Cost of living in Cyprus – Part 1

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So, I’ve done my first shopping’s here in Cyprus and would like to make a small conclusion. Actually it’s not so hard till now… most of the things are more expensive then I thought.

Following a small list (which I still can remember):

  • Carton of cigarettes L&M Red = 27,25 Euro (cheaper, especially because here are 20 per package)
  • Fa Deo Spray = 3,25 Euro
  • Dixan 3 Liter Gel (washing gel) = 10,93 Euro
  • Fanta 6x500ml = 4,95 Euro
  • Sprite 1,5 Liter= 1,52 Euro
  • 4 Pizza Special = 4,75 Euro (Frozen pizza, approx. 15cm dimeter)
  • Xam Lampriani 300 Gramm = 3,12 Euro (ham)
  • Toast bread 500Gramm = 1,70 Euro (bought on a kiosk)
  • Emmentaler “Toastbrotkäse” (cheese) (the square slices) = 1,69 Euro
  • Can of peaches (800ml or how much it is) = 1,01 Euro

Today at the backery:

  • Sprite 6x500ML = 5,38 Euro (approx. 1,79 Euro per liter)
  • Margarine 500g = 2,93 Euro
  • Toast bread (American) = 1,75 Euro

So and now from a bit bigger supermarket (Plus):

  • Fanta 24x330ml (can) = 9,91 Euro (Stk. 0,41 Euro / per liter: ca. 1,24 Euro)
  • Palmolive 250ml (shower gel) = 1,45 Euro
  • Air freshener (this gel stuff in a plastic box) 3x = 1,71 Euro
  • Toilet “fresher” (liquid) 3x = 2,39 Euro
  • Ham 500g = 2,99 Euro
  • Edamer cheese 24%, 500g = 2,45 Euro
  • this ear sticks 4x 200g (á 200 Stk.) = 1,71 Euro
  • Can fruit cocktail 830ml = 1,33 Euro
  • Kit Kat Chunky Mini 243g = 2,00 Euro

I’ve bought that now either on a kiosk or in a small supermarket. So still a bit more expensive then in a big supermarket. If I should come in one, then I’ll continue this list (if I’ll remember it).

To taxi in Cyprus

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So, now I have my first interesting evening. I’ve met Rainer today. A nice German emigrant who came 2 weeks ago to Cyprus. He picked me up with a taxi.

I need to lie now, but I think we payed around 12 Euro from my home to our target. I can’t really guess how far it was… around 4-5km.

After a nice evening in the beach bar we wanted to go back. Rainer known already a trick. He asked the waitress to order us a taxi. But she said that they order only a taxi if the destination is outside of Limassol and we just can call one on the street. Ok, no problem. We went to the roadside and a second later there was one passing by… which we stopped… and got in in the middle of the street … that is all possible in Cyprus.

First we dropped Rainer at home. What good… I could never ever explain the driver where I am living :)

After a few minutes driving through the city we arrived at Rainer’s flat. The taximeter was showing 6 Euro something. I also need to say that the taximeter wasn’t visible. It was hidden behind a shutter.
Rainer explained the driver the way to my home and left.
I had a strange feeling with this taximeter already – and I had just 20 Euro with me – I’ve asked the driver if he can open the taximeter. The answer was pretty much like “NO, then the he had to stop and the drive would be over.” … What?

Then we was on my roundabout and what is he doing? Is taking the wrong exit, back in direction to the beach… wrong way lovely taxi driver! “Are you sure?” … “Yes, I am sure!!!” … “Oh, sorry.”
He turned around. … Good that I know at least the approx direction to my home and good that it was at least already the right roundabout!
So he turned around and drove in the right direction. 2 times left and we was there.

I was curious to see the taximeter. 11,21 Euro… ok, that is fair. I gave the guy 20 Euro and was digging in my pocket for 2 Euro tip. … The money disappears in his pocket … and nothing. ?? Hello!? … So I tried with the hint “and 10 Euro back…” to ask for my change. And he said “Why? 8 Euro for your Friend and 12 for you!” … ??? … aha. That would explain why he can’t open the shutter of the taximeter… because it resets to 0. But 20 Euro for a drive which makes another for 12? And I idiot give him also tip.

So my tip: Never use a taxi where the taximeter is not open visible!
And another one: Always have a look that the taximeter is on 0 (Kai had this experience already.)

An individual case? I don’t think so. If you had the same experience already, then write me in the comments.
But I am at least smarter next time.

But the best is an own car… if you can handle driving here. ;)

Limassol (greek: Λεμεσός, Lemesós / turkish: Leymosun; Limisso, Limasol)

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Limassol… my new home.

The city is located on the south coast of Cyprus and is, with a population of approx. 210.000 (Dec. 2004), the second biggest city on the island.