Cyprus Culture and Etiquette: Customs, Greetings and Tipping

A warm, hospitable island

Cyprus sits where Greece, Turkey and the Middle East meet, and its culture blends all three. Cypriots are famously generous: refusing an offer of coffee, fruit or a seat can feel rude, so accept graciously even if you only take a sip.

Greetings

• A handshake with eye contact suits first meetings.
• Friends greet with two kisses, starting on the right cheek.
• Greek-speaking Cypriots say Yia sou (hello/bye to one person) or Yia sas (formal or plural). In the north, Turkish Merhaba is common.
• Use a person's title and first name until invited to be casual.

Food and the table

Eating is the heart of social life. A meze at a taverna brings 15 to 30 small dishes, from halloumi and tahini to grilled meats, so pace yourself.

• Wait for the host to say kali orexi (enjoy) before starting.
• Let others top up your glass rather than pouring your own.
• Try the local zivania spirit and Commandaria, one of the world's oldest wines.
• Tearing bread by hand is normal; do not waste food.

The kafenio and coffee

The village kafenio is a social institution, traditionally male but welcoming to visitors. Order a Cyprus coffee (sketos for no sugar, metrios for medium, glykys for sweet) and never gulp it; sit, talk and let the grounds settle.

Dos and donts

• Dress modestly in churches and mosques; cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes at mosques.
• Greek and Turkish Cypriot politics and the island's division are sensitive; listen more than you opine.
• Crossing the UN buffer zone between south and north is routine, but carry your passport.
• Punctuality is relaxed socially but expected for business.
• Photographing military zones near the Green Line is forbidden.

Tipping

Service is warm but tips are appreciated rather than obligatory.

• Restaurants: round up or leave 5 to 10 percent if service is not included.
• Cafes and bars: leave small change.
• Taxis: round up to the nearest euro.
• Hotel housekeeping: 1 to 2 euros per day is a kind gesture.

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