Travelling to North and South Cyprus

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
30/12/2010 19:40

Hi to everyone and seasons greetings.



I am going travelling next year in a rather large van. I plan to visit friends in both Northern and Southern Cyprus. I will have all my worldly possessions in the back (As I have no intention of returning to the UK and may even decide to settle in one or the other of the states) which will include my motorbike, musical instruments, fish tanks and the rest of my 'boys toys.'



Now, it has been bought to my attention that landing at Kyrenia, crossing to the South or visa versa could cause me a certain amount of stress? If anyone could ease my mind or otherwise regarding the latter, I would be most appreciative.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
30/12/2010 19:49

Hi "EricCrapton"! Not very smart to give an email address in your profile that is still available for anyone who wants it... Bye!

http://www.emailfinder.com/EFC.aspx?_email=ericcrapton%40manx.net&_act=Step3&sou=6&cam=60&Submit.x=64&Submit.y=12&Submit=Search

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
30/12/2010 20:01

And only seconds after my post "new member ericcrapton" went off line and is gone.

P.S. In the past days I for one have become very careful with "new members". I don't know whether it is orchestrated or not, but in my opinion too many new entries are at least suspicious or in my opinion just pure fake.

Anyone else with ideas about this phenomenon?

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
30/12/2010 20:03

Another numpty?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
30/12/2010 20:07

RE msg 4: I had to look up "numpty" but I think you're right...

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
30/12/2010 22:44

Erm, I'm confused.com!!!



I've been online ever since I registered (At least five hours!) and reading various threads from start to finish! Why should I not have left an email address?



Oh, and I checked out the link posted by DutchCrusader. Whoever decided to pay dosh for the 'available' email name would be most disappointed!



P.S. If the forum software was not so 'numpty' and sent email notification when replies were made to a post I'd have replied earlier!

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
30/12/2010 22:45

Even more confused!



About half an hour ago I posted my first reply and it's still not showing!



Now I am logging off, for the first time since I registered earlier in the day.

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 07:59

Message 1: yes, you will definitely have a problem crossing from one side to the other with a large van full of gear - I can guarantee this absolutely! Your best bet is to arrive on the island and find somewhere to stow your stuff before crossing the border. No problem in taking over stuff for day to day living but a motorcycle, for instance, is going to cause a severe delay at the Greek side I suspect! The customs on the border (both sides) are extremely twitchy about the unknown and, at the very least, you would be severely delayed.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 08:28

How very welcoming Hans!

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 15:23

Hi nostramaus, it makes a change not be called a 'numpty' and thankyou very much for your input.



Apart from not wanting to stow my stuff anywhere, I would not trust anyone/company or whatever with any of my precious belongings. My musical instruments and associated equipment not only cost me a small fortune but have been with me a long time and I'm more attached to them than anything else in my life (Oh dear, that sounds a bit sad but it's true!)



The border guards can delay me as long as they like as long as it's still all mine after they've finished and as long as it doesn't cost me a small fortune in bribes or whatever!

kezspot


Joined: 26/11/2007
Posts: 443

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 15:42

You can go from south to north, and get a slip from the police booth stating what musical instruments are in your car, so on your return you show that slip, to prove you haven't bought the items in the trnc.

apc2010


Joined: 28/07/2010
Posts: 1689

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 15:46

Will there be fish in the fish tanks ....that could be a problem ..........

me-style


Joined: 03/08/2010
Posts: 150

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 15:51

EricClapton, better to stay where you are with all your worries, besides that there is not any bribes here generally.



Aside of that we already are fully equipped with Brits crying and complaining



Happy New Year to you and same your money and you stay where you know everything.

numpty


Joined: 20/05/2009
Posts: 554

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 15:57

msg 4 ans 5

i don't understand what you are getting at, why am i a suspicious.

numpty


Joined: 20/05/2009
Posts: 554

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 16:04

msg 4 and 5 continued.

i have been a member for over 1 year. i have wrote post, and bought and sold things, just get a life and leave people alone, that have not harmed you in anyway

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 16:24

RE msg 15, numpty: Calm down, please. I'm sure "numpty" in post 4 wasn't meant for you. And post 5: I really had never heard the word numpty - I had to google it. That's all, no reason to get so upset.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 17:17

kespot: Thank you, that’s good to know and has given me an Idea I will produce a list that itemises what is in each container/suitcase/box etc and also write the contents on each box.



apc2010: Forgive me but your message bought a smile to my face. I only wish I could take my fish with me but it would not be practical as my main tank is 6FT (1.8M) long and weighs more than 100 Kilos empty! And I've already sold my fish (Cichlids, some more than 20Cm long!)



me-style: It's EricCrapton and not EricClapton. I will keep with my good nature and refrain from commenting on the rest of your post apart from also wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year XX ;-)



numpty: Another smile breaks my lips. I believe the joke (Which it was to me) may have been lost in your translation. And I have to nod gently at DutchCrusader's advice.



And lastly I would like to wish everybody else on these forums a very happy and prosperous New Year and look for ward to more replies, positive or not.

Rosie64


Joined: 13/11/2010
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 20:23

ooooo.... eric.... same old .....same old craptron...panto season ends soon

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
31/12/2010 23:58

'ooooo.... eric.... same old .....same old craptron...panto season ends soon'



'same old .....same old craptron' Do we know each other?



'craptron' Is that supercharged or a simple slip of the finger?



'panto season ends soon' Oh no it doesn't.



A rose is not just but a rose

But a thing of great beauty

A bouquet to be digested whole

But doing so beware the pain

A violent piercing of the heart

Rosie64


Joined: 13/11/2010
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
01/01/2011 02:31

Ask a serious question and you might get a serious answer.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
01/01/2011 14:29

I thought I had! :-(

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
02/01/2011 11:36

Gidday EricCrapton! Hope it's a good one for ya's! It seems that a lot of these irritable posters may be suffering, judging from their uncharitable replies to you, from the effects of 'the morning after the night before' - best ignore them - there are plenty of 'good guys' on CY44!



As one [Kiwi] who did a 'campervan' trip from UK to Cyprus, I can tell you that it's now a lot easier than when we did ours 25 years ago. I'm sure you've done your own research as to what to expect, because now there's access to Internet forums, etc., so it's not such a trip into the 'great unknown'. I don't know what route you plan to take, but can tell you [cos I did a lot of subsequent motorbike touring] to watch out in Italy, Albania, Serbia and Greece [Piraeus (ferry) Port]. It's when you leave EU territory, you can strike problems with Customs and the associated corruption that goes with it and police checkpoints - for example, Romania and Bulgaria.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
02/01/2011 11:38

Cont'd:



If you want to sample some of the best looking 'budget priced pussy' on this planet, deviate [excuse the pun!] into Moldova - you won't be disappointed, I assure you!

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
02/01/2011 11:43

Cont'd:



If you want to sample some of the best looking 'budget priced pussy' on this planet, deviate [excuse the pun!] into Moldova - you won't be disappointed, I assure you!



As far as any border officials are concerned, I guess you'll find that some are OK, some xenophobic f"(kwits - just as we did - nothing changes!



Have a goodo trip, and post here again if in need of any specific advice - I'm sure there are plenty of members who will be only to glad to help, or at least post their own experiences.



HAVE AN EXTRA HAPPY NEW YEAR!

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
02/01/2011 23:50

Tenakoutou: I can't thank you enough for restoring my faith, well partially, in this forum! I say partically because my best friend who has a property in Northern Cyprus told me to give this forum a try. But he told me to tread carefully precisely because of the point highlighted in your first post. He is a wonderfull person but highly sensitive and is no longer a member! Fortunately I'm totally the opposite. And as they say 'sticks and stones.'



As for the route I've planned I don't see how I can aviod Romania and Bulgaria as my intention is to travel along the Black Sea coast to Istanbul. I have of course researched all the countries I will be travelling through. And I have all information in a folder on my laptop.



I plan to arrive at Kyrenia around the end of September and will be staying at my friends place near Kyrenia for around two weeks. If I happen to make friends on here between now and then, I'd be most pleased to buy them all a drink as a thank you for their help.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
02/01/2011 23:51

P.S. And a happy and prosperous Nwe Year to you as well sir.

me-style


Joined: 03/08/2010
Posts: 150

Message Posted:
03/01/2011 01:20

Eric Crapton, thank you for your best wishes, the best New Year recommendation is to stay where you are, save your money. We are already fully equipped with Brits that see a problem in everything.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
03/01/2011 09:42

EricCrapton: You never mentioned how long you plan to stay in TRNC. Border control used to give EU citizens 90 days, but recently it seems this has been reduced to 30 days, which is most inconvenient for those 'swallows' who have houses here and generally like to spend 2-3 months at a time. This government seems to be doing everything to discourage tourism and inward investment. Don't expect to find legalised work here - it's not like the South [Greek Cyp.], who are in the EU and you can, if you're lucky enough to find a job, work legally. The fines in TRNC are horrendous for either overstaying one's visa, or being caught working illegally. This government announced recently that they are no longer granting foreigners [who have never had several previously] work permits.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
03/01/2011 12:02

'Eric Crapton, thank you for your best wishes, the best New Year recommendation is to stay where you are, save your money. We are already fully equipped with Brits that see a problem in everything.'



I don't wish to be rude but it would seem you have a problem with the english language because I cannot for the life of me see where I complain or see a problem!



Tenakoutou: I did in post 25 last paragraph: 'will be staying at my friends place near Kyrenia for around two weeks.' My Godson lives in Pahfos which will be where I will be staying in the South, which is where I intend to settle.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
03/01/2011 20:52

Nick just ignore them... they will wander off eventually.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 03:24

Good advice Groucho and I'm listening, honest but alas I like to laugh

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 13:07

Whoops - sorry - missed that bit about you only staying a fortnight!



I know you want to include Turkey on your itinerary, but it would pay to find out from the *Greek Cypriot Embassy/High Commission in London, whether, or not, the RoC will allow your [presumeably UK regd. vehicle] into their territory if you enter any TRNC port. This is important, as they can be most difficult and obtrusive, and you really need a letter from *them in order to avoid any unexpected expense, hassle, or disappointment.



I hope you enjoy Paphos - I lived [on & off] in an outlying village for 25 years before shifting to TRNC six years ago!

MaB76


Joined: 29/12/2010
Posts: 69

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 14:12

Have you considered getting to the south 1st, make a base & travel from there with less of a load?



I arrived here 18months ago in a converted mini bus fully loaded & with a pet on board. The main problems we had were in Turkey, in Cesme port they didn't have a clue about the insurance of the bus, so we ended up paying more for 1 month than our friends did for 3months on a Ferrari! We then drove down to Tasucu, again they didn't have a clue what they were doing, but didn't care what was in the bus - when they opened the doors to do a search and were faced with boxes, sleeping bags & various camping equip they moved us on & weren't too bothered with the fact we had no log book for the bus!! There was no probs at all once we arrived in Kyrenia.

I do know of some people that have had problems with things like old video recorders, once the 'item' is on your passport you could have problems whenever you leave North Cyprus or travel to Turkey.

MaB76


Joined: 29/12/2010
Posts: 69

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 14:59

Personally, i wouldn't fancy my chances on the border to the south, but as i found out on my 8 day adventure getting here, the things i thought would be a problem weren't & vise versa



Good Luck



PS. If you plan on sleeping in your vehicle en-route, be very carefull & picky where you park up!!

PPS. It may be worth you looking on a camper/motor home forum as there were a few travelling this way at the same time as us & were planning to travel round the whole of Cyprus

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 15:23

Tenakoutou: Thank you again, most useful information. I've already been on the foreign office website which directed me to the British Embassies of the non E.U. countries I will be travelling through. The information provided is extensive and covered every concievable situation. It confirmed I do not need visas etc etc to travel through Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. All stressed the importance of having legal documents at hand and to ensure my UK registered Van and travel insurance etc covered all the countries I will be traversing. And when I get to London in April I will be visiting all three Embassies to check on the latest travel needs.



kespot already mentioned having a list of all my possessions on board and I will be labelling every container with their contents. Also I will produce a list of every major item in the back of the van which should make things more straight forward when crossing borders.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 15:42

MaB76: And thank you for youe two posts.



I started planning this trip nearly a year ago and I considered all aspects, i.e. Using a container shipped direct to the South and travelling in a comfortable car. But I nearly fell off my perch when I got the price for the container alone which was almost six thousand UK pounds! (It's the price one pays for living on an Island in the middle of the North Sea!) As far as Vehicle insurance, I have arranged a ninety day cover for travel in Europe. My insurer (The AA) say they will provide specific cover for the non EU countries I will travel through.



Your advice to look for camper/motor home forum is a good one and will get onto it now. My trip is going to be in two stages as I intend to take around three weeks touring Northern Europe and stopping for a few months in Hungary visiting relatives. The next stage will also take a further three weeks as there are some fantastic places of interest on the way.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 15:49

P.S. My van is fitted with a fantastic security system, including alarm, immobilliser. I'm also looking into some sort of personal security but have to make sure it will be legal in every country.

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 19:19

Forget the RoC. TRNC is much better fror many reasons.

Incidentally when did they move IoM from the Irish sea to the North sea ?

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 19:43

If one wants to be precise the west of the Island faces the Irish Sea and the East faces the North Sea!

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 19:53

Breezy: Forgot to ask what the many reasons are in favour of TRNC. I know it's cheaper living in the North but I have family in the South.

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 19:57

When you arrive in September..lets go for a beer....(Eric Crapton)

apc2010


Joined: 28/07/2010
Posts: 1689

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 19:57

i think breezy means the need to apply for residency ....or the power cuts or legal system ......think it was tongue in cheek ..

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 20:29

jock: I would love to buy you and anyone else who cares to meet up while i'm in the north. My best friends place is in Arapkoy. I 'm really looking forward to spending time in the North and will be back and forth when my friend goes to stay at his place. He goes over at least three time a year and he's usually there for a month ata time. He say's the beaches are far better compared to the South.



apc2010: Ok but I presume you mean those things apply to the South?

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 20:42

Tamam......

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 20:47

Oh, and I'd like to add that I have just purchased a high-end laptop which I will be using to keep in touch with everyone during my journey. I will be putting updates of my progress on here and a few other sites on the internet which will include Facebook where I can post pictures as well, just to make all my friends jealous.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
04/01/2011 20:52

jock: Bir ,sey de-gil

Snaefell



Joined: 07/06/2009
Posts: 266

Message Posted:
06/01/2011 20:51

The Isle of Man is surrounded by the Irish Sea. The North Sea is on the other side of England! I know this for a fact as I live in the Isle of Man!

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
07/01/2011 01:52

Snaefell: In that case I stand to be correected and bow to your superior knowledge. If it's not being too nosey whats your connection with North Cyprus?

Snaefell



Joined: 07/06/2009
Posts: 266

Message Posted:
07/01/2011 17:40

We also have a villa in Tatlisu and spend time in both homes during the year.

nimda


Joined: 07/01/2011
Posts: 5

Message Posted:
09/01/2011 02:07

when do you start your adventure

birdman



Joined: 20/09/2010
Posts: 690

Message Posted:
09/01/2011 02:39

You will NOT be allowed to bring in your motor-cycle in the van as you are only allowed one vehicle per person on entry to both Turkey and TRNC. It's OK if you are travelling with a companion and the bike is in their name or, as I had t do, Go to a notary in Turkey and SELL my bike ( Harley Davidson Electraglide- Ultra) to my travelling companion before they would let me transit through Turkey to Northern Cyprus. In Cyprus, (North) you are only allowed to bring in one vehicle. In Turkey, I had to pay massive bribes to the customs before they would allow me to import my "worldly possessions" as I was moving to live out here. Otherwise I was told by them that would hold me up for at least three days. Bulgarian Customs also expect bribes and your "Green Card" counts for nothing there. I've done the trip twice in different Transit Vans and it's not a cheap trip! £1500 by the time you have paid for petrol/diesel and bribes, no hotels and three day journey. All my items were listed fotr ease

birdman



Joined: 20/09/2010
Posts: 690

Message Posted:
09/01/2011 03:06

I love doing the trip, even with all the hassle of officials expecting to be paid bribes for just doing their job. Even though you are in TRANSIT to TRNC you will be told to pay for such items as televisions, fax-machines, fridges, freezers, hoovers, computers, compressors, generators etc. etc. in Rumania, Bulgaria, and Turkey you MAY be asked to re-insure your vehicle to travel through "THEIR" country as they will NOT recognise your perfectly legal documents ! Some officials will be very helpful and will charm you as they tell you that your documents "are no good" in their country, but they will help you, if you can "see your way" to helping them to help you!!!!

You must have the log books for your vehicles and all relevant insurances for the main part of Europe.

Any NEW items tyou may be asked to pay duty on, even though only passing through the country, you may be told to claim the fees back as you pass through the opposite side of the country. Keep smiling and enjoy the trip

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
09/01/2011 18:42

Msg 50: I start out about the beggining of May. I stop in Hungary for the summer to visit relatives, most who I'll never meet again because they are very old/sick and leave sometime in September for the second leg of my journey.



Msg 51: Thank you, points taken in. Sad to hear your experience with your Harley. I'm going to live in the South and my bike will not be leaving the van until I get there. Even if it costs me twice that much to get to Cyprus, I'll be happy as the quote I got for a 20 foot container from the Isle of Man to Cyprus was nearly six grand! As for being held up for three days, I can live with that as I won't be in a hurry.



Msg 53: I'm really looking forward to my adventure and if it were possible to leave tomorrow, I'd be off like a rocket. Unfortunately I still have loads of things to sort/arrange before. I will ensure all my documents will be up-to-date and at hand for official inspections. I will have no furniture or new stuff in the van.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
09/01/2011 18:44

Oops! Msg 53 should have read Msg 52.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
09/01/2011 18:47

P.S. And I meant to add I will only be in Northeren Cyprus to visit a friend for a couple of weeks max.

birdman



Joined: 20/09/2010
Posts: 690

Message Posted:
09/01/2011 23:21

EricCrapton, You are missing my point. It is NOT PERMITTED to bring in two vehicles at the same time, even if one is in the back of a van ! I was made to sell my Harley to my travelling mate so that we each owned ONE VEHICLE. (As we entered TURKEY, and they knew I was travelling to live in the TRNC.) My bike would have been confiscated had I not have had a mate with me to sell it to in front of a notary!

If you can contact "yorgozlu " on this thread, he normally knows more about the laws of Turkey and the TRNC and should be able to help you. If you intend to live in the South of Cyprus then I suggest you travel there first and deposit your load prior to travelling to the North. It will save you a lot of hassle, believe me.

Pack your fishtank in thick polystyrene as even the main roads in Bulgaria, Rumania and parts of Turkey are littered with 12" (and more) deep potholes ! You will see many abandoned cars with wheels at off at the side of the roads as they have hit potholes speedily

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
10/01/2011 21:14

Tanks birdman. I'm already researching a revised route via Italy, Rhodes and ferry to Limassol.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
10/01/2011 21:15

I meant thanks of course not 'Tanks'

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
10/01/2011 21:30

Eric,

Please dont come over in a tank or you will raise a few eye brows,

Paul.

Denny


Joined: 09/12/2010
Posts: 261

Message Posted:
10/01/2011 21:41

Who'd notice one more tank in north Cyprus?

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
10/01/2011 22:51

Touche Denny,

Paul.

EricCrapton



Joined: 30/12/2010
Posts: 325

Message Posted:
11/01/2011 12:39