Cyprus Car Hire – What you should be aware!
When visiting the beautiful island of Cyprus, consider renting a car from Larnaca, as its location makes it a flexible way to explore vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and historic sites. However, before you hit the road, you should know a few essential things to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This article provides 20 crucial tips and insights for renting a car in Cyprus.
Legal requirements & what is mandatory to rent a car in Cyprus
1. Driving License: If you're visiting Cyprus from another country, remember that the driver must present a valid driving license, passport, or identity card. An International driving license is required if the original driving license is printed in non-Roman Alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic etc). All European citizens may drive using their country's driving license.
2. Age Restrictions: Most car rental agencies in Cyprus require drivers to be at least 25 years old. However, agencies may accept younger drivers at lower ages, between 21-24 years, considering they have three years of driving experience. Remember that additional surcharges might occur for drivers under 25 or over 75, so checking the terms and conditions is important.
3. Drinking and Driving: The legal blood alcohol limit in Cyprus is 0.05%, so it's important to refrain from drinking and driving.
4. Seat Belts: Ensure all passengers wear seat belts at all times. It's both a legal requirement and essential for safety.
5. Child Safety Seats: If you're travelling with children, request child safety seats from the rental agency in advance, as they may have limited availability.
6. Road Rules: Familiarize yourself with Cyprus's local road rules and regulations. The country follows right-hand driving, and speed limits are measured in kilometers per hour (km/h).
7. Mobile Phone Usage: Using a mobile phone while driving in Cyprus is illegal unless you have a hands-free system.
What you should know regarding your car rental agreement in Cyprus?
8. Booking in Advance: To secure the best rates, it's recommended to book in advance your car rental from Larnaca Airport (the most popular choice), which will be ideal if it's your landing city. Larnaca has the main international Airport in Cyprus, which serves most airlines. By selecting the airport as a pick-up location, you will save money on the transfers to and from your accommodation, especially if Larnaca is not your residing city. Local car rental companies in Larnaca have lower prices compared to international firms. Car hire demand is very high during the tourist peak seasons, usually during May-October.
9. Rental Insurance: Review your rental insurance options carefully. While basic insurance is usually included with a hold of a security deposit, consider additional coverage for peace of mind, such as collision damage waiver (CDW), Tyres & Windscreen (TW), or super collision damage waiver (SCDW) protection.
10. Rental Agreement: Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your rental agreement before signing. Pay attention to additional fees, km limits (if it exists), and return policies.
11. Vehicle Inspection: Inspect the rental vehicle thoroughly before driving off for any existing damages. Take photos or videos to document the condition to avoid misunderstandings upon return.
12. Off-Road Driving: Avoid driving off-road, as it will violate your rental agreement due to insurance constraints and potentially cause damage to the vehicle.
13. Crossing the border to North Cyprus: Cross-border traveling with a rental car is not allowed by most car rental companies in Cyprus. By crossing the borders, car rental insurance is cancelled automatically as it does not cover the North side of Cyprus. Hence if anything happens to the car or the passengers, the driver has 100% responsibility for the damages. Even though they sell third-party insurance at the borders, this insurance does not cover you or the car in case of an accident. It covers only the third party involved. Also, if you need simple car assistance such as fixing a flat tire or battery fault, the road truck assistance will not be able to cross the border to assist you.
What other matters you should be aware when Driving a Rental Car in Cyprus?
14. Parking: Look for designated parking areas or public parking lots when visiting popular tourist attractions or city centers. Avoid parking in no-parking zones to prevent any fines or towing. In addition, they prefer to park in private parking spaces for the car's security, and prices can be from €2 - €10 per day, depending on the merchant. Many hotels may provide free parking space upon request.
15. Fuel Stations: Familiarize yourself with the locations of fuel stations, especially if you plan on exploring remote areas of the island. Generally, fuel stations in Cyprus are serviced, meaning an attendant will pump the gas for you. Even if not, fuel stations operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, with an automatic payment system, and can be fully self-serviced.
16. Road Conditions: Cyprus has a well-maintained road network, but some rural areas may have narrower roads or uneven surfaces. Drive with caution and be aware of any potential hazards. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including the local police, ambulance, and your car rental agency, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
17. Tolls Fees: There are no highway toll fees in Cyprus.
18. Traffic Violations & Cameras: Obey traffic rules and speed limits to avoid traffic violations. Violations can result in fines or penalties, and some rental agencies may charge an administration fee for handling any violations incurred during your rental period. As of the date of this article, there are traffic cameras on Nicosia & Limassol main roads that are reporting traffic light violations & imposing fines. There are also mobile cameras situated on various roads across the island, which may report other violations, including speeding.
19. Other form of transportation: No trains/trams are available, only bus routes which are not 24/7 so driving a car in Cyprus is the most popular form of transport.
20. Navigation: Ensure you have a reliable GPS or a smartphone with a navigation app to help you navigate Cyprus's roads effectively.
Renting a Car from Larnaca Airport can be beneficial for many reasons
Renting a car in Cyprus opens up a world of exploration and autonomy, allowing you to discover the island's hidden gems at your own pace. Following these 20 essential tips will prepare you for an unforgettable trip while ensuring a hassle-free car rental experience in Cyprus.
How do I choose the best car rental company in Larnaca, Cyprus?
Finding a trustworthy and honest car rental company can be a headache sometimes. However, in a previous blog post, we have done the work for you with everything you need to know and how to look for a car rental in Larnaca in 2024! The blog post also included how to maximize your stay in Cyprus timewise and moneywise, what to look for, how to get the best car hire deal, and many more.
Enjoy your adventure, and drive safely!
Disclaimer: Everything written in this article is for general information purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find in this article, is strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of this information.
