according to the Telegraph (Cebr).

For Scotland, N. Ireland and Wales and for full article click here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/uk/ ... s-live-uk/

kibsolar1999 · Post by **kibsolar1999** » Thu 02 Mar 2017 9:10 am

papabravo
ok, we are not talking about a broken leg, yes?
from the http://www...
- stroke: average first year costs: 20.000 euro + approx 30.000 till "end of life"
- the one or other nasty cancer: chemo therapy approx 50.000 + following medication, costs 5000 a month = 160.000 + 60.000 for some years?
after some years you are at 300-400...
depend of coourse what kind of cancer we are talking... breast cancer is "quite cheap"...
- brain tumor: average 100.000 incl operation and so on.

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