Cyprus, an island of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant Mediterranean culture, is a favorite destination for travelers. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Nicosia, relaxing in Ayia Napa, or hiking in the Troodos Mountains, understanding how to access cash is important. While Cyprus is highly cashless, with cards widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, cash is still useful in local markets and small businesses. This guide provides essential details on cash and ATMs in Cyprus, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and convenient visit.
Where to find ATMs in Cyprus?
You can find ATMs in:
- Urban Areas: ATMs are widely available in major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta. They can be found at bank branches, shopping malls, and commercial districts. Major banks such as Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank, and Alpha Bank operate ATMs across the country.
- Tourist Spots: Popular areas like Ayia Napa, Protaras, and the Troodos Mountains have ATMs near hotels, beach resorts, and tourist centers.
- Rural Areas: ATMs are less frequent in smaller villages and remote areas, so it’s advisable to withdraw cash before traveling to less-developed regions.
Best ATMs to use in Cyprus for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Cyprus are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Bank of Cyprus,
- CDB Bank,
- Hellenic Bank,
- Astro Bank, and
- Alpha Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Cyprus.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Cyprus, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in EUR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate. Now if you ‘Accept’, you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Cyprus?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs here. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept JCB cards. Others like American Express, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs operate 24/7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Cyprus are usually found by a signage of words ‘ATM’ or are widely used or signage has bank name without the words ‘ATM’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Cyprus typically offer Greek, Turkish and English as the primary languages. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful; however, proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Cyprus?
ATMs in Cyprus dispense cash only in the local currency, Euro (EUR).
ATM withdrawal limits in Cyprus?
ATMs in Cyprus have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of EUR 700 to EUR 2,000 per transaction. ATMs typically do not limit the number of transactions per day and they do not impose daily withdrawal limits for foreign card holders.
ATM Fees in Cyprus
There are many fee-free ATMs in Cyprus. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Cyprus do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Cyprus as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Cyprus. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Cyprus
- Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Cyprus?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Cyprus.
Safety at ATMs
Cyprus is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are widely available in urban areas. However, instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, have been reported, particularly in crowded tourist areas and public transportation hubs. It’s advisable to use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash after withdrawals. Regularly monitoring your bank statements can help detect any unauthorized transactions promptly.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Cyprus?
Yes, its possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Cyprus. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Cyprus do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Cyprus as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Cyprus.
Bitcoin ATMs
Cyprus has some Bitcoin ATMs, primarily located in major cities Nicosia (at least 2 bitcoin ATMs) and Larnaca (at least 1 bitcoin ATM).
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Cyprus
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No Citibank ATMs.
Barclays: No Barclays ATMs.
HSBC: There are no HSBC ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No Standard Chartered ATMs here.
