How to Pay in Cyprus: Cards, Cash, Revolut, and Tips – A Practical Guide

Planning a vacation in Cyprus or moving to the island? One of the most frequently asked questions is how to best pay for everyday purchases, whether cards are accepted everywhere, and how much cash you should carry. We explain the most important rules for payments in Cyprus.

The official currency is the euro

The official currency in the Republic of Cyprus is the euro (EUR). You can use it in all shops, restaurants, hotels, government offices, and service outlets.

In the occupied north, the official currency remains the Turkish lira, but euros are also accepted in many places.

Can I pay by card in Cyprus?

Yes. Cyprus is one of the countries where cashless payments are common.

You can pay by card or phone in virtually all supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, shopping centers, gas stations and most shops.

Visa and Mastercard are primarily accepted, and contactless terminals are now standard.

Importantly, regulations require businesses to allow customers to pay by card. Failure to provide a payment terminal for businesses subject to this requirement may result in an administrative fine.

When will cash come in handy?

Even though you can pay with your card almost anywhere, it is worth having a small amount of cash on you.

This is primarily needed when using public transport. On buses, tickets are purchased directly from the driver and must be paid in cash.

Cash can also be useful when shopping at local markets, small kiosks or during some local festivals.

For everyday use, 20–50 euros in your wallet is enough.

Does Revolut work in Cyprus?

Yes. Revolut works in Cyprus without any restrictions and is one of the most popular payment methods among tourists and residents of the island.

You can use your Revolut card to pay in shops, restaurants and hotels, use Apple Pay and Google Pay, and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Thanks to its favourable exchange rates, many people choose Revolut when travelling to Cyprus.

ATMs are easily accessible

ATMs are located in all cities and popular tourist destinations.

Before making a withdrawal, it's worth checking whether the ATM operator charges any additional fees. Regardless, the card-issuing bank or Revolut may also charge fees if the free limits are exceeded.

If the ATM prompts you to withdraw or convert to Polish złoty, it's best to choose euros. This allows you to avoid the unfavorable exchange rate offered by the ATM operator.

How to check the euro exchange rate?

You can check the current euro exchange rate in your bank's app, Revolut, the National Bank of Poland, or the European Central Bank. You can also find current exchange rates here here.

If you plan to exchange money before your trip, it is worth comparing rates at several exchange offices.

What are tipping like in Cyprus?

In most restaurants the menu states that the service charge is already included in the price.

This doesn't mean, however, that waiters don't expect an extra tip. If the service was excellent, leaving a few euros or rounding up the bill is a welcome gesture.

A similar custom also applies to hotels and taxis, although tipping is not obligatory.

Can I pay by phone?

Yes. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay, and mobile payments offered by most Polish banks work without any problems in Cyprus.

This means that in many places your wallet can be left at the hotel.

Summary

Cyprus is a country very friendly to cashless payments. You can pay by card or phone almost everywhere, and businesses required to accept electronic payments must have a payment terminal. Nevertheless, it's worth carrying a small amount of cash – especially for bus rides and small expenses. When using cards or Revolut, always choose euros to avoid unfavorable currency conversions.