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Changes: Cyprus

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This split is reflected in the phone system as well. In the south different providers operate than in the north and there is no roaming at all between them (even if Vodafone owns a network in every part). A call from north to south is possible, but will be billed as a foreign call to another continent. The sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are covered by the same operators as Southern Cyprus.
  
This split is reflected in the phone system as well. In the south different providers operate than in the north and there is no roaming at all between them (even if Vodafone owns a network in every part). A call from north to south is possible, but will be billed as a foreign call to another continent. The sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are covered by the same operators as Southern Cyprus.
 
[[File:Kktc-kibris.jpg|thumb|220x220px]]
  
[[File:Kktc-kibris.jpg|thumb|220x220px]]
−
For a tourist it's very easy nowadays to cross the border at Nicosia and visit the other part. But you should know that you will lose coverage soon. Furthermore, the north is not part of EU, so roaming prices are not regulated.Visiting the entire island, you may think of buying two SIM cards because of the present situation. In the south, the highest rates for data within the EU used to be charged, but now some cheaper packages appeared. Compare EU [[European Union|roaming]] options to it.
 +
For a tourist it's very easy nowadays to cross the border at Nicosia and visit the other part. But you should know that you will lose coverage soon. Furthermore, the north is not part of EU, so roaming prices are not regulated. Visiting the entire island, you may think of buying two SIM cards because of the present situation. In the south, the highest rates for data within the EU used to be charged, but now some cheaper packages appeared on the local market. Compare EU [[European Union|roaming]] options to it.
   
−
First the networks of the '''south''' are shown:
 +
First the networks of the '''south''' (Republic of Cyprus) are shown:
 
* '''Cyta''' '''Vodafone'''
  
* '''Cyta''' '''Vodafone'''
−
* '''MTN'''
 +
* '''epic''' (formerly MTN)
 
* '''PrimeTel'''
  
* '''PrimeTel'''
 
[[File:Download (6).png|thumb|204x204px|Flag of the KKTC (= Northern Cyprus)]]
  
[[File:Download (6).png|thumb|204x204px|Flag of the KKTC (= Northern Cyprus)]]
−
Then the networks in the '''north'''
 +
Then the networks in the '''north '''(KKTC):
 
* '''KKTC Turkcell'''
  
* '''KKTC Turkcell'''
 
* '''KKTC Telsim''' ('''Vodafone)'''
  
* '''KKTC Telsim''' ('''Vodafone)'''
−
which are associated with the Turkish phone system. The restrictions about registration and taxes for foreign mobile devices enforced in Turkey (see [[Turkey]]) '''don't''' apply to Northern Cyprus.
 +
which are associated with the Turkish phone system. The restrictions about registration and taxes for foreign mobile devices enforced in mainland Turkey (see [[Turkey]]) '''don't''' apply to Northern Cyprus.
   
−
2G is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz, 4G/LTE has started in the Republic (South) on all three networks on 1800 MHz and is available for prepaid. More spectrum on 800 and 2600 MHz is about to follow.
 +
2G is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz, 4G/LTE is in the Republic (South) on all three networks on 1800 MHz (B3) available for prepaid. More spectrum on 800 and 2600 MHz (B20 and B7) followed. There is no 4G/LTE in the northern part yet.
   
 
<div style="border:4px solid #00008B; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #87CEFA;">
  
<div style="border:4px solid #00008B; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #87CEFA;">
−
[[File:EU flag.png|thumb|110x110px]]The Republic of Cyprus (not Northern Cyprus) is part of the EU, where from June 2017 new international roaming rules are enforced. In most European countries you can now 'roam like at home' at domestic rates rather than excessive roaming rates.
 +
[[File:EU flag.png|thumb|110x110px]]The Republic of Cyprus in the South (but not Northern Cyprus) is part of the EU, where since 2017 new international roaming rules have been enforced. In most European countries you can now 'roam like at home' at domestic rates rather than excessive roaming rates.
   
−
The providers in Cyprus have applied the principle universal to all of their prepaid plans without major restrictions. But be aware that the other part of the island is outside the free roaming area. For specifics about the new regulation check [[European Union]] chapter and every provider below.
 +
The providers in the southern part of Cyprus have applied this rule to all of their prepaid plans without major restrictions. But be aware that the other part of the island is outside the free roaming area. For specifics about the new regulation check [[European Union]] chapter and every provider below.
  +
</div>To avoid being connected to a KKTC network by mistake, disable automatic network selection, make a manual network selection and lock the southern network as long as you are using an European SIM card for roaming in the Rep. of Cyprus under "roam like at home" rules.
−
</div>
  
  +
  +
We start with the Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus. You will notice that data prices are among the highest in Europe similar to Greece, while network coverage is below par. So you might think of bringing your EU SIM card with you and better roam in the South. The only European SIM card that includes both parts of Cyprus at low domestic rates if that of Vodafone Spain.
   
 
=='''Cyta '''('''by Vodafone''')==
  
=='''Cyta '''('''by Vodafone''')==
 
[[File:Cyta-voda.jpg|thumb|246x246px]]
  
[[File:Cyta-voda.jpg|thumb|246x246px]]
−
Cyta for '''''CY'''prus '''T'''elecommunication '''A'''uthority'' is jointly owned by the government and Vodafone and still the biggest operator in the country giving a good coverage at the highest rates around.
 +
Cyta for '''''CY'''prus '''T'''elecommunication '''A'''uthority'' is jointly owned by the Government of the Rep. of Cyprus and Vodafone and still the biggest operator in the country giving a reasonable coverage at the highest rates around.
   
 
4G/LTE has started in 2015 in the towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos. It's available for prepaid users without a surcharge.
  
4G/LTE has started in 2015 in the towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos. It's available for prepaid users without a surcharge.
   
 
==== '''Availability''' ====
  
==== '''Availability''' ====
−
Their prepaid SIM card is called "soeasy". They sell it everywhere (in the airports, supermarkets, kiosks etc.)[https://www.cyta.com.cy/store-locator/en : Store locator.] Default PIN is 1234.
 +
Their prepaid SIM card is called "soeasy". They sell it everywhere (in the airports, supermarkets, kiosks etc.)[https://www.cyta.com.cy/store-locator/en : store locator.] Default PIN is 1234.
   
  +
==== '''Recharges''' ====
−
There are reload cards (vouchers) for 5, 10, 20 and 35 € available. A top-up of 10 € or more is valid for 365 days. You can recharge online with a non Cyprus-issued credit card, if you ask for an authorization code by email at top-up@soeasy.com.cy and use it [https://www.cyta.com.cy/soeasy-top-up/en here]. Check balance by *110#.
  
  +
There are reload cards (vouchers) for €5, €10, €20 and €35 available. A top-up of €10 or more is valid for 365 days. You can recharge online with a non Cyprus-issued credit card, if you ask for an authorization code by email at top-up@soeasy.com.cy and use it [https://www.cyta.com.cy/soeasy-top-up/en here].
  +
  +
They have also introduced data top-up cards with discounted mobile data:
  +
* €5: 1.2 GB for 30 days
  +
* €10: 3 GB for 30 days
  +
* €15: 6 GB for 30 days
  +
These data top-up cards are only valid on soeasy voice and data plans, not on Vodafone mobile internet plans (see below).
  +
  +
Check balance by *110#.
   
 
===='''Soeasy plan'''====
  
===='''Soeasy plan'''====
−
This plan is for smartphones and talk, text and data. The starter pack is sold for 7.50 € and it contains 5 € credit and 100 domestic SMS valid for 90 days.
 +
This plan is for smartphones and talk, text and data. The starter pack is sold for €7.50 and contains 5 € credit and 100 domestic SMS valid for 90 days.
   
−
Default rate is still at a very high at 1.015 € per MB. So use packages. They offer either combo plans or data-only packages. The combo packs need to be activated by texting "on soeasy plus" to 8000. These two monthly combos are sold:
 +
Default rate is still at high €0.15 per MB. So better use packages. They offer either combo plans or data-only packages.
  +
−
* for € 10: 100 dom. mins, 100 dom. SMS, 500 MB, 3 € credit
  
  +
The combo packs need to be activated by texting "on soeasy plus" to 8000. These three monthly combos are sold:
−
* for € 20: 300 dom. mins, 300 dom. SMS, 1 GB, 3 € credit
  
  +
{| class="article-table"
−
* for € 35: 600 dom. mins, 600 dom. SMS, 2 GB, 3 € credit
  
  +
!Top-up
−
These data packages are sold at high prices:
  
  +
!Voice
  +
!SMS
  +
!Data
  +
!Credit
  +
|-
  +
|€ 10
  +
|100 mins
  +
|100
  +
|1 GB
  +
|€ 3
  +
|-
  +
|€ 20
  +
|300 mins
  +
|300
  +
|2 GB
  +
|€ 3
  +
|-
  +
|€ 35
  +
|600 mins
  +
|600
  +
|4 GB
  +
|€ 3
  +
|}
  +
These data packages are sold:
 
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
  
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
−
! scope="col" |Data package
 +
! scope="col" |Package
 
! scope="col" |Validity
  
! scope="col" |Validity
−
! scope="col" |Data Volume
 +
! scope="col" |Data
 
! scope="col" |Price
  
! scope="col" |Price
 
! scope="col" |Activation code
  
! scope="col" |Activation code
Line 54: Line 89:
 
|soeasy MI day
  
|soeasy MI day
 
|1 day
  
|1 day
−
|100 MB
 +
|200 MB
−
|1.50 €
 +
|€ 1.50
 
|MI Day
  
|MI Day
 
|-
  
|-
 
|soeasy MI week
  
|soeasy MI week
 
|1 week
  
|1 week
−
|200 MB
 +
|400 MB
−
|3.00 €
 +
|€ 3
 
|MI Week
  
|MI Week
  +
|-
  +
|soeasy MI month small
  +
|1 month
  +
|1.2 GB
  +
|€ 5
  +
|MI Small
 
|-
  
|-
 
|soeasy MI month
  
|soeasy MI month
 
|1 month
  
|1 month
−
|1 GB
 +
|3 GB
−
|10.00 €
 +
|€ 10
 
|MI Month
  
|MI Month
 
|-
  
|-
 
|soeasy MI monthly XL
  
|soeasy MI monthly XL
 
|1 month
  
|1 month
−
|2 GB
 +
|6 GB
−
|15.00 €
 +
|€ 15
 
|MI XL
  
|MI XL
 
|}
  
|}
   
−
For activation, text activation code to 8000. After you have consumed the internet pack you have purchased, it will charge you a basic rate € 0.25 per ΜΒ unless you purchase a new pack. For this reason they will inform you through SMS when your pack has been consumed. You can purchase as many mobile internet packs as you like at any moment. Consumption will take place from the pack you have purchased earlier until it is exhausted.
 +
For activation, text activation code to 8000. After you have consumed the internet pack you have purchased, it will charge you a basic rate €0.25 per ΜΒ unless you purchase a new pack. For this reason they will inform you through SMS when your pack has been consumed. You can purchase as many mobile internet packs as you like at any moment. Consumption will take place from the pack you have purchased earlier until it is exhausted.
−  
−
==== '''Soeasy Tourist SIM''' ====
  
−
For tourists Cyta sells a SIM which may not be a so good deal. It's sold for € 2 with € 1 credit. But data stays always on the default rate of 0.25 €/MB. Discounted calls to Russia and the UK are included.
  
   
 
===='''Vodafone mobile Internet'''====
  
===='''Vodafone mobile Internet'''====
−
VMI is their data only SIM which is sold for 14.95 € including 200 MB data.
 +
VMI is their data only SIM which is sold for €14.95 including 1 GB data valid for 15 days.
  +
  +
These packages can be added:
   
 
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
  
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
Line 91: Line 131:
 
! scope="col" |Price
  
! scope="col" |Price
 
|-
  
|-
−
|15 days
 +
|5 days
−
|100 MB
 +
|500 MB
 
|€ 5
  
|€ 5
 
|-
  
|-
−
|30 days
 +
|10 days
−
|200 MB
 +
|1 GB
 
|€ 10
  
|€ 10
 
|-
  
|-
−
|60 days
 +
|20 days
−
|440 MB
 +
|2.2 GB
 
|€ 20
  
|€ 20
 
|-
  
|-
−
|120 days
 +
|40 days
−
|820 MB
 +
|4.1 GB
 
|€ 35
  
|€ 35
 
|}
  
|}
   
 
The validity period is extended every time you top-up your account. The extension duration in days is shown in the table below. Your service will be deleted 180 days after the expiration of the credit validity period unless you top-up your account before that date.
  
The validity period is extended every time you top-up your account. The extension duration in days is shown in the table below. Your service will be deleted 180 days after the expiration of the credit validity period unless you top-up your account before that date.
−  
−
===='''Vodafone mobile Internet holiday pack'''====
  
−
Their VMI holiday pack is another data SIM which can be bought for 14.95 € with 500 MB included valif for 7 days. When you top up, you get the following data:
  
−  
−
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
  
−
! scope="col" |Validity
  
−
! scope="col" |Data
  
−
! scope="col" |Amount
  
−
|-
  
−
|2 days
  
−
|250 MB
  
−
|€ 5
  
−
|-
  
−
|5 days
  
−
|500 MB
  
−
|€ 10
  
−
|-
  
−
|12 days
  
−
|1.1 GB
  
−
|€ 20
  
−
|-
  
−
|20 days
  
−
|2.05 GB
  
−
|€ 35
  
−
|}
  
−  
−
Your service will be cancelled 90 days after the expiration of the credit validity period unless you top-up your account before that date.
  
   
 
==== '''EU roaming''' ====
  
==== '''EU roaming''' ====
Line 143: Line 156:
 
*APN: cytamobile
  
*APN: cytamobile
   
−
*[https://www.cyta.com.cy/personal Cytamobile-Vodafone website] in English
 +
*Website in English: https://www.cyta.com.cy/personal/en
   
−
=='''MTN '''Cyprus==
 +
=='''epic '''(formerly:''' '''MTN Cyprus)==
−
[[File:MTN.jpg|thumb|142x142px]]
 +
[[File:Epic.jpg|thumb|220x220px|new logo]]
−
MTN is the second network operator in the Republic: [http://www.mtn.com.cy/en/coverage/ Coverage map]. It gives out data at slightly more competitive rates than Cyta.
 +
Epic is the second network operator in the Republic: [http://www.mtn.com.cy/en/coverage/ Coverage map]. In 2018 it was sold to Monaco Telecom who rebranded them in June 2019 to epic. It gives out data at slightly more competitive rates than Cyta at a slightly lower coverage.
   
−
4G/LTE started in 2015 on 1800 MHz in the towns of Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos and Limassol: [http://4g.en.mtn.com.cy/#page4g-coverage 4G coverage] and is now available to prepaid users too. In 2017 about 93% of the population are covered by 4G/LTE.
 +
4G/LTE started in 2015 on 1800 MHz in major towns and is now available to prepaid users too. In 2017 about 93% of the population are supposed to be covered on 1800 MHz (B3) and 800 MHz (B20). 
   
 
==== '''Availability''' ====
  
==== '''Availability''' ====
−
SIM card is available for 7.50 € with 2 € pre-loaded airtime and 20 SMS pack or for 2 € with 1 € pre-loaded. They sell it everywhere (in the airports, supermarkets, kiosks etc.): [http://www.mtn.com.cy/en/stores/ Store locator].
 +
SIM card is available for €2 with €1 and 50 MB pre-loaded credit. They sell it everywhere (in the airports, supermarkets, kiosks etc.): [http://www.mtn.com.cy/en/stores/ Store locator].
   
  +
==== '''Recharges''' ====
−
Top-ups are available through vouchers or electronic recharge (on MTN Pay or JCC Smith). MTN Pay accepts only credit cards issued in Cyprus. Denominations are €5, 10, 20, 35 and 50. Top-ups of €10 or more are valid for 365 days and come with additional airtime, data and SMS bonuses. They offer a data top-up card at € 15 with 1.5 GB for 30 days of validity. This data top-up card is only available for electronic top-up.
  
  +
Top-ups are available through vouchers or electronic recharge. Denominations are €5, €10, €20, €35 and €50.
   
  +
By texting the word 'ON' to 6040 you can activate their All in one Bonus Scheme for top-ups of €10 or more valid for 30 days:
−
According to the MTN Customer Care and [http://www.mtn.com.cy/en/prepaid/top-up-information/ website], top-ups with international credit cards is only available through [http://mtn.overseastopup.com// a partner site], which however takes high commission.
  
  +
{| class="article-table"
  +
!Top-up
  +
!Voice
  +
!SMS
  +
!Data
  +
|-
  +
|€ 10
  +
|40 mins
  +
|100
  +
|30 MB
  +
|-
  +
|€ 20
  +
|120 mins
  +
|250
  +
|60 MB
  +
|-
  +
|€ 35
  +
|240 mins
  +
|500
  +
|90 MB
  +
|-
  +
|€ 50
  +
|400 mins
  +
|750
  +
|150 MB
  +
|}
   
  +
They also sell data top-up cards in these values:
−
Alternatively you can top up commission-free online with [https://www.jccsmart.com/ JCCSmart]. (This should work with the other providers as well. Tested with EU issued credit card, Oct. 2017)
  
  +
* €5: 850 MB for 10 days
  +
* €10: 2 GB for 30 days
  +
* €15: 4 GB for 30 days
  +
The Data Top-Up cards are only available for electronic top-up and can only be used within Cyprus.
   
  +
According to customer care top-ups with international credit cards are only available through [http://mtn.overseastopup.com// a partner site], which however takes high commission. Alternatively you can top up commission-free online with [https://www.jccsmart.com/ JCCSmart]. (This should work with the other providers as well.)
−
Check your balance by dialing *202#.
  
   
  +
Check your balance by dialing *202#. Their prepaid voice and data plan is called Pay As You Go.
−
==== '''MTN PayAsYouGo''' ====
  
  +
−
Their voice and data plan is called MTN PayAsYouGo. Default rate for data is a high €1.02 per MB. You should buy better buy one of these bundles:
  
  +
==== '''Pay As You Go''' ====
  +
Default rate for data is a high €1.02 per MB.
  +
  +
You should buy better buy one of these bundles called Pay as you surf:
   
 
{| class="article-table"
  
{| class="article-table"
 
|-
  
|-
 
! scope="col" |Validity
  
! scope="col" |Validity
−
! scope="col" |Data (x 3)
 +
! scope="col" |Data
 
! scope="col" |Price
  
! scope="col" |Price
−
! scope="col" |Activation Code
 +
! scope="col" |Activation
 
|-
  
|-
 
|1 day
  
|1 day
−
|20 MB
 +
|100 MB
−
|€ 1.52
 +
|€ 1.5
 
|data on day
  
|data on day
 
|-
  
|-
 
|1 week
  
|1 week
−
|80 MB
 +
|300 MB
−
|€ 4.00
 +
|€ 4
 
|data on week
  
|data on week
 
|-
  
|-
 
|1 month
  
|1 month
−
|200 MB
 +
|1000 MB
−
|€ 10.19
 +
|€ 10
 
|data on month
  
|data on month
 
|-
  
|-
 
|1 month
  
|1 month
−
|500 MB
 +
|2000 MB
−
|€ 15.13
 +
|€ 15
−
|data on month 500
 +
|data on month 2000
 
|}
  
|}
 
Activation is by texting the code to 6040.
  
Activation is by texting the code to 6040.
   
  +
'''Mega Bundle: '''1000 minutes of airtime and 1000 SMS to all epic numbers, as well as 1 GB for € 7. Validity period is 10 days. You can activate it with sending the text <nowiki>'''ON'''</nowiki> to the number 8500. You can activate more times, and you will receive the airtime, SMS and MBs again.
−
(x 3): [http://www.mtn.com.cy/en/PAYS_Triple/ As a promotion MTN offers "triple data]". This means that all data allowances above must be taken 3 times for the same price. This promotion should end in 2016, but is obviously going on. You don't need to register for this promotion, just send code as shown above.
  
  +
==== '''Holiday Prepaid Pack''' ====
  +
For tourists they have introduced their Holiday Prepaid Pack. It's sold at €20 with 4 GB for 15 days. While data is on default at the excessive € 1.02/MB rate, you can add all 4 data packages from above to this tourist SIM. It includes reduced internatl. SMS and calls to Sweden, Norway, Russia, Germany and the UK.
   
  +
The account is valid for 30 days from activation and can be renewed with top-up cards the validity period of which varies based on the value of the top up card. When the validity period of the account expires, any remaining balance will not be lost and can be used when the account is reactivated. The account can be reactivated within 180 days from its expiration. In any other case the SIM card number will be deactivated and may be allocated to another subscriber. 
−
'''Mega Bundle: '''1000 minutes of airtime and 1000 SMS to all MTN numbers, as well as 1 GB for € 7. Validity period is 10 days. You can activate it with sending the text '''ON''' to the number 8500. You can activate more times, and you receive the airtime, SMS and MBs again.
  
   
−
==== '''Holiday Prepaid Pack''' ====
 +
==== '''EU roaming''' ====
  +
Epic has generally implemented "roam like home" principles with roaming at domestic rates in the EU without restrictions on all their prepaid offers.
−
For tourists they have introduced their Holiday Prepaid Pack. It's sold at €2 with €1 credit. While data is on default at the overpriced € 1.02/MB rate, you can add all 4 data packages from above to this tourist SIM. It includes reduced internatl. SMS and calls to Sweden, Norway, Russia, Germany and the UK.
  
   
  +
===='''More info'''====
−
The Holiday Prepaid Pack has a non-extendable validity period of 30 days upon activation. Any recharge will not extend the validity period irrespective of the recharge validity period. Upon expiration, the SIM card will become inactive and any unused monetary credit will be lost.
  
  +
*APN: internet
   
  +
*Website in English: https://www.epic.com.cy/en/page/start/home
−
===='''MTN Mobile Broadband PayAsYouGo'''====
  
−
Their data-only plan is called MTN Mobile Broadband PayAsYouGo and is sold for € 10 with 100 MB for 30 days are included. You can add these packages for more data: 
  
   
  +
== '''PrimeTel ''' ==
−
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
  
  +
[[File:Primetel.png|thumb|241x241px]]
−
! scope="col" |Validity
  
  +
PrimeTel PLC is a multiservice provider with various fixed broadband and mobile services. It is very popular for ADSL, TV and landline phone service in the South. It's the first MVNO in the Republic of Cyprus too.
−
! scope="col" |Data
  
  +
−
! scope="col" |Top-up
  
  +
It started in 2011 using the Cytamobile network. In 2014 they have been granted a license to build own physical network on 3G and 4G/LTE. It has already covered 60% of territory by its own 4G/LTE and 99% on its own 3G since 2015, making Cyta no more needed, but roaming with Cyta is still operational for 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) modes. 4G/LTE is open for prepaid customers without surcharge. Be aware that 4G coverage is still spotty in rural areas.
  +
  +
==== '''Availabilty''' ====
  +
Their starter packs are available at the airports, supermarkets, some kiosks, mobile phone shops and their own stores ([http://primetel.com.cy/en/shops-in-cyprus/ shops list]) for €2 with €1 credit and 50 MB preloaded.
  +
  +
For top-ups reload cards are sold with heavy bonuses for €5, €10, €20, €35 and €50. You can recharge online using any international Visa/MasterCard credit card [https://my.primetel.com.cy/Mobile/MobileItems.aspx?lang=en on their website]
  +
  +
They give the highest bonuses for top-ups. To activate this bonus text 'ON' to 8133. These bonuses are awarded valid for 30 days:
  +
{| class="article-table"
  +
!Top-up
  +
!Voice
  +
!SMS
  +
!Data
 
|-
  
|-
−
|15 days
  
−
|100 MB
  
 
|€ 5
  
|€ 5
  +
|20 mins
  +
|20
  +
|0
 
|-
  
|-
−
|30 days
  
−
|200 MB
  
 
|€ 10
  
|€ 10
  +
|100 mins
  +
|150
  +
|100 MB
 
|-
  
|-
−
|60 days
  
−
|440 MB
  
 
|€ 20
  
|€ 20
  +
|250 mins
  +
|300
  +
|200 MB
 
|-
  
|-
−
|120 days
  
−
|820 MB
  
 
|€ 35
  
|€ 35
  +
|450 mins
  +
|600
  +
|350 MB
 
|-
  
|-
−
|180 days
  
−
|1140 MB
  
 
|€ 50
  
|€ 50
  +
|unlimited
  +
|800
  +
|500 MB
 
|}
  
|}
  +
Voice minutes are on-net on Primetel only.
   
  +
They also have released special data top-up cards in three denominations:
−
Upon the expiration of the validity period of the top-up card, the MTN Mobile Broadband PayAsYouGo service will become inactive but the remaining balance of your account will NOT be lost. If you renew your account within 180 days from the day the service becomes inactive, then your new available balance will be the sum of the two (new top-up data volume + remaining balance). If you do not renew your account within the 180 then your account will be deleted and you will no longer be able to use your SIM card. You can't call from this SIM, it provides only data and SMS sending (can't receive). More info: [http://www.mtn.com.cy/media/images/Residential/Mobile/Mobile%20Internet/MTNMBBprepaidEN.pdf here (PDF)].
  
  +
* € 5: 1 MB for 10 days
−  
  +
* € 10: 2.5 GB for 30 days
−
==== '''MTN Holiday Internet''' ====
  
  +
* € 15: 5 GB for 30 days
−
For tourists MTN gives out their new Holiday Internet. It's sold at € 20 containing 2 GB valid for 15 days. Same packages as for MTN Mobile Broadband PayAsYouGo can be added and same rules apply.
  
−  
−
==== '''EU roaming''' ====
  
−
MTN has generally implemented "roam like home" principles with roaming at domestic rates in the EU without restrictions on all their prepaid offers.
  
−  
−
===='''More info'''====
  
−
*APN: internet
  
−  
−
*[http://www.mtn.com.cy/en/mobile/ MTN website] in English
  
−  
−
== '''PrimeTel ''' ==
  
−
[[File:Primetel.png|thumb|241x241px]]
  
−
PrimeTel PLC is a multiservice provider with various fixed broadband and mobile services. It is very popular for ADSL, TV and landline phone service in the South. It's the first MVNO in the Republic of Cyprus too. It started in 2011 using the Cytamobile network. In 2014 they have been granted a license to build own physical network on 3G and 4G/LTE. It has already covered 60% of territory by its own 4G/LTE and 99% on its own 3G since 2015, making Cyta no more needed, but roaming with Cyta is still operational for 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) modes. 4G/LTE is open for prepaid costumers without surcharge.
  
−  
−
It offers the lowest prices in the South right now.
  
−  
−
==== '''Availabilty''' ====
  
−
Their starter packs are available at the airports, supermarkets, some kiosks, mobile phone shops and their own stores ([http://primetel.com.cy/en/shops-in-cyprus/ shops list]) for 2 € with 1 € credit and 50 MB preloaded.
  
−  
−
For top-ups reload cards are sold with heavy bonuses for 5, 10, 20, 35 and 50 €. For 10 € 100 MB, 20 € 200 MB, 35 € 350 MB and 50 € 500 MB plus on-net mins and free SMS all valid for 30 days are given out. To activate this bonus text 'ON' to 8133. You can recharge online using any international Visa/MasterCard credit card [https://my.primetel.com.cy/Mobile/MobileItems.aspx?lang=en on their website]
  
   
−
Check your account balance by *<strong>133#, </strong>check how much Internet left by*<strong>138*2#, </strong>check Super Bundle status and how much left, by *<strong>138*3#, </strong>check Bonus Balance by <strong> *</strong><strong>138# </strong>and<strong> </strong>change language by '''*135*2#''' for English
 +
Check your account balance by *133#, check how much Internet left by*138*2#, check Super Bundle status and how much left, by *138*3#, check Bonus Balance by *138# and change language by *135*2# for English.
−
==== '''Super Bundle Pack ("Ninja")''' ====
 +
==== '''Super Bundle Pack ''' ====
−
This is probably the best offer for a short stay in Cyprus (South): you get 1.5 GB, 1000 minutes of calling to Primetel and 1000 SMS to Primetel network for 10 days at 8 €. To get this package, send SMS with text '''ON8''' to 8133.
 +
This is probably the best offer for a short stay in Cyprus (South): you get 1.5 GB, 1000 minutes of calling to Primetel and 1000 SMS to Primetel network for 10 days at € 8. To get this package, send SMS with text 'ON8' to 8133.
   
 
==== '''Regular Pay As You Go rates''' ====
  
==== '''Regular Pay As You Go rates''' ====
Line 268: Line 318:
 
! scope="col" |Activation
  
! scope="col" |Activation
 
|-
  
|-
−
|60 ΜB
 +
|200 ΜB
 
|€ 1.50
  
|€ 1.50
 
|1 day
  
|1 day
 
|MB1
  
|MB1
 
|-
  
|-
−
|240 MB
 +
|1 GB
−
|€ 5.00
 +
|€ 5
 
|7 days
  
|7 days
 
|MB7
  
|MB7
 
|-
  
|-
−
|600 ΜΒ
 +
|2.5 GΒ
−
|€ 10.00
 +
|€ 10
 
|30 days
  
|30 days
 
|MB30
  
|MB30
 
|-
  
|-
−
|1.5 GB
 +
|5 GB
−
|€ 15.00
 +
|€ 15
 
|30 days
  
|30 days
−
|MB30 500
 +
|MB30 2500
 
|}
  
|}
 
For activation text code to 8133.
  
For activation text code to 8133.
   
 
==== '''Travel Internet Pack''' ====
  
==== '''Travel Internet Pack''' ====
−
It is the special data-only SIM card made for tourists. Similar to MTN, they sell the SIM card at € 20 with 2 GB pre-loaded valid for 20 days. To buy more data, you can add one of these packages:
 +
This is a special data-only SIM card made for tourists. Similar to epic, they sell the SIM card at €20 with 2.5 GB pre-loaded valid for 20 days. You can buy this product at the airport arrivals (Larnaca or Paphos) and at selected kiosks all over the island.
  +
  +
To buy more data, you can add one of these packages:
 
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
  
{| class="article-table" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" "
 
|-
  
|-
Line 323: Line 375:
   
 
==== '''EU''' '''roaming''' ====
  
==== '''EU''' '''roaming''' ====
−
Primetel has generally implemented "roam like home" principles with roaming at domestic rates in the EU without restrictions on all their prepaid offers.
 +
Primetel has generally implemented "roam like at home" principles with roaming at domestic rates in the EU without restrictions on all their prepaid offers.
   
 
==== '''More info''' ====
  
==== '''More info''' ====
−
* Tethering is allowed, speed is not limited, but Fair Use Policies are active: using torrents or other P2P applications is limited by speed throttling.
 +
* Tethering is allowed, speed is not limited, but Fair Use Policies (FUP) are active: using torrents or other P2P applications is limited by speed throttling.
 
* APN: ip.primetel
  
* APN: ip.primetel
−
* Website in English: [http://primetel.com.cy/en/mobile-service/internet-mobile/ http://primetel.com.cy/en/]
 +
* Websites in English: [http://primetel.com.cy/en/mobile-service/internet-mobile/ http://primetel.com.cy/en/] and http://www.payasyougo.com.cy/en/
   
 
'''<font size="4"><u>SOUTHERN PART (Republic of Cyprus, Greek) above</u></font>'''<font size="4"> </font>
  
'''<font size="4"><u>SOUTHERN PART (Republic of Cyprus, Greek) above</u></font>'''<font size="4"> </font>
  +
----xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
−
----
  
 
----
  
----
 
<font size="4">'''<u>NORTHERN PART (KKTC, Turkish) below</u>'''</font>
  
<font size="4">'''<u>NORTHERN PART (KKTC, Turkish) below</u>'''</font>
Line 337: Line 389:
   
 
== '''Basic information''' ==
  
== '''Basic information''' ==
−
The Turkish-controlled Northern part of Cyprus (called KKTC or in English Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, short TRNC) is connected to the Turkish phone network, sharing the same country code with Turkey (+90). The prefix for KKTC Turkcell is +90 533 and for KKTC Telsim +90 542. Dialing from North to South is possible, but it is billed as an international long-distance call.
 +
The Turkish-controlled Northern part of Cyprus (called KKTC or in English Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, short: TRNC) is connected to the Turkish phone network, sharing the same country code with Turkey (+90). The prefix for KKTC Turkcell is +90 533 and for Telsim Vodafone +90 542.
   
  +
Dialing from North to South is possible, but is billed as an international long-distance call. Generally it's not advisable to use a SIM from the South in the North or vice versa. A few European providers like Vodafone in the UK include both parts in their EU roaming zone and can be a good option.
−
<div style="border:4px solid #CD0000; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #FF6347;">
  
−
[[File:No roaming.jpg|thumb|143x143px]]Northern Cyprus (KKTC) is '''not '''part of the EU, where from June 2017 new international roaming rules are enforced. Using a roaming SIM in the KKTC, it will work as in Turkey and high surcharges are applied on European or even Southern Cyprus SIM cards.
  
−
</div>
  
   
  +
In the KKTC prices are still sometimes shown as units (so-called Kontör) instead of the local currency TL (Turkish Lira). 1 unit equals 0.065 TL.
−
=='''KKTC Turkcell'''==
  
−
[[File:KKTC_Turkcell.jpg|thumb|188x188px]]KKTC Turkcell is the North Cyprus branch of the leading Turkish network provider Turkcell. Like with Vodafone you can use data in KKTC and Turkey without surcharges.
  
   
  +
<div style="border:4px solid #CD0000; padding:10px; margin-bottom:20px; background: #FF6347;">
−
The rates are charged in "Kontör" = units. 1 unit is 0.065 TL.
  
  +
[[File:No roaming.jpg|thumb|143x143px]]Note that Northern Cyprus (KKTC) - in contrary to the south - is '''not '''part of the EU, where since 2017 new international roaming rules have been enforced. Using a roaming SIM in the KKTC, you'll be charged the same as in Turkey and thus high surcharges may be applied on European or even Southern Cyprus SIM cards. Better use a Turkish or local SIM card instead.
  +
</div>Coming to the North, you will notice that prices are mich lower than in the South. But you will not be able to roam down there. A local SIM card from the North can only be used in mainland Turkey.
   
  +
Note that Vodafone UK used to roam without surcharges in Turkey. This applied to the KKTC as well until May 2020. From then on, it's only for surcharge. The only remaining SIM to include both the Greek and Turkish side at domestic EU rates is that of Vodafone Spain.
−
===='''Availability'''====
  
   
  +
Furthermore, the KKTC is one of the very few regions in Europe in 2019 when still no 4G/LTE networks are operative. This is due to the lack of connectivity to the mainland. Now, 4G/LTE is finally announced for 2020 on both networks. So far you are confined only to 3G speeds for now in the KKTC.
−
The SIM card is sold in all Turkcell shops ([http://www.kktcell.com/tr/turkcell-iletisim-merkezleri store] locator) for 15 TL with 100 units (worth 6.5 TL) of credit.
  
   
  +
All prepaid lines in the KKTC must be registered by November 2019 or will be closed. So from now on you need to buy and register your prepaid SIM in a branded store of the operator by showing your ID.
−
===='''Data feature packs'''====
  
   
  +
=='''KKTC Turkcell'''==
−
Default data rate is 11 units (0.715 TL) per 100 KB. The following packets can be booked:
  
  +
[[File:KKTC_Turkcell.jpg|thumb|188x188px]]KKTC Turkcell is the North Cyprus branch of the leading Turkish network provider Turkcell. Like with Vodafone below you can now use data in KKTC and Turkey without surcharges.
   
  +
The rates are still charged in "Kontör" = units. 1 unit is 0.065 TL.
−
*100 MB for 1 day, 77 units = 5 TL, activation: GUNLUK
  
−
*1 GB for 7 days: 152 units = 9.88 TL, activation: HAFTALIK1
  
   
  +
===='''Availability'''====
−
*500 MB for 30 days, 340 units = 22.10 TL, activation: 500
  
   
  +
The SIM card is sold in all Turkcell shops ([http://www.kktcell.com/tr/turkcell-iletisim-merkezleri store] locator) for 15 TL with 100 units (worth 6.5 TL) of credit.
−
*1 GB for 30 days, 500 units = 32.50 TL, activation: 1
  
−
*2 GB for 30 days, 680 units = 44.20 TL, activation: 2
  
   
  +
You can recharge online using almost any credit card (Visa/MasterCard) on the [https://www.kktcell.com/en/top-up following website]. Process is pretty straightforward (in English), it recharges your account instantly. Minimal amount to load is 400 units or 26 TL.
−
*4 GB for 30 days, 1000 units = 65 TL, activation: 4
  
−
*10 GB for 30 days, 1155 units = 75 TL, activation: 10
  
−
*15 GB for 30 days, 1308 units = 85 TL, activation: 15
  
   
  +
===='''Data feature packs'''====
  +
  +
Default data rate is 11 units (0.715 TL) per 100 KB. The following packages can be activated:
  +
{| class="article-table"
  +
!Data
  +
!Time
  +
!Units
  +
!= TL
  +
!Activation
  +
|-
  +
|100 MB
  +
|1 day
  +
|77
  +
|5
  +
|GUNLUK
  +
|-
  +
|1 GB
  +
|7 days
  +
|291
  +
|19
  +
|HAFTALIK1
  +
|-
  +
|500 MB
  +
|30 days
  +
|538
  +
|35
  +
|500
  +
|-
  +
|1 GB
  +
|30 days
  +
|692
  +
|45
  +
|1
  +
|-
  +
|2 GB
  +
|30 days
  +
|849
  +
|55
  +
|2
  +
|-
  +
|4 GB
  +
|30 days
  +
|1154
  +
|75
  +
|4
  +
|-
  +
|10 GB
  +
|30 days
  +
|1369
  +
|89
  +
|10
  +
|-
  +
|20 GB
  +
|30 days
  +
|1769
  +
|115
  +
|15
  +
|-
  +
|30 GB
  +
|30 days
  +
|2138
  +
|139
  +
|20
  +
|}
 
For activation text code to 1111. Wait until the package is confirmed by text message. To deactivate text "IPTAL" to 1111.
  
For activation text code to 1111. Wait until the package is confirmed by text message. To deactivate text "IPTAL" to 1111.
  +
  +
==== '''Tourist SIMs''' ====
  +
For visiting tourists they sell special packages:
  +
* Haftalık Turist Surfer Paketi (= weekly Tourist Surfer Package) with 2 GB, 50 internaional mins and 500 international SMS at 39 TL. To re-activate, text 'SURFER' to 2966
  +
* Monthly Tourist Flex Package comes in three sizes:
  +
** 2 GB and 50 international mins: 50 TL, activation 'FLEX1' to 1001
  +
** 1 GB and 100 international mins: 50 TL, activation: 'FLEX2' to 1001
  +
** 500 MB and 150 international mins: 50 TL, activation: 'FLEX3' to 1001
  +
Unlimited Lifecell WiFi is added for free.
   
 
===='''More info'''====
  
===='''More info'''====
Line 377: Line 498:
   
 
== '''Telsim Vodafone (KKTC Telsim)''' ==
  
== '''Telsim Vodafone (KKTC Telsim)''' ==
  +
[[File:Telsim-0.jpg|thumb|231x231px]]
−
[[File:Telsim.jpg|thumb]]Telsim Vodafone, aka KKTC Telsim is the main competitor of KKTC Turkcell and a branch of Vodafone Turkey, but is not allowed to be called Vodafone for legal reasons as Vodafone has an own network in the south too. Their data packages are valid on Vodafone in Turkey too, but not on the Vodafone network in the south of the island.
  
  +
Telsim Vodafone, a.k.a. KKTC Telsim is the only competitor of KKTC Turkcell and the local branch of Vodafone Turkey. They are not allowed to be called Vodafone for legal reasons as Vodafone has an own network in the southern part of the island too. But it's origin is pretty obvious looking at their branding.
   
  +
Their data packages are valid on Vodafone network in Turkey too, but not on the Cyta-Vodafone network in the south of the island. Vodafone generally sells data cheaper than KKTC Turkcell and has still a reasonable network. Don't expect high speeds in the absence of 4G/LTE.
−
Like its competitor, the rates are charged in units: 1 unit is 0.065 TL. SIM cards are available in Telsim Shops ([http://www.kktctelsim.com/telsim-shop-listesi.html list ]) or in Telsim Silver Shops ([http://www.kktctelsim.com/telsim-silver-shop-listesi.html list]).
  
−
===='''Availability'''====
  
−
They sell a SIM called Tourist package for 25 TL containing 50 international minutes, 500 text messages and 500 MB internet valid for 7 days only.
  
   
  +
Like with its competitor, the rates used to be charged in units: 1 unit is 0.065 TL. SIM cards are available in Telsim Shops ([http://www.kktctelsim.com/telsim-shop-listesi.html list ]) or in Telsim Silver Shops ([http://www.kktctelsim.com/telsim-silver-shop-listesi.html list]).
−
The standard SIM is for 10 TL with no credit. Default data rate is 0.12 unit per KB.
  
  +
===='''Availability'''====
  +
Their standard SIM is for 10 TL without any credit. Default data rate is 0.162 units per MB. Like in Turkey, they heavily advertise combo packages as base plans.
 
===='''Data feature packs'''====
  
===='''Data feature packs'''====
 
They have one daily package of 1 GB at 10 TL that is sold as scratch card called Günlük Internet Paket. It's valid for 24 hours and you have to text the 'GUNLUK' <6-digit code from the card> to 8484. Check your balace by texting 'KALAN' ro 8484.
  
They have one daily package of 1 GB at 10 TL that is sold as scratch card called Günlük Internet Paket. It's valid for 24 hours and you have to text the 'GUNLUK' <6-digit code from the card> to 8484. Check your balace by texting 'KALAN' ro 8484.
   
−
The following monthly data bundles are available and can be booked on tourist and standard SIMs:
 +
The following monthly data bundles are available and valid in Northern Cyprus and Turkey and some are only available through their app MyVodafone:
  +
{| class="article-table"
−
*250 MB, 246 units = 16 TL
  
  +
!Time
−
*500 MB, 338 units = 12 TL
  
  +
!Data
−
*1 GB, 492 units = 32 TL
  
  +
!Price
−
*3 GB, 769 units = 50 TL
  
  +
!Remark
−
*5 GB, 1000 units = 65 TL
  
  +
|-
−
*10 GB, 1138 units = 74 TL
  
  +
|1 day
−
*15 GB, 1292 units = 84 TL
  
  +
|1 GB
−
Packages must be booked calling customer service on 548 (call for 8 units), in Telsim Shops or online on your account. All data packages are valid without roaming surcharges on the Vodafone network in Turkey too. To check consumption, text 'DURUM' to 2121 for free.
  
  +
|18
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| rowspan="2" |7 days
  +
|2 GB
  +
|35
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|5 GB
  +
|46
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| rowspan="12" |30 days
  +
|3 GB
  +
|59
  +
|through app
  +
|-
  +
|3 GB
  +
|68
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|5 GB
  +
|75
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|6 GB
  +
|69
  +
|through app
  +
|-
  +
|10 GB
  +
|86
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|12 GB
  +
|74
  +
|through app
  +
|-
  +
|15 GB
  +
|97
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|18 GB
  +
|84
  +
|through app
  +
|-
  +
|20 GB
  +
|109
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|24 GB
  +
|94
  +
|through app
  +
|-
  +
|30 GB
  +
|136
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
|35 GB
  +
|118
  +
|through app
  +
|}
  +
Packages must be purchased calling customer service on 548 (call for 8 units), in Telsim Shops or online on your account. Cheaper data packs shown in the table must be purchased through the MyVodafone app of the country.
  +
  +
All data packages are valid without roaming surcharges on the Vodafone network in Turkey too. To check consumption, text 'DURUM' to 2121 for free. For Facebook and Twitter use they offer a social bundle with 1 GB for these two apps and 20 MB general data valid for 30 days at 77 units = 5 TL. Activation by *8484#.
  +
  +
==== '''Tourist SIM''' ====
  +
Telsim sells a special tourist SIM in the streets of Lefkosa and on the nothern coast in tourist places. It goes for 60 TL and includes 10 GB data, 50 international mins and 500 international SMS all valid for 1 week.
  +
 
===='''More info'''====
  
===='''More info'''====
 
*APN: internet
  
*APN: internet
−
*more info online in Turkish only: [http://www.kktctelsim.com www.kktctelsim.com]
 +
*Website in English: https://www.kktctelsim.com/en/
 
[[Category:Country]]
  
[[Category:Country]]
 
[[Category:Europe]]
  
[[Category:Europe]]
 
[[Category:Vodafone]]
  
[[Category:Vodafone]]
 
[[Category:MTN]]
  
[[Category:MTN]]
−
[[Category:3/17]]
 +
[[Category:12/19]]

Revision as of 13:25, 15 July 2020

Cy

Flag of the Republic of Cyprus (= South)

Basics

Politically the island of Cyprus is divided into two parts. The Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus in the south which is a member of EU and the Turkish-affiliated part in the north which calls itself KKTC or TRNC in English.

This split is reflected in the phone system as well. In the south different providers operate than in the north and there is no roaming at all between them (even if Vodafone owns a network in every part). A call from north to south is possible, but will be billed as a foreign call to another continent. The sovereign base areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are covered by the same operators as Southern Cyprus.

Kktc-kibris

For a tourist it's very easy nowadays to cross the border at Nicosia and visit the other part. But you should know that you will lose coverage soon. Furthermore, the north is not part of EU, so roaming prices are not regulated. Visiting the entire island, you may think of buying two SIM cards because of the present situation. In the south, the highest rates for data within the EU used to be charged, but now some cheaper packages appeared on the local market. Compare EU roaming options to it.

First the networks of the south (Republic of Cyprus) are shown:

  • Cyta Vodafone
  • epic (formerly MTN)
  • PrimeTel
Download (6)

Flag of the KKTC (= Northern Cyprus)

Then the networks in the north (KKTC):

  • KKTC Turkcell
  • KKTC Telsim (Vodafone)

which are associated with the Turkish phone system. The restrictions about registration and taxes for foreign mobile devices enforced in mainland Turkey (see Turkey) don't apply to Northern Cyprus.

2G is on 900 and 1800 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz, 4G/LTE is in the Republic (South) on all three networks on 1800 MHz (B3) available for prepaid. More spectrum on 800 and 2600 MHz (B20 and B7) followed. There is no 4G/LTE in the northern part yet.

EU flag
The Republic of Cyprus in the South (but not Northern Cyprus) is part of the EU, where since 2017 new international roaming rules have been enforced. In most European countries you can now 'roam like at home' at domestic rates rather than excessive roaming rates.

The providers in the southern part of Cyprus have applied this rule to all of their prepaid plans without major restrictions. But be aware that the other part of the island is outside the free roaming area. For specifics about the new regulation check European Union chapter and every provider below.

To avoid being connected to a KKTC network by mistake, disable automatic network selection, make a manual network selection and lock the southern network as long as you are using an European SIM card for roaming in the Rep. of Cyprus under "roam like at home" rules.

We start with the Greek-speaking Republic of Cyprus. You will notice that data prices are among the highest in Europe similar to Greece, while network coverage is below par. So you might think of bringing your EU SIM card with you and better roam in the South. The only European SIM card that includes both parts of Cyprus at low domestic rates if that of Vodafone Spain.

Cyta (by Vodafone)

Cyta-voda

Cyta for CYprus Telecommunication Authority is jointly owned by the Government of the Rep. of Cyprus and Vodafone and still the biggest operator in the country giving a reasonable coverage at the highest rates around.

4G/LTE has started in 2015 in the towns of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos. It's available for prepaid users without a surcharge.

Availability

Their prepaid SIM card is called "soeasy". They sell it everywhere (in the airports, supermarkets, kiosks etc.): store locator. Default PIN is 1234.

Recharges

There are reload cards (vouchers) for €5, €10, €20 and €35 available. A top-up of €10 or more is valid for 365 days. You can recharge online with a non Cyprus-issued credit card, if you ask for an authorization code by email at top-up@soeasy.com.cy and use it here.

They have also introduced data top-up cards with discounted mobile data:

  • €5: 1.2 GB for 30 days
  • €10: 3 GB for 30 days
  • €15: 6 GB for 30 days

These data top-up cards are only valid on soeasy voice and data plans, not on Vodafone mobile internet plans (see below).

Check balance by *110#.

Soeasy plan

This plan is for smartphones and talk, text and data. The starter pack is sold for €7.50 and contains 5 € credit and 100 domestic SMS valid for 90 days.

Default rate is still at high €0.15 per MB. So better use packages. They offer either combo plans or data-only packages.

The combo packs need to be activated by texting "on soeasy plus" to 8000. These three monthly combos are sold:

Top-up Voice SMS Data Credit
€ 10 100 mins 100 1 GB € 3
€ 20 300 mins 300 2 GB € 3
€ 35 600 mins 600 4 GB € 3

These data packages are sold:

Package Validity Data Price Activation code
soeasy MI day 1 day 200 MB € 1.50 MI Day
soeasy MI week 1 week 400 MB € 3 MI Week
soeasy MI month small 1 month 1.2 GB € 5 MI Small
soeasy MI month 1 month 3 GB € 10 MI Month
soeasy MI monthly XL 1 month 6 GB € 15 MI XL

For activation, text activation code to 8000. After you have consumed the internet pack you have purchased, it will charge you a basic rate €0.25 per ΜΒ unless you purchase a new pack. For this reason they will inform you through SMS when your pack has been consumed. You can purchase as many mobile internet packs as you like at any moment. Consumption will take place from the pack you have purchased earlier until it is exhausted.

Vodafone mobile Internet

VMI is their data only SIM which is sold for €14.95 including 1 GB data valid for 15 days.

These packages can be added:

Validity Data Price
5 days 500 MB € 5
10 days 1 GB € 10
20 days 2.2 GB € 20
40 days 4.1 GB € 35

The validity period is extended every time you top-up your account. The extension duration in days is shown in the table below. Your service will be deleted 180 days after the expiration of the credit validity period unless you top-up your account before that date.

EU roaming

Cyta generally implements "roam like home" principles with roaming at domestic rates in the EU without restrictions on all their prepaid offers.

More info

  • APN: cytamobile

epic (formerly: MTN Cyprus)

Epic

new logo

Epic is the second network operator in the Republic: Coverage map. In 2018 it was sold to Monaco Telecom who rebranded them in June 2019 to epic. It gives out data at slightly more competitive rates than Cyta at a slightly lower coverage.

4G/LTE started in 2015 on 1800 MHz in major towns and is now available to prepaid users too. In 2017 about 93% of the population are supposed to be covered on 1800 MHz (B3) and 800 MHz (B20). 

Availability

SIM card is available for €2 with €1 and 50 MB pre-loaded credit. They sell it everywhere (in the airports, supermarkets, kiosks etc.): Store locator.

Recharges

Top-ups are available through vouchers or electronic recharge. Denominations are €5, €10, €20, €35 and €50.

By texting the word 'ON' to 6040 you can activate their All in one Bonus Scheme for top-ups of €10 or more valid for 30 days:

Top-up Voice SMS Data
€ 10 40 mins 100 30 MB
€ 20 120 mins 250 60 MB
€ 35 240 mins 500 90 MB
€ 50 400 mins 750 150 MB

They also sell data top-up cards in these values:

  • €5: 850 MB for 10 days
  • €10: 2 GB for 30 days
  • €15: 4 GB for 30 days

The Data Top-Up cards are only available for electronic top-up and can only be used within Cyprus.

According to customer care top-ups with international credit cards are only available through a partner site, which however takes high commission. Alternatively you can top up commission-free online with JCCSmart. (This should work with the other providers as well.)

Check your balance by dialing *202#. Their prepaid voice and data plan is called Pay As You Go.

Pay As You Go

Default rate for data is a high €1.02 per MB.

You should buy better buy one of these bundles called Pay as you surf:

Validity Data Price Activation
1 day 100 MB € 1.5 data on day
1 week 300 MB € 4 data on week
1 month 1000 MB € 10 data on month
1 month 2000 MB € 15 data on month 2000

Activation is by texting the code to 6040.

Mega Bundle: 1000 minutes of airtime and 1000 SMS to all epic numbers, as well as 1 GB for € 7. Validity period is 10 days. You can activate it with sending the text '''ON''' to the number 8500. You can activate more times, and you will receive the airtime, SMS and MBs again.

Holiday Prepaid Pack

For tourists they have introduced their Holiday Prepaid Pack. It's sold at €20 with 4 GB for 15 days. While data is on default at the excessive € 1.02/MB rate, you can add all 4 data packages from above to this tourist SIM. It includes reduced internatl. SMS and calls to Sweden, Norway, Russia, Germany and the UK.

The account is valid for 30 days from activation and can be renewed with top-up cards the validity period of which varies based on the value of the top up card. When the validity period of the account expires, any remaining balance will not be lost and can be used when the account is reactivated. The account can be reactivated within 180 days from its expiration. In any other case the SIM card number will be deactivated and may be allocated to another subscriber. 

EU roaming

Epic has generally implemented "roam like home" principles with roaming at domestic rates in the EU without restrictions on all their prepaid offers.

More info

  • APN: internet

PrimeTel

Primetel

PrimeTel PLC is a multiservice provider with various fixed broadband and mobile services. It is very popular for ADSL, TV and landline phone service in the South. It's the first MVNO in the Republic of Cyprus too.

It started in 2011 using the Cytamobile network. In 2014 they have been granted a license to build own physical network on 3G and 4G/LTE. It has already covered 60% of territory by its own 4G/LTE and 99% on its own 3G since 2015, making Cyta no more needed, but roaming with Cyta is still operational for 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) modes. 4G/LTE is open for prepaid customers without surcharge. Be aware that 4G coverage is still spotty in rural areas.

Availabilty

Their starter packs are available at the airports, supermarkets, some kiosks, mobile phone shops and their own stores (shops list) for €2 with €1 credit and 50 MB preloaded.

For top-ups reload cards are sold with heavy bonuses for €5, €10, €20, €35 and €50. You can recharge online using any international Visa/MasterCard credit card on their website

They give the highest bonuses for top-ups. To activate this bonus text 'ON' to 8133. These bonuses are awarded valid for 30 days:

Top-up Voice SMS Data
€ 5 20 mins 20 0
€ 10 100 mins 150 100 MB
€ 20 250 mins 300 200 MB
€ 35 450 mins 600 350 MB
€ 50 unlimited 800 500 MB

Voice minutes are on-net on Primetel only.

They also have released special data top-up cards in three denominations:

  • € 5: 1 MB for 10 days
  • € 10: 2.5 GB for 30 days
  • € 15: 5 GB for 30 days

Check your account balance by *133#, check how much Internet left by*138*2#, check Super Bundle status and how much left, by *138*3#, check Bonus Balance by *138# and change language by *135*2# for English.

Super Bundle Pack

This is probably the best offer for a short stay in Cyprus (South): you get 1.5 GB, 1000 minutes of calling to Primetel and 1000 SMS to Primetel network for 10 days at € 8. To get this package, send SMS with text 'ON8' to 8133.

Regular Pay As You Go rates

For prepaid subscribers, default charge and overuse rate for mobile internet is € 0.25 per MB. These packages are offered:

Data Value Validity Activation
200 ΜB € 1.50 1 day MB1
1 GB € 5 7 days MB7
2.5 GΒ € 10 30 days MB30
5 GB € 15 30 days MB30 2500

For activation text code to 8133.

Travel Internet Pack

This is a special data-only SIM card made for tourists. Similar to epic, they sell the SIM card at €20 with 2.5 GB pre-loaded valid for 20 days. You can buy this product at the airport arrivals (Larnaca or Paphos) and at selected kiosks all over the island.

To buy more data, you can add one of these packages:

Data Validity Price
250 MB 2 days € 5
500 MB 7 days € 10
2 GB 14 days € 20
3.5 GB 20 days € 35
5 GB 30 days € 50

Purchase of these packages is online through your account. 4G/LTE is supported. A triple size SIM (nano, micro, mini) is given out. Note that it supports only data, neither voice calls nor SMS service.

Check the detailed users guide in English from the official website. After the expiration of the initial data, you can purchase more data for a period of 90 days. After the 90 days of service the SIM card becomes inactive regardless of your loaded credit.

EU roaming

Primetel has generally implemented "roam like at home" principles with roaming at domestic rates in the EU without restrictions on all their prepaid offers.

More info

SOUTHERN PART (Republic of Cyprus, Greek) above

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NORTHERN PART (KKTC, Turkish) below

800px-Northern cyprus map

Basic information

The Turkish-controlled Northern part of Cyprus (called KKTC or in English Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, short: TRNC) is connected to the Turkish phone network, sharing the same country code with Turkey (+90). The prefix for KKTC Turkcell is +90 533 and for Telsim Vodafone +90 542.

Dialing from North to South is possible, but is billed as an international long-distance call. Generally it's not advisable to use a SIM from the South in the North or vice versa. A few European providers like Vodafone in the UK include both parts in their EU roaming zone and can be a good option.

In the KKTC prices are still sometimes shown as units (so-called Kontör) instead of the local currency TL (Turkish Lira). 1 unit equals 0.065 TL.

No roaming
Note that Northern Cyprus (KKTC) - in contrary to the south - is not part of the EU, where since 2017 new international roaming rules have been enforced. Using a roaming SIM in the KKTC, you'll be charged the same as in Turkey and thus high surcharges may be applied on European or even Southern Cyprus SIM cards. Better use a Turkish or local SIM card instead.

Coming to the North, you will notice that prices are mich lower than in the South. But you will not be able to roam down there. A local SIM card from the North can only be used in mainland Turkey.

Note that Vodafone UK used to roam without surcharges in Turkey. This applied to the KKTC as well until May 2020. From then on, it's only for surcharge. The only remaining SIM to include both the Greek and Turkish side at domestic EU rates is that of Vodafone Spain.

Furthermore, the KKTC is one of the very few regions in Europe in 2019 when still no 4G/LTE networks are operative. This is due to the lack of connectivity to the mainland. Now, 4G/LTE is finally announced for 2020 on both networks. So far you are confined only to 3G speeds for now in the KKTC.

All prepaid lines in the KKTC must be registered by November 2019 or will be closed. So from now on you need to buy and register your prepaid SIM in a branded store of the operator by showing your ID.

KKTC Turkcell

KKTC Turkcell

KKTC Turkcell is the North Cyprus branch of the leading Turkish network provider Turkcell. Like with Vodafone below you can now use data in KKTC and Turkey without surcharges.

The rates are still charged in "Kontör" = units. 1 unit is 0.065 TL.

Availability

The SIM card is sold in all Turkcell shops (store locator) for 15 TL with 100 units (worth 6.5 TL) of credit.

You can recharge online using almost any credit card (Visa/MasterCard) on the following website. Process is pretty straightforward (in English), it recharges your account instantly. Minimal amount to load is 400 units or 26 TL.

Data feature packs

Default data rate is 11 units (0.715 TL) per 100 KB. The following packages can be activated:

Data Time Units = TL Activation
100 MB 1 day 77 5 GUNLUK
1 GB 7 days 291 19 HAFTALIK1
500 MB 30 days 538 35 500
1 GB 30 days 692 45 1
2 GB 30 days 849 55 2
4 GB 30 days 1154 75 4
10 GB 30 days 1369 89 10
20 GB 30 days 1769 115 15
30 GB 30 days 2138 139 20

For activation text code to 1111. Wait until the package is confirmed by text message. To deactivate text "IPTAL" to 1111.

Tourist SIMs

For visiting tourists they sell special packages:

  • Haftalık Turist Surfer Paketi (= weekly Tourist Surfer Package) with 2 GB, 50 internaional mins and 500 international SMS at 39 TL. To re-activate, text 'SURFER' to 2966
  • Monthly Tourist Flex Package comes in three sizes:
    • 2 GB and 50 international mins: 50 TL, activation 'FLEX1' to 1001
    • 1 GB and 100 international mins: 50 TL, activation: 'FLEX2' to 1001
    • 500 MB and 150 international mins: 50 TL, activation: 'FLEX3' to 1001

Unlimited Lifecell WiFi is added for free.

More info

  • APN: cepten.kktcell /or/ internet.kktcell

Telsim Vodafone (KKTC Telsim)

Telsim-0

Telsim Vodafone, a.k.a. KKTC Telsim is the only competitor of KKTC Turkcell and the local branch of Vodafone Turkey. They are not allowed to be called Vodafone for legal reasons as Vodafone has an own network in the southern part of the island too. But it's origin is pretty obvious looking at their branding.

Their data packages are valid on Vodafone network in Turkey too, but not on the Cyta-Vodafone network in the south of the island. Vodafone generally sells data cheaper than KKTC Turkcell and has still a reasonable network. Don't expect high speeds in the absence of 4G/LTE.

Like with its competitor, the rates used to be charged in units: 1 unit is 0.065 TL. SIM cards are available in Telsim Shops (list ) or in Telsim Silver Shops (list).

Availability

Their standard SIM is for 10 TL without any credit. Default data rate is 0.162 units per MB. Like in Turkey, they heavily advertise combo packages as base plans.

Data feature packs

They have one daily package of 1 GB at 10 TL that is sold as scratch card called Günlük Internet Paket. It's valid for 24 hours and you have to text the 'GUNLUK' <6-digit code from the card> to 8484. Check your balace by texting 'KALAN' ro 8484.

The following monthly data bundles are available and valid in Northern Cyprus and Turkey and some are only available through their app MyVodafone:

Time Data Price Remark
1 day 1 GB 18
7 days 2 GB 35
5 GB 46
30 days 3 GB 59 through app
3 GB 68
5 GB 75
6 GB 69 through app
10 GB 86
12 GB 74 through app
15 GB 97
18 GB 84 through app
20 GB 109
24 GB 94 through app
30 GB 136
35 GB 118 through app

Packages must be purchased calling customer service on 548 (call for 8 units), in Telsim Shops or online on your account. Cheaper data packs shown in the table must be purchased through the MyVodafone app of the country.

All data packages are valid without roaming surcharges on the Vodafone network in Turkey too. To check consumption, text 'DURUM' to 2121 for free. For Facebook and Twitter use they offer a social bundle with 1 GB for these two apps and 20 MB general data valid for 30 days at 77 units = 5 TL. Activation by *8484#.

Tourist SIM

Telsim sells a special tourist SIM in the streets of Lefkosa and on the nothern coast in tourist places. It goes for 60 TL and includes 10 GB data, 50 international mins and 500 international SMS all valid for 1 week.

More info

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