Limassol, Cyprus

"Before retiring in Limassol, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. It is also important to research the cost of living in Limassol, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the climate in Limassol, as well as the language spoken in the area. Finally, expats should research the local laws and regulations to ensure they are compliant with the local government," commented one expat who made the move to Limassol.

"Be prepared to have sufficient funds to last for up to 2yrs without an income. The initial setting up costs can be quite expensive as white goods are not cheap because everything has to be imported. Rent a property first to find the right location in line with work. A lot of offices or shops work "split shifts" so you are expected to go home for a couple of hours at lunchtime then go back and work till possibly 8pm during Summer hours. Salries cannot be compared to UK at all and a good salary of CYP 600 or 1025pm is not so easy to come by. You may be expected to work 40hrs a week and for that on split shifts, sometimes working at weekends with a half day off mid week. Second hand cars hold their value really well in Cyprus so are not cheap to purchase and there is a lack of public transport - except along the main tourist road. A car is a necessity and Cyprus is not the place to come if you do not or are not willing to drive. Traffic can be horrendous during the weekly rush hour and we have at least 3 rush hours per day. Be prepared to sit in your car over lunchtime rush hour in temperatures of above 40 degrees! Winters are fairly short, starting in January till March but lack of insulation in the properties here mean you freeze in winter and boil in summer. Also, the humidity in July & August is VERY sweaty! Government office usually close for 2 weeks in August due to the heat when most workers escape to the mountains to cool off. Electricity costs are comparable to those in UK, but we get free hot water for about 9 months of the year from the solar systems. Telephone calls are extremely cheap, although internet or broadband service is more expensive than UK and many other European countries. Currently there is a real monopoly on the telephone service provider but slowly, things are changing and more competitors are coming in. Don't expect everything to happen overnight because it won't. There is a saying in Cyprus "siga, siga", which means "slowly, slowly" - believe me, it is very true! But that is why we chose to come to live here in the first place. We have a much more relaxed lifestyle and less worry, financially or otherwise than we ever had in UK. It isn't a place to come to if you have a get rich quick attitude. But, if you are comfortably off with some funds behind you and are prepared to work or change your worklife balance, leading a simpler lifestyle - then this is definitely the place," remarked one expat living in Limassol, Cyprus.