I cannot imagine why someone would ask these questions. Are you a wealthy individual with children that you expect to break the law?

Anyway, I will answer a bit. Cypriots are not living in poverty, many are quite wealthy. I cannot say what the attitude is towards the wealthy as I am not wealthy but I expect that if you don't flaunt your wealth, you will be treated the same as anyone else. I expect this goes for any country. There is some theft in Cyprus; this has increased in the past few years as more Eastern Europeans have come to the country. As anywhere, it is wise to live securely (lock your house when you go out, don't leave valuables in your car when you go to the beach, etc.) People expect lawbreakers to be prosecuted here. That being said, Cypriots are not the most law-abiding when it comes to traffic laws - they use their mobile phones while driving, they park anywhere and everywhere including on the sidewalks, then do not always stop at stop signs or traffic lights. One must drive quite defensively in Cyprus. That being said the traffic is not that bad.

Post a Reply

20abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

I asked the questions as here in Costa Rica minors can break into houses and steal. The law does nothing as they are protected until 18. In the rural areas some would rather make a life of theft than work for their money honestly. It's easier and more financially rewarding.

Post a Reply

00abuse

I asked the questions as here in Costa Rica minors can break into houses and steal. The law does nothing as they are protected until 18. In the rural areas some would rather make a life of theft than work for their money honestly. It's easier and more financially rewarding.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Now that I have a better understanding of what you are referring to and where you are coming from I can answer your question better. It is very uncommon for Cypriot children to commit crimes. You will find that if they do it is vehicle-related, i.e, driving without a license, speeding, etc. Cypriot families care for their children well, to the point of spoiling them IMHO. Theft by Cypriots of any age is extremely rare. Hope this helps.

Post a Reply

00abuse

We have to agree with Miss Daisy, life in Cyprus is generally laid back and the Cypriots are very welcoming people. They have lived with British people for years, indeed they were governed by the British for a long time and they adopted many British ways when they gained independence. Great place to live!!

Post a Reply

00abuse

I too found your initial post rather strange. Now that you have clarified it and looking at your posting history, it would appear you have discovered a downside to your 'retirement paradise' that you had not anticipated.

I see you have posted in several European country forums. Are you now looking to leave Costa Rica and find somewhere else to try?

Post a Reply

00abuse

MissDaisy, on a side note and in regard to your comment re driving practices, I thought you might find an article on Greek driving amusing. It's an excerpt from an article I wrote some years ago.
...................................
Greece supposedly has the highest rate of traffic fatalities of any European country.
In order to avoid becoming part of those statistics, it helps if you bear in mind that unless you understand the culture and thinking of Greek drivers you have little chance of anticipating their moves. So let's begin with some simple facts.
Most of the fatalities happen on the mainland so if you are living on an island you cut down the odds. Most fatalities on islands involve tourists and alcohol so if you stay out of those categories you cut down the odds. Most Greek men drive as if they owned the whole road. Around half of the Greek women driving cars on the islands don't have a license. Most have no insurance. Keep these points in mind.
Now to understand why a Greek would behave in a way you consider insane, unreasonable or whatever, consider the following. Greek drivers generally are following Greek logic not your logic so you have to come to grips with that. For example, a stop sign means stop if there is traffic approaching from your right or left. Why would you stop if there isn't? The same rule often applies to a red light. Yield signs (which are rare) always mean the other guy should yield to you. Every 2 lane road in Greece has 3 lanes. The one in your direction, the one in the other direction and the invisible one in the middle that you use for passing a bus uphill on a blind corner. When you stop at a traffic light and a car is in front of you, you blow your horn when the light turns green, before you even touch the throttle. When you see a friend in the street you stop in the middle of the street to chat. If someone behind you is blowing their horn and screaming for you to move, you ignore them or tell them you will only be a few minutes. Parking in the middle of the street also follows this rule. Why are they in such a rush that they can't wait for you to finish your business? After all, you were in front so your needs come first. If you want to park but there are no parking spaces available, where else can you park but in the middle of the street? If you want to go into a store and no parking is available right in front of it, thus forcing you to park in the street, why would anyone expect you to park further up the street in front of a store you don't want to go to? When the white bands designating a pedestrian crossing area were painted on the streets, why did no one tell anyone that you have to stop for pedestrians crossing? If they did tell you, how can they expect a pedestrian to stop a car? The car is bigger than them. All cars in front of you should signal their turns. All cars behind you should not expect you to signal your turns.
Are you getting the idea? The logic is simple and combined with the principle that you can do as you please but no one else can, explains Greek driving. If you just think in the same way, you'll have no problems driving.

Post a Reply

00abuse

At the time I wrote the original post, yes, we were thinking of leaving. We have since decided to stay in Costa Rica as acquiring residency elsewhere or leaving every few months is not of interest to us.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi living in Cyprus is very easy especially if you are an EU citizen. Life is good, cheap and the people are friendly most speak English. If you would like any more info please ask. I have lots of experience of Cyprus.

Post a Reply

00abuse