Paphos People

This may have been dealt with before, as a new member please forgive if it has.

I am in the process of attempting to relocate to Paphos in the next 18 months, however over here in wet cold UK we have been hearing stories about Cyprus.
For example - the banks are near broke and will collapse, the cost of livng is going through the roof, expats are desperate to get out and come back to UK.
Overall it does not look ideal and to be honest a little concerning.

Thoughts please and may I have constructive thoughts.

Rggards
Ian

waiting with bated breath for your answer, you may get a few surprises

Hello Ian. Welcome to the forum. I will try and help you with information in order to help you.

Cyprus like a lot of countries is suffering due to the financial crisis caused by banks and bad government since 2008.

Depending on your age group and situation will alter the advice I can give you.

If you are retired on a good pension and have considerable savings and disposable income then come on over,rent for 12 months and see how you like it. It is a great Island with lovely people,good weather and fresh and affordable food and drink.

If however you are young with a family,forget it as there is little or no employment and schooling can be expensive.You also have to consider health care which you have to pay for,either privately or through insurance.

There are lots of young families leaving Cyprus because they cannot make a living and also older people who miss Grand children and find their pensions are not buying what they used to.

Is there anything in particular you want to know? Just ask,many people on here with experience who will answer your questions.

Rgds Beverley

Hi Ian

Welcome to paphos people .
it does all depend on what your situation is , as bev said ..
give us a bit more about you , and you will be able to get a more accurate kinda feedback ..

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REACH 1000`s of PAPHOS CUSTOMERS EVERY DAY FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT THE OTHERS CHARGE
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Whilst the optimist and the pessimist argued that the whisky glass was either half full
or half empty ? .
I drank it .....
The opportunist..

quote " expats are desperate to get out and come back to UK."

Not me , and no one I know.

Christofias is sorting out a big bailout for the banks.

Ryanair new route from Manchester to Paphos.

Soon the gas revenue will be rolling in.

Christofias retires next year after election.

Everything is rosey.

That's what I like to see! Pure optimism

I don't know no-one desperate to back to UK.

Alan

Thank you so far for some feed back, you asked me to give you some more details, will keep it brief and not to revealing.

I will be 58 in January, my wife was 55 today. I have a reasonable military pension and at the present trading as a self employed electrician but the old joints are siezing up and getting harder. My wife works in a chilled food factory as a supervisor and not a very nice job.

After we have sold the house and paid off remainder of mortgage and got our sorry bums out we will have about £110k left, we have no other income apart from a good military pension no other debts.

We are not looking to buy just rent, been coming over for the last four years so we know what the rental side is all about, its mainly cost of living and the comments and concerns I raised on the original post.
Thanks
Ian

hi
if you enjoy cooking from fresh foods
then cost of living is definitely cheaper here and top quality
if you like mainly uk foods
then cost of living will be more expensive here as all has to be imported
petrol is cheaper here
and comunity council tax is a LOT cheaper
Electricity is more expensive here......so just watch out how much you use
we use all the eco savings we learned about in the uk and our electricity is great
medicines are more expensive....we are roughly same ages as yourselves...we don't get free health care....so pay for specialists and xrays , bloods etc etc
remember if you are coming over for the winter time...you will need heating in your home...rugs on the floors help....winter weight quilts...we won't stay here without electric under blankets as beds tend to feel cold and damp...and the blanket ensures a warm, dry bed....warm clothes mainly for indoors as when the sun goes down it can get fridge like indoors
all in all tho
a great life to be had here
and the weather ..well!!!!! briliant
all the best
maggie

You are in a very good position to give it a go over here.
Definately rent as there are some good bargains to be had over here.
We pay 550 euros a month for a 3 bed detached villa overlooking the sea with pool and garden in a coastal village with tavernas,bars,and a couple of small shops for emergencies.
Council tax is 85 euros a year,water is running at 150 a year and electric is around 100 euros a month allowing for higher use in the hot summer months and the cold winter months. Telephone and broadband 50 a month (with calls and installment costs) so you get a rough idea of basic costs.
I do know of someone who has just secured a villa with pool for 400 per month!

Food is as cheap or expensive as you make it but we eat well and enjoy the odd tipple on less than a 100 euros a week.

Hope this helps you plan a budget on your income.

I know my sense of direction is not good but I don't recall Kathikas being a coastal village or even on the Akamas.
Think you got it a bit wrong Beverly

As has been said. You are well placed to make it work here.

If you are sensible and get a place at a reasonable rent, buy local produce where possible, act like you live here rather than being on an extended holiday, then you will be fine.

The reasons people go back to the UK seem to be:
The pull of grandchildren
To avoid expensive healthcare if a major issue arises
Because they haven't done their research and can't find a job etc.
Because they are nearing the end of their life and want to get there whilst in the UK
Because they just ran out of money (big villa, big 4-wheel drive, eating out every night etc)

I know of nobody who is going back because of the current financial crisis or any other reason.

One tip, all your friends and relatives will think you will be a good place for a cheap holiday. They will cost you a fortune when they come. Don't invite them.

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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein

So when I wake up and open my curtains and the Akamas gorge is just below me and the sea is behind it you don't think I live in a coastal area ? I admit I cannot walk to the beach but we are classed as being part of the Akamas area and the postman doesn't deliver to us because we are classed as being "outside" the village!
Tha Vasilikon Winery is next door and they are described as being on the Akamas!
Even the ineffectual signs that say "no hunting" are next door.

So maybe I am not totally wrong about where I live.

sound advice

live here as you would live at home!!
when we moved here...we stepped into "living here" mode straight away

some folks def treat living here as if they are on permanant hols...you see them...drinking from morn till night day in day out.. not a good plan!!

but sadly an easy trap to fall into
maggie

Overlooking the sea from 600 mtrs above sea level does not make it a coastal village.I live that distance from the sea and although I can see the sea there is no way I would class my obode as coastal,likewise being able to see certain areas does not mean you live in them.
I don't know where you think you are but certainly not on the Akamas or in a coastal village.

What exactly is your problem? At no time did I mention the Akamas in my original post in helpful reply to a new member who wanted information. I did consider if you could see the sea then you could call your area coastal but who actually cares?
Looking through your posts since joining a few days ago,you do seem very confrontational and argumentative. Is nobody allowed to post without your nit picking ?
I hope the poster who asked for information doesn't think that all PP members are like yourself.

It's personal attacks when someone doesn't agree with a point of view/opinion, as in the above post, that keeps members from posting on here. Just my opinion, not getting into ANY arguments but where is Cyril, to nip it in the bud, when posters start to get nasty, churlish, hijack posts, descend into personal attacks in order to have the last word, and take away from the original subject? Please be nice.

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TARRAH

If I stand on the bed i can see the sea , am I coastal ?.....only joking.

Back on track , I am 59 (retired "spark" ) and my wife is 63 , we are covered for health care with an S1 due to my wife getting her state pension at 60. If you are intending to be a permanent resident you will have to budget for private health care.

Good luck with your plans , it's great here.

We treat life here as a (9 year+) holiday.

We don't go out drinking every day, but take every opportunity to eat out, (with a drink)!

Both have several pensions, so dough no object.

Enjoy it while you can, 'cause one day you won't wake up.

Alan

Have to agree with a previous poster who mentioned visitors Unless they are family (or really good friends) handle with caution.

They come on holiday and think you are also on a permanent holiday

"Can you pick us up at the airport?" - Because they think you have nothing better to do with your time (and petrol).

They want to eat out 3 or 4 times a week, fine but we don't normally eat out that often.

All the electricity and water etc they use must be "free" because most would never think of offering to contribute.

They expect to be waited on hand and foot - "I didn't like to help myself in your kitchen" - well helping with the washing-up you created would be a good start

"We won't bother hiring a car" - Because they think they have a built in chauffeur who's car runs on air!

Now when I get an inquiry (or big hint) unless we have had a really good experience with them in the past - I just send a list of available local villas/apartments etc.

I love these threads , these people are the new wave ...it's great to know people in the UK are still planing on coming out here.

If you have questions , just ask.

We are covered on an s21 which is contribution based up to retirement age,check with the pensions office in Newcastle and they will give you the info.3
No need to pay for private health care.

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John & Kath

Never heard of the s21 , this will be great news for others who want to come over , no need for private health care and do not have to be retired . I hope the immigration office have knowledge of this s21 .

J AND K mean the form S1

If you move to an EEA country to live but not work and don't receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare, paid for by the UK.

You will need to apply for form S1 (or form E106 if you are moving to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) with the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle). You also need to prove that you have worked in the UK and paid National Insurance contributions up to three years before your departure.

For further advice, contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle):

Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle)
Room TC001
Tyneview Park
Whitley Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1BA

Phone 0191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday 8am-5pm).

The S1 (or E106) will entitle you to treatment on the same basis as a resident of the country you are moving to. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution toward the cost of your care.

When the cover on the S1 (or E106) expires, you cannot get any further medical cover from the UK until you receive a UK state pension. It is up to the country’s authorities to decided whether you are eligible to join their healthcare scheme.

You will also be entitled to a UK-issued EHIC, allowing you to visit other EEA countries besides the one you are a resident with.

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Dave
Moira And Dave

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

That's it exactly,thanks M.A.D.
Mine lastes till Jan 13th but I will be retired before then.
Also having one of these enables you to be issued with the yellow form.

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John & Kath

I agree with everything you say there.

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Growing old is mandatory.
Growing up is optional.

Hello All again,

I am resurrecting this post from last year, as I said in my post we are moving to Cyprus within the next 18 months well it is nearly time to do so.
In my post we here in the UK heard about the potential crash and regrettably that did happen.

How is the situation for UK expats at the moment and how are you coping, my wife and I are coming over to retire and would the crisis effect us.

Looking forward to the reply's, oh just to let you know it is 1920 on the 19th October and pouring down, deep joy.

Regards
Ian

Bet you wish you had never asked now...

I bought my place 6 years ago, but waited until the time was right for me, before ditching the UK and all of its problems, my primary reason was the never ending hand out society. I guess the day will come when there are more on benefits than tax payers to support them - then what will happen...

I finally moved full time last month. Life is good, the whole culture is different to the UK but I guess that's why people stay. In my past 6 yrs experience, the main reason people return to the UK, is the pull of suddenly having grandchildren and not wanting to be long distance grandparents.

Take the plunge! Good luck.
Jo

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You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Coping with what? Nothing has changed.

I was on hols here when the banks crashed, I bank with BoC and Hellenic. BoC was shut for a few days, Hellenic are owned by the Church, so didn't have problems. Those with savings had it pinched. End of.. life continues as before.

Jo

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You never get a second chance to make a first impression

The only changes that have impacted me is the introduction of the property tax (145 euros for me) and a few businesses closing down. Not good for them, but alternatives exist for me to use. Of course, my income comes from the UK and is guaranteed. The Cypriots are not so lucky and many are having a very hard time indeed.

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Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein

Absolutely nothing has changed for us except where before we could withdraw €400 a day at the ATM machine, now we can only take out €300. We never took out that much money before, only once a month when the rent was due.

Not retired (still too young) but here in Cyprus on a permanent basis for almost 10 years.

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Regards
Shell

there was NEVER the CRISIS that the media painted

sadly some people with large savings lost money!
those with no or little savings didn't get afected at all

the bank cash machines worked thro ought the situation
so ordinary folks where NOT afected

bigger disruption was caused to businessess for a few weeks as all on line banking was stopped

OAP's where asked to have their pensions put into a UK bank account.... take heed from that and always keep a UK bank account open and in use

and that was what happened

there was no riots.....except small ones in Nicosia over 2 days.... no bag snatchers....the streets where not unsafe.....and all went about their lives quietly as before

we have both uk bank accounts and Cyprus bank accounts

sure you will enjoy living here

whoops double posted ...sorry

If you are retired and have a good income then you will find things have only really altered for those trying to find work and businesses closing due to depleted custom and income.
If you rent then all the taxes that have been introduced on property will not effect you at all.
There is an increase in crime but nothing like as bad as the UK.
The weather for 6 months of the year is so much better than the UK.
The fresh fruit and veg and most meat is cheaper and better than the UK but other things are more expensive.Swings and roundabouts really.
Depending on what you want out of life will depend on yourselves.Choose your friends carefully and avoid the tourist areas if you don't want to be ripped off.
There are fors and againsts for both Cyprus and the UK so it is all a matter of taste.
Good luck,hope you find it is what you want and have a happy experience.

Good post Beverley , summed it up well . Cyprus is a great place to retire to , coming up to 3 years here now for us.

Some one mentioned a limit on ATM withdraw amount of 300 , not at the Hellenic , I withdrew 450 yesterday.

And just to mention it is 8.30 AM another clear blue sky day .

Hi To all,

Thank you for all your kind replies, I think the posts about sum it really, media and other scare mongers stirring things, my wife and I are not coming with rose tinted glasses but with an open mind.
WE have been coming over for the last five years so have some idea what the problems are, in the UK GAS & ELECTRICITY up on average by 8.50% also the VAT element of 5% make it hard work.
Storms due this week and next, Government messing about and not a very happy place to live, target date for arrival is June or July, again will be pleased for any sensible advice.

Thanks
Ian

sure you will love it here Ian
all the best to you and your wife

any questions just ask
we learned our way around paphos from this great forum

I asked about everything I needed and still do ask for things I yet do not know

this will be our 4th winter here
we have just completed our seccond summer
and the knowledge I have gained from other members has been priceless

it was dificult at first to get our heads around a strange language
needing directions for the most basic of things
needing help for where to go to get the best bargains and best service
but this fab forum came up trumps again and again
sure you will settle in soon
never be afraid to ask
it has been a balmy 80 degrees here today
we have lived in shorts since last April/May
maggie

Hi Ian
Good luck with your move to Cyprus. Hope all goes well for you.

We are in the situation you were in 18 months ago, thinking about moving out and wondering if it is a good idea.
Hope you will keep us posted and let you know how you are settling in and how much you think annual pension needs to be to have a reasonable lifestyle in Cyprus.
best wishes - be happy

Lowvoltage

There are many people in Cyprus who would love to be in your position at the moment (residing in UK), as they are desperate to sell their property but can't and so are stuck here.

Good luck.

Alan

Have been living here for over 8 years. My husband has been employed full-time all of this time. I know work opportunities are not great but it seems that if you are good at what you do, there is a market here for you. We bought our apt as a holiday home before deciding to make the move. If making the move now, I would probably rent although it is definitely a buyers market and there are real bargains to be had.

Our social life is so much better than in the UK and we regularly eat out. Shopping is better, and healthier, if you buy fresh & local. Personally, I could do without the shops that sell 'all the things from home'.

We love it when our close friends and family visit us each year and treat these times as our holidays, rather than seeing their arrival as an imposition.

We live in a small apartment and find that our heating requirements are limited and we certainly dont have electric blankets etc.

Life isnt perfect. There are some things which we dont like but I could never imagine living permanently in the UK again. Cyprus is definitely home and we love it !

Ian,

Just spotted this one, we have recently made the move over to Cyprus, now in our 4th month and to honest just about settled, just my tax to sort out!. Although we do own a small apartment in Kato Paphos we decided to rent a villa...makes hosting the family and friends a little easier, we are in the Polis area which is obviously much quieter than the "Big City" but it suits us and our little dog. We also were lucky enough to retire early (on a military pension) in our mid 50's...well me anyway! The main problem with that is Health Insurance which does take a fair chunk every month, about 200 euro...I did think about going down the S1 route but that will only cover us for a couple of years and then what!! we will still be under state retirement age and those "Age Related" illness's begin to build up...existing conditions are of course not covered by your insurance...all in all I suspect we about on par with living in the UK from a financial perspective if you take all the pros and cons into consideration. You will need a financial buffer when you first arrive because it is pay pay pay!! some stuff we had planned for but we were caught out in a few areas...again paying upfront (about 400euro) for our medical checks in order to qualify for the insurance was a surprise...although that was offset against our monthly payments. 100 euro for changing the electricity into our name...etc etc. We decided to buy a new car, it just seemed to make more sense...I was not overly impressed with the choice and price of vehicles in the second hand market, the car came with a 2 year warranty although the servicing intervals are less than those in the UK due to the climate over here. I am sure you will receive lots of advice regarding telecoms providers etc, we went with Primetel who are substantially cheaper than CYTA and the service so far has been great..touch wood. Also bear in mind how you will heat your property!! electric is very expensive, we bought a load of logs (pick up full) for 80 euro which lasted an month....and to be honest the fire was pretty ineffectual...perhaps a property with a proper wood burner would fare better...we have decided on calor gas heaters (two) which seem to do the job (downstairs at least!) but I am seriously considering a kero heater (apparently they have come a long way from those we had in the Army..). We stocked up on "stuff" to bring over with us, electrical items including a VAX Mop which is invaluable and a small rechargeable Dyson which is great...The Electric Blanket has proved its worth and our IT setup is providing us with TV etc (Apple TV, iMac, iPad and IPod Touch)...If you can think of anything else we can help you with please ask!!! Overall life is good...still getting used to this retirement business and deciding in which direction to take regarding filling our time!! But if thats only problem we are a lucky couple!!! oh and Skype has proven to be a real boon in keeping in touch with the family...probably the one of the best steps forward in Communications Technology in recent years!!!

Glad to hear everything's worked out for you both 'Hudswell' its nice to read a happy go lucky honest informative posting!

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"IGIMT"

Yes what an upbeat yet honest post. We'd love to retire early and be able to move to Cyprus full time but alas not yet...
Great to hear that overall life is good

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Pat