WHILE THE majority of Greek Cypriots crossing to the north in cars endure up to 12 hours, those on foot are subject to a lot less delay.
Waiting time to cross on foot can range from one to four hours although one group yesterday said they had waited all night just to be sure of getting in.
Turkish Cypriots are not being allowed to take their cars into the south so the government has provided free buses to take them to all major towns.
Government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said yesterday the buses run every hour from the checkpoint and connections to various villages have also been laid on.
Greek Cypriots who cross to the north on foot have to make their own way around. There have been reports of Turkish Cypriots hiking up rates and prices because of the influx of the more ‘affluent’ Greek Cypriots. Turkish Cypriot taxis, which can be picked up from the checkpoint, don’t have meters and the bus service in the north is infrequent. Most people are advised to strike a deal with cab drivers before moving outside of occupied Nicosia.
Those who cross without their vehicle can expect to pay around £27 for a return taxi to Kyrenia, £60 to Apostolos Andreas and around £100 for an full-day’s sightseeing in various places.
There are also service taxis, which operate like mini-buses, and a normal bus service between towns, which cost around £2 return to Kyrenia, but according to reports the buses are infrequent and people must make their way to the depots. The service stops around 5pm. Car rental costs around £25 a day. Most petrol stations are open from 7am and close at around 8pm while a few operate on a 24-hour basis. Shops are open between 8am and 1pm and 3.30pm to 8pm, except the markets, which are open only in the mornings.
Restaurant prices, according to several people who dined in Kyrenia, are not much different than those in the tourist areas of the south.
One group paid £31 for five kebabs, three large beers and two soft drinks at the harbour while two colleagues paid £20 for fish and three beers. Off the beaten track however, it was still possible to buy three Turkish coffees and two Nescafes for £2.
