Household services

Electricity
The electricity supply in Cyprus is 220 volts. 3-pin plugs and sockets are widely used and today are the standard fitted in all new properties.

Electrical appliances imported from European countries will function normally with the exception of UK TVs and video players which will need to be converted to SECAM (signal output) at an approximate cost of 30–60 Cyprus pounds.

Getting an electrical supply in your name is simple and requires you to complete a form (click here to view sample). You will also need to take your purchase contract, identity card or passport and a meter reading. It will cost you 10 Cyprus pounds. Once all the relevant documents have been signed, all future bills will come directly to you. The Cyprus Electricity Authority (AHK) also offers payment by standing order. Just ask for a form from one of their offices.

Telephone and internet
There is a very efficient and high-tech telephone network offering a vast array of services. A standard household telephone line would cost you from 3-7 Cyprus pounds per month fixed charge.
Local calls are currently charged at 3,4 Eurocents/2 minutes. International calls to the UK are currently charged at 8,5 Eurocents per minute. Internet access starts at about 12 Euro per month, ISDN is about 30 Euro per month and Broadband (ADSL) connection is about 60 Euro per month.

Most European telephone equipment will work effectively with no need of conversion.

There are many mobile packages available. The basic option costs 6 Cyprus pounds per month and local calls cost 4 Eurocents per minute. International calls are charged on a per country rate.
Pay As You Go is also available at a cost of about 25 Euro for the SIM card which includes 5 Euro worth of calls.

Gas/diesel
Gas is not available via a national network and, as with diesel, if used in a domestic environment would be stored in a tank or cylinder at your premises. Gas is generally used for cooking and heating purposes. Diesel is used for home heating. As and when you need fuel, you simply order it and it will be delivered to your premises or piped to your tank/cylinder. Calor gas bottles are widely available from the supplier/supermarket/kiosk.

Refuse collection
Each village has a team of men which collect the refuse twice a week. They will dispose of most items for you. All refuse should be bagged and kept out of direct sunlight until the appropriate collection day.

Water
Mains water is widely available and is fit for drinking. Most villages tend to enjoy very good quality water. On average the standing charge is 10-15 Euro per quarter, and the initial 20-40 cubic tonnes are included.

Where there is no current supply of water, electricity or telephone, it is possible to request the service from each provider. Generally, with a new property, the developer/builder will arrange this on your behalf. When buying a new property ensure that there is a clause stating that the application has been made and the onus is on the developer to organise and arrange.