cyprus border crossing warning

BILLY


Joined: 15/01/2007
Posts: 141

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 21:56

I made a quick crossing over to the spouth today and the customs were stopping and searching every vehicle returning to the north side.

I has 12 bottles of beer and I was told that one bottle is the limit.

i was given the option pay duty at the cost price in the south or hand it over.

I handed it over because it was not worth the bother of going to the main customs office to pay the duty.

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:01

This sort of advice is useful..keep it coming.

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:01

One of them must be having a party so they need free booze.

karakum5c



Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 1021

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:02

Thats what happens when you go over to the "DARK SIDE"

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:04

My god only 12 bottles of beer and they take it away, no wonder people are moving away from this place their stupid rules,

the points for staying or going are really going down

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:07

I have always found the Efes so palatable that I don't think I would consider bring beer across the Green Line. On one of my few excursions to the 'Dark Side' I found the Keo very disappointing.

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:08

Where is it displayed on how many bottles of beer one is allowed to purchase in South to bring North.

Someone is playing daft games.

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:10

Probably starting to stock up for the New Year. They were confiscating all sorts in the run up to Bayram last year. Every little helps!!!!

Corbo



Joined: 13/09/2009
Posts: 627

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:13

'I have always found the Efes so palatable that I don't think I would consider bring beer across the Green Line. On one of my few excursions to the 'Dark Side' I found the Keo very disappointing. '



agree..especially good when ice cold in an iced glass when over 40c..

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:13

95% of World lager beers are chemically adulterated so it makes no difference, except the price!



Richard

mishmash


Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:13

Were they interested in any other items that you purchased?

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 22:17

I went over today, crossing at Bostanci. No other cars there, either going or coming back. Nobody showed the slightest interest in anything apart from the usual passport stamping. I think they were so bored, on both sides of the border, they were happy for somebody to chat to. Didn't even see a customs man.

alanka


Joined: 15/09/2007
Posts: 154

Message Posted:
21/10/2009 23:03

Never been stopped coming from South to North (probably put a hext on me now, will be stopped every time... :( )



Last time two customs officers - one v attractive female and one v attractive male - more interested in their conversation than us and two others in car - we could have smuggled through a couple of legs of lamb - they didn't even look up as they stamped our visas....

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 00:27

I hear what you say and I guess you have been so unluckly We bring Peroini in no prombs. Well we will watch and see we can only wait xxx

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 00:35

They took my chocalate flavoured condoms of me last week, the dirty b------ds..

Happy Hussar


Joined: 01/10/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 08:41

Have heard that someone is up in court in Lefkosa this week charged with smuggling 250 KGs of meat from south to North.

Very Naughty!!

Tony

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 10:08

And they talk about a 'solution' - ha, ha!



To pile on more expat embitterment to all the existing and increasing, not to mention 'expensive', farcical and racist bureaucracy is, if they'd only realise it, 'shooting themselves, repeatedly, in the foot'.



The action perpetrated on Billy is simply tantamount to blatant theft - how pathetically petty!



One wonders how many overseas potential TRNC homeseekers will be thoroughly put off by all this crap?

JohhnyLee


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 2495

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 10:29

If you live on this side why support the South, why not try to support the TRNC, We find the shopping here excellent, and very competetive for most items.

Wish they would close the borders, and stuff the solution,

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 10:40

Message 18



Maybe the reasons for lack of enthusiasm in support is because of what has been said by Smithy message 5 ,and

Tenakoutou message 17.

Support should be a two way thing.Dont kick me in the b---s on Monday and expect my support on Tuesday.

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 11:42

Open the beer and pour it down a drain. Then they dont get to keep it.

Did this the first time Cheltenham festival banned bottles. A whole bottle of Bells but worth it to see the security man's face!

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 12:20

msg 20 Damn good idea, but whta about a mattrass from IKEA LOL

spangles


Joined: 22/10/2008
Posts: 411

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 13:23

Message 1 - we walked over at Metehan on Tuesday and on return noticed that they were looking in all the boots of the cars.

Ailletoo


Joined: 24/01/2009
Posts: 1003

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 13:45

Errm... don't think you can take 12 bottles of beer through Heathrow either!?

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 16:50

beers cheap enough in the north why bother and have the hassle

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 21:09

My friends went over on Tuesday, and came back with all sorts that they shouldn't have and didn't get stopped. I think it's just the luck(or unluck!!) of the draw.

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 21:12

dont even pour it away, drink it!!!!!! have a party next time!!!!!

eastendjoker


Joined: 24/04/2008
Posts: 166

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 21:43

is this the GC customs or the TRNC customs stopping people, sorry for not being up with this !

rdsteve


Joined: 01/03/2009
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
22/10/2009 22:14

It will be TRNC Customs



Steve

Arek Naw


Joined: 29/08/2008
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
23/10/2009 13:55

It is interesting that the TRNC checkpoint has a large display explaining that visitors from the south may buy goods in the north up to EUR260 and take them back to the south tax free. I've not seen any display stating allowances of goods brought over from the south. Are there any specific allowances or is it "a movable feast?"

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
23/10/2009 14:34

Last figure I was aware of was: 135 euros of goods per person from south to North but heard they were increasing this amount. If any one knows if this is correct please reply.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
23/10/2009 14:48

Still at 135 euros but be careful. The importation of furniture and dairy products is not allowed regardless of how much it has cost you. Customs can - and do - at times limit the 135 euro import to the car so if you have four people then split the total to 135 euros, it should be per person but they change with the wind.



Interesting to find on a visit to the customs people that you can not import any item into the North from the South unless it has been made in the South - it is a bit like the crazy, must have owned the car for five years but it can't be more than five years old law!

Carndi


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 613

Message Posted:
23/10/2009 14:53

Was over last night and on the had no problems either way.

Think the customs man Billy got was in a bad mood because his wife had a headache the night before.

Seamus


Joined: 17/03/2008
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 12:16

Only searched once in 8 visits - bought loads of stuff from Ikea. Damn relieved having read all these notes. We hope to start Beekeeping once we retire in about 5 years.



Keeps one Buzzzzzy Eh !

carollynne


Joined: 19/11/2009
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 12:25

I only ever get stopped by customs from north to south and then if they see my Efes just wave me through!! mind you a couple of weeks ago we had a couple of clothes horses, 6 bottles of Angora wine, 6 cancaya wine and a load of efes and they still let us go through without any hassle

Didn't realise there were customs ppl coming south to north, maybe they just see the car registration plates?



Carollynne

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 13:25

Would be grateful if someone could remind me please of the allowance allowed for personal items (South to North). Thanks.

dutty


Joined: 09/06/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 13:28

How are they with cigarettes going from north to south ?

Baydweller


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 78

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 13:38

Very strict. I believe it is only 40 allowed

scootex



Joined: 03/03/2009
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 13:52

drink it, refill the bottles, recap it , and let them have it because they ob viously like taking the p**s

carollynne


Joined: 19/11/2009
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 15:54

re message 36, yes very strict. Any crossing I go through they're always on the lookout for cigs and Baydweller is correct only 2 packs (40 cigs) each.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 16:00

Please please please can someone answer my message 35 because I am going tomorrow. Thanks.

andre 514


Joined: 31/03/2008
Posts: 1163

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 17:31

very officious behaviour but their underlying attitude is understandable



dunno about keo beer but the same firm's brandy is pretty good...

if you only have cyprus brandy though adding ingredients for brandy sour

should cover it, unwaxed northcyprus lemons for example are first-rate

then again if you are totally ****** you'll not notice a difference

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 19:49

Message 35. You should find the answer somewhere on a web site, either TRNC or R.oC. Just remember that technically you are going into and out of the E.U., and the rules that apply elsewhere also apply.

Having said that, it just depends on when they are having a blitz up. Happens from time to time on both sides.

Same with insurance going south. Sometimes you could drive through without it, and other days they take your passport until you have got the new insurance.

They seem to operate on a 'tit for tat' basis, and it could be your unlucky day.

Best not take chances really.

Don't forget that techniclaly you can't bring in meat stuff, dairy produce, and the limitation on booze, fags etc is standard - unless you are on a day when no one cares.

But rules is rules, and someone always gets caught . I guess it depends on what any of it is worth to you.

come_on_aylin


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 908

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 20:56

Joandjelly

1 bottle of wine/spirits per person, total value of goods not to exceed 135 Euros per person - can't combine this allowance, i.e you can't buy a single item for more than 135 Euros. Unfortunately, it's hard to work out what 'goods' you are allowed to bring to the North. At the moment, there seems to be a blitz on furniture but at this time of year they tend to be especially vigilant for alcohol, meat and dairy products.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 21:53

Thanks for that. It was 135 Euro limit that I wasn't sure of.

islandgirl


Joined: 12/09/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
14/12/2009 22:17

The limit is 135 Euro, to my knowledge that does not include meat, dairy products, alcohol and furniture which are not allowed and I might add have not been allowed for years. The limit North to South is set by the EU but is not the same South to North.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 00:41

Perhaps it may be good idea if TRNC customs send an officer with each whinging ex pat when they go to south for shopping to advice them what to buy and what not to!!!



About 20 years ago,I brought over to UK 40 sleeves of Lumbert&Butler at a cost of £2.50 (very cheap innit),got stopped at heathrow by British customs and the they took the lot.



Now!!Is it

Bloody dodgy British customs officer that wanted some free fags,

or

Stupid me?



I leave the answer for that to you "intelligent people"!!!

RoxyBob


Joined: 13/07/2009
Posts: 205

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 07:31

I don't make a habit of shopping in the South but if I do then all I want to know is what I can legally bring into the North. If they put up a notice at the border explaining what you cannot bring into the North this should solve the problem, if anyone is caught after reading the notice then they have no comeback.



I think they don't put up notices so they can make up the rules as they go along and confiscate items that will be useful to themselves.

RoxyBob


Joined: 13/07/2009
Posts: 205

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 08:04

Re msg 46



At least you knew what you could take into the UK. If you broke the law then good on the Customs officer.

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 08:38

I have been going backwards and forwards daily recently - with a GC reg car - and have never been stopped on either side. The customs people on Greek side only ever seem to be looking at commercial vehicles. During the last week I have never even seen a customs official on the Turkish side.

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 09:26

Get stopped everytime from North to South when I cross at Famagusta, the Greek customs always search the car and if takinf Xmas presents don't wrap them, they want them opened, on the way back stopped only once on Turkish side. Never been stopped at Metahan yet either way. Electrical goods from North to South are banned, we bought toaster couple of years ago, Famagusta customs told us all electrical goods were illegal, I think the horror on our faces must have surprised, he let us take it through. Came over on friday, raining cats and dogs, no one in sight too wet!!

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 09:42

our friends came back last night with shopping from Ikea, Carrefour and Jumbo no problems!! Xmas sorted x

Bertie


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 155

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 09:52

I want to drive my UK plated car over am I likely to have any problems

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 19:27

You shouldn't have a problem Bertie but they (on the Greek side) will probably ask you where the vehicle entered Cyprus. This happened to a friend of mine and told them Limassol which wasn't true but they let him through anyway. Not sure what they would have done if he had said Kyrenia.

Not sure what the implications would be (if any) when coming back to the North assuming that your car is all legal.

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 19:51

It is just luck as to whether you get searched. Christmas & Easter are bad times to go South side shopping, because they know why you are going over in droves. I don't bother to go South now. It's not really worth it anymore unless you really stock up, say twice a year, on the few items that are much cheaper in the South. Then you risk breaking the 135 euro rule. I sooner pay more this side than have my shopping confiscated by a TC customs person. I know what would happen to my shopping.

I last went over in May 2009.

I have never been searched on the TC side, but have seen them searching others. I have been frequently searched on the GC side.



ctd.

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 19:53

There has always been a ban on alcohol from South to North & I'm sure, vice versa.

This was true before the borders opened late 2003. Prior to that you could go & shop on the Dhekelia base supermarket. I went over a couple of times & was told that if they found GC booze when you returned to TRNC then it would be confiscated.

It would be better if they made the rules abundantly clear by having a detailed list of do & don'ts on display, however this is not, unfortunately, the TC way. eg. Immigration office re. Residency. No official written guidelines. So they can continue making it up as they go along & there's not a thing you can do about it.

Bertie


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 155

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 20:05

Thank you msge 53 it is legal just wouldnt want it impounded in the south for some other reason

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
15/12/2009 20:40

I went South today, first time since May, and had a quick look at prices in the supermarket and lots of things are more expensive than here. It really isn't worth the effort of going and the only thing I bought was some smoked salmon because it is fresh and not frozen and I have only seen frozen here. The only reason we went today was for my hubby to get some clothes as he is 6'5 with size 12 feet and simply cannot get clothes this side. The price of clothes in Debenhams etc is astronomical, e.g. 60 Euros for a cotton shirt which would probably be £35 in the UK.

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 07:27

Yorgozlu - the best way of getting quantities of fags into UK years ago was on the Sat CTA flight to Heathrow. It landed just after Air Jamaica and the customs were entirely engaged in dismantling all the Jamaicans' luggage. They never paid the slightest attention to CTA passengers who were referred to by customs as 'the crumblies'! Happy Days!

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 09:37

you move to the TRNC cos the property prices are cheap - then the day to day reality hits you......

magicart


Joined: 05/10/2008
Posts: 985

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 08:16

Crossed over yesterday at Metehan-on our return-every car was being stopped and checked.



Cheers,



Art

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 08:56

next byram lets all go out and buy up all the lamb so they cant enjoy thier celebrations

Teresa


Joined: 21/11/2007
Posts: 1018

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 09:06

Can anyone tell me the difference between having excess stuff confiscated by the TC customs and having the same done by UK customs?????? Rules are rules and yes we all break them from time to time but we all know that when crossing over what we are allowed to bring back.

I am not taking the moral high ground here i just get a bit fed up of hearing the same moans all the time.

I have been stopped and searched so many times going back to UK because they know where you have travelled from and chances are you have stuff you should not have.

Arek Naw


Joined: 29/08/2008
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 09:16

Teresa, surely the point is that we DON'T know what we can bring. Yesterday, in the cabin where the customs stash their booty, I saw brocolli, cauliflower and Christmas decorations. Are these now contraband? What can we buy?

MickSturbs


Joined: 23/12/2009
Posts: 110

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 10:21

Came back from south yesterday and every other car was being checked but not thoroughly, we smiled and we were not checked, that might be the answer, brighten up the day with a smile!

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 10:27

We, for instance, like parsnips. Apart from frozen ones in Bells Food, where can you find them, or even Brocolli and Brussell Sprouts?



The pettiness of the (unknown) restrictions in this 'border system' is pathetic, and when one hears of the type of articles confiscated, it's plain to see that, when all said and done, it is pure and simple 'legalised theft'.



The South is equally as bad as the North - it's pathetic, and they should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.



Regrettably, and obviously for all to see, 'Shame' isn't a word that features in their conscience, or dictionary.

jerryj


Joined: 25/10/2009
Posts: 56

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 16:31

Happens every christmas season, with dreamed up excuses. The only excuse for it is that the customes officers fridges and freezer must be empty, or they are having a party.

Yet another 'nail in the coffine' for the North unfortunately.

measey


Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 1037

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 18:48

yorgozula. some good points made there cannot understand why some people dont seem to grasp it.

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 18:58

If goods are going to be confiscated why not trash them first????????????



That way they are no use to anyone

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 19:41

Tenakatou: fresh parsnips are avilable at Illeli in Alsancak. Brussel sprouts and brocolli are widely available here.

Secrectcove


Joined: 06/12/2009
Posts: 59

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 19:53

no problem at pile 2500 quids wirth of stuff from Ikea today !!

teresase


Joined: 16/11/2008
Posts: 369

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 23:04

what about amplifiyers and a guitar, will they allow that??

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 00:16

Secretcove,

I would keep your 2,500 boasts quite if you have any sense,

Paul.

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 00:50

Mess 59,

Nik, I moved here because I love this side of the Island, I love the fact that i can see the sea and the mountains from my windows. When I go south, I don't have the same view. Nothing to do with the price of property.!!!!!!!!

I love the feeling of living in a village atmosphere, which is similar to where I grew up in. My family are safe,

there's a little old lady that walks the village, I often give her a lift, she doesn't speak any English, my Turkish is limited, but hey ho, we manage to communicate.

Please tell me Nik, where else could I possibly find the same?

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 01:00

i hit the send button too quick, you can keep your euros, if I had my way, I'd like to keep the north as it is,

unspoilt, I like the life here, we are who we are, doesn't matter if we don't wear designer clothes, jewellery, etc.,

i would just like to help the poor families.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 01:28

Flowerfairy,

Unspoilt yes but please let us clear up after our selves,

Paul.

kathy88


Joined: 01/12/2009
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 01:30

hi lived here for 22 years and neaver ever had a prob ! at the boader ? may be if you smile and drop the i rule !!! you might not have a prob ?????????

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 01:33

I think that ourselves should be one word do you.Tonight we are loooking through the round window,

Paul.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 01:37

Tats loooking with 3 ooos innit,

Paul.

sporty


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 685

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 02:20

was searched once through the border at Famagusta,going south after a few days in the north,the lady from the south went through all my stuff,suitcases the lot! I offered her a pair of my boxers cos i was that pissed off about it!Since then i've made it a policy not to spend a euro in the south,i dont buy fuel,a bottle of water or an overpriced coffee at larnaca airport, nothing.I dont break the rules via the crossings,but why should i have all my stuff searched through because they have a problem with the TCs.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 02:34

newlad, message 72 - and they wonder why cars are searched?

flowerfairy


Joined: 17/09/2008
Posts: 1277

Message Posted:
24/12/2009 02:52

I think mess. 70 was slightly taking the p'''''''', no wonder theyre hammering us at the border.

A few bargains yes.........but that takes the biscuit.