British forces in Cyprus

The island of Cyprus has attracted travellers for more than 10,000 years. Lying in the Mediterranean close to Syria, Lebanon and Israel, it is geographically almost in the Middle East, but distinctively European.

SBAs

On 16th August 1960, the Republic of Cyprus came into existence after 82 years of British rule. However, two Sovereign Base Areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia were identified as land that would remain under British jurisdiction. These Bases, which cover 98 square miles, enable the UK to maintain a permanent military presence at a strategic point in the Eastern Mediterranean. Approx. 3,000 British troops are based there.

UNFICYP

There are also British soldiers serving with the United Nations Forces in Cyprus, based in Nicosia. (UNFICYP). These soldiers are responsible for peacekeeping in the Buffer Zone that runs between the Greek and Turkish lines. (In July 1974, the military junta then in power in Greece backed a coup on the island of Cyprus and declared it to be a part of Greece. Turkey responded with 45,000 troops and occupied the northern part of Cyprus. The Greek military junta subsequently collapsed and Cyprus was divided into the Turkish north and Greek south, as can still be seen today).

BUYING A CAR IN CYPRUS

Generally speaking, a car is a must in Cyprus, as public transport is limited to buses and taxis. There have been no trains since 1950. Many service personnel drive a "Gizzit" car, supplied by local car dealers as a hook to get you to buy from them. Some of our customers were paying more per month to a local dealer for a used car than we were able to offer on a brand new, tax-free car, shipped over from the UK.

SHIPPING CHARGES

If you decide to have a new, tax-free car shipped out to Cyprus from the UK, the typical shipping cost for a saloon car is around £500 - £600, including marine insurance. On collection of your new car at Limassol docks, there are various charges to pay, depending on vehicle, engine size, weight, etc. They even require you to get an MoT, on a brand new car!. Expect to pay approx same again for these charges.

SHIPPING FROM UK VS BUYING LOCALLY

With VAT currently 20% in the UK, typical VAT saving on a tax-free car such as a Ford Focus is around £3000, so it’s well worth shipping a new car out to Cyprus, and you won’t need to buy a used car, which can easily save you several thousand pounds over a 2 year posting.

Stan Bateman in Cyprus

Stan Bateman, who founded Advanced Car Exports in May 1979, now lives in Pissouri, 20 mins from Episkopi.

Mobile telephone number 00357 97 67 35 76.

If you wish to become a sales agent for Advanced Car Exports in Cyprus, please call Stan.