Need cash when I land, best place in Cyprus? Airport or places in the city?
When I arrived in Paphos, I saw Travelex at the airport but ignored it. I had some euros already and later used a Hellenic Bank ATM in town for the rest. Worked fine, and the rate was better than what I’d seen at the airport counter. In Limassol, I also spotted several small exchange offices with better deals if you bring USD or GBP. Cyprus is easy since it’s euro-based, so no need to panic at arrivals. Just plan ahead with ATMs.
Since Cyprus uses the euro, you don’t need to exchange if you already carry some. Airport counters like Travelex will take USD/GBP, but at worse rates. ATMs from Hellenic Bank and Bank of Cyprus are common and safe, giving you euros at proper rates. Exchange offices in cities like Nicosia and Limassol offer better rates if you’re carrying large amounts of foreign cash. The smart move is to just grab a little at arrivals, then rely on ATMs or city exchanges for the rest.
Cyprus is in the eurozone, so if you already carry euros, you’re sorted. If you’re arriving with USD or GBP, avoid exchanging at the airport - rates are poor. I’d recommend ATMs from Bank of Cyprus or Hellenic Bank. They’re widespread in major cities and even tourist areas like Ayia Napa. When I land, I withdraw a small amount from the airport ATM to cover taxis, then do the rest in the city. It’s straightforward since everything runs on euros.
At Larnaca and Paphos airports, you’ll see Travelex and bank counters, but the rates aren’t great. I only change €20-30 there for immediate needs. In the city, exchange offices in Nicosia or Limassol give better deals. ATMs from Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank, and Alpha Bank are everywhere and safe. They usually charge a small fee but use official rates. I always prefer withdrawing from ATMs once I’m in town instead of doing big exchanges at the airport counters.