I've lived here in Cyprus for some time now and have to disagree on many things you pointed out. For one, from June to September the island is super overcrowded, there are loud parties and gatherings everywhere, often all night long, and the heat is unbearable without AC. That's hardly suitable for old people. Yes, it's very laid back, even to the point when it's extremely difficult to get any public service, half of the businesses are borderline scam and the police are virtually non-existent, even if you manage to get them to come, they're too scared to do anything. The prices are very high, especially for the generally lower quality of products and services on offer in limited selection. You say most Cypriots speak English - well, if knowing a couple hundred words required to run a tourist business they own qualifies as speaking English, then sure, but if you want to have a meaningful conversation with someone, forget it! In my experience maybe 10% of Cypriots speak proper conversational English. Oh, and more than half of Cypriots smoke and almost everyone likes to feel sorry for themselves due to one political reason or another. Not great conversational topics for outsiders. Food is okay-ish, especially in villages, but on average you pay anywhere from 50 to 100% more than you would in many smaller EU countries that are actually more developed than Cyprus. And don't even get me started on housing and rental prices. Astronomical prices for ridiculously low build quality and outdated tech. Housing developers only offer 12 months build guarantee when in developed countries the guarantee is up to 15 years, that says it all. And rent has doubled in just the last 12 months, by the way, since rent control law only applies to houses built before year 2000. Yes, it's still cheaper than London and Paris, but what isn't? To be honest, your video is coming across like a sponsored advertising for the island geared towards attracting more people to move here... I love most of your videos, but I don't like this one at all, sorry man.
Thank you for your honest comment & much appreciated - gives us the realistic experience of Cyprus & perspective for expats & tourists (both Europeans & non-Europeans) 👍🙏
So no good for us in our mid 50's moving out then. New builds in UK especially from wimpy or contains only offer 2 year warranty as I'm a plumber and heating engineer. I was hoping to get a job out there doing this or website developer job. Seemed layed back in may when we visited. Not sure if we qualify from UK to live and rent for a while to decide if it's for us..I've had it with grey skies and crap summers in UK..
Hello Dan, thank you for sharing your experiences, I appreciate your frankness. I lived in Cyprus; Ayia Napa, Paralimni, for a while in the early 90's and loved it. Now, after living in the US for over 20 years and getting closer to retirement age, I've been thinking of moving back to Cyprus, I have an EU passport also, so paperwork so not be a problem. Obviously, things have changed in Cyprus over the past 30 years and I'm afraid that time passed has given me rose-colored glasses and the reality is that I don't much of anything about today's life in Cyprus. For example, I don't remember not having AC or being cold in winter. Is that common not having air conditioning? I'm living in Florida so I know that AC is a must-have! Your review about new builds really scares me. Not that we don't have shady workmanship here in FL but I was hoping to buy a quality apartment at a decent price over there. Being an insulin-dependent diabetic who follows a low-carb vegetarian diet, I wonder how hard it would be to find good quality groceries and restaurants that serve suitable food for me. I regret not learning to speak Greek while I was there, it did not bother me then that I couldn't have meaningful conversations with locals, but now that I'm older, it will definitely bother me now. Large expat population is good and I'm hoping to reconnect with some of my old local friends. I will be visiting in November and in the week that I have I'm trying to cover as much ground as I possibly can but if you or any other expat would like to share their experiences with me that would be really great.
You should do a video on what are some of the best cars to have in Cyprus, because the island has a very interesting topography, from rough roads to nice highways and everything in between. Best value for everyday use and weekend gateways. Thank you for all the great videos.
Hi Rico great video as usual. In 21 we stayed close to Coral Bay for about three months for low rental prices. I think the rental prices are now two years later much higher due to the huge number of tourists coming back to Cyprus. From time to time I check the longtime rental costs and they have indeed doubled within two years.I think this has not chsnged the last months. On the other hand for certain company pensions indeed a low tax rate of 5 % is very attractive in combination with the non-dom status. However, zero tax appears to be applicable only for low tax levels. In said case Cyprus appears to be less attractive due to the increased living costs by higher rental costs and living costs than before. Could you comment on that ?
what if I can buy a house or apt in there. But not enough income like 50k euro annually, but some rental or dividends to cover my own monthly living , not interested in getting Crypt pension, but passport! Is this anyway….?
There is nothing to do in South Cyprus . It is more expensive than UK . It is ok for you but not everyone has money like you so stop giving people wrong information .
Hi Rico⭐another great vlog. We are interested in retiring to Cyprus - Paphos on F Visa what are the income requirements? We do not want to buy property only rent as we are not sure exactly where to live. Many thanks JJ. Have a great day🌞 We look forward to your next vlog😁😁
Great video Rico! You will have many new Cypriot retirees after this vlog😂. I’m coming over towards the end of October for a few weeks for a fact finding mission for retirement on Cyprus. I was told that with my old Cypriot ID I am automatically a Cypriot resident. I’ll be looking at the medical aspects and which town to move to. Please let me know how to contact you off this platform. Many thanks… Rico
Hi Rico,another informative video,great job! I’m very interested to have information on those,let’s call them,Retirement Villages,for the sake of conversation. If you can provide names of those Villages and general information regarding facilities,costs etc…it would enlighten a lot of us and perhaps convince us that Cyprus is the place to consider for an enjoyable retirement.
@@blktaunaOh got it, I understood that you want to move to Cyprus and receive a pension here. I do have a separate video talking about the residency options, I recommend watching this, because it heavily depends on how you want to immigrate to Cyprus. We can also schedule a free consultation call, if you want. I will add my lawyer and we will look at your case.
@Rico what if I can buy a house or apt in there. But not enough income like 50k euro annually, but some rental or dividends to cover my own monthly living , not interested in getting Crypt pension, but passport! Is this anyway….?