The Nr Fairy

Going to Cyrpus for a week next week, looking for a car hire firm (picking up from Larnaca airport) which allows travel into Northern Cyprus.

I'm no fan of the politics, but would love to take my son to see St Hilarion castle and Kyrenia - where I spent many days as a youngster.

Background Noise

I know that the old 'Z' cars, hire cars with red z-plates, were not allowed across and most references still seem to say that that is the case from north to south. Have you googled it? This company http://www.cyprus-car.com/ apparently allows its cars across (read the Car Rental Terms link). My (limited) experience is that these things can vary on a whim but if necessary you can park south side, walk across and hire in the north.

Lots of posts here http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/301.asp suggest thats its easy from south to north.

wub

My car hire guy didn't encourage taking a car into the north, as he explained that in the event of an accident or breakdown "you are on your own".

I believe insurance has to be bought at the border crossing but I have heard suggestions that this is no more than a paper exercise and that the 'insurance' is actually worthless.

Phileas Fogg

These people were very good, and priced, when I used them. Don't know what the rules are regarding the border but I guess all car hire companies there have the same rules.

http://stevenscarrentals.com/

GAMABIRD

You can definetly buy insurance at the border with northern cyprus.Went there a few weeks ago.We crossed at dhekilia & went to famagusta.Costs about £20cyp & is valid for 3days.No problem at all over there.good luck

cypilot77

Dont make the mistake to pay the 20 pounds for insurance for the Northern part of the island. Its a tricky way for the Turks to make money. I know a person who paid the money, unfortunately had an accident and the turkish police(including the insurance agency) refused to help him because the car was register on the other side of the island.(obviously) SO, no matter what you are on your own!!!

kotakota

You CANNOT enter the North without the 'insurance' so do not try it.

Doobs

You have to buy the 'insurance' at the border but it is worthless. I used to cross at the Ledra Palace border and paid no more than 5cyp but in the event of a crash, you will find that you are not covered and then have to pay out astronomical amounts to be recovered or repaired.
Its well worth the trip over but beware.