How do Cypriots afford it?

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 19:04

I went to Debenhams in the South yesterday and my husband bought a pair of trousers, a shirt and a jumper for 160 Euros. I have just priced up the same items on the Debenhams website and they would have cost £80 in the UK. I knew it was more expensive but didn't realise it would be that much. How on earth do Cypriots afford these prices?

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 19:26

joandjelly,



All of the Eurozones are the same. I can't understand it since the Euro is almost the same as sterling. We were on holiday in Paphos in October and it was very expensive there even for food eg. a cooked chicken was 8 euros and they were advertising a 2 course meal for ONLY 25 euros!



It is the same in Southern Ireland and the Irish are coming North in droves to shop, they reckon that it is almost half the price to shop here.

mrsgee


Joined: 23/06/2009
Posts: 396

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 19:27

Yes, noticed that also earlier in the year on one of my very, very few trips to the south....mother in law insisted on buying t shirts in Debenhams that she swore she could not get in UK. I think that they were around 12 or 13 euros - not a lot really, but a quick check on the internet when I got back to TRNC told me that they would have been £5 in UK.....hmmmmm...how, indeed do they afford it......I priced up other things too, which I found much, much more expensive than Debenhams in UK.

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 19:28

I have known this for a while now, that is 100% more expensive isn't it.



They can't say that amount is import duty surely...



Rip off RoC

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 19:30

Maybe credit cards are maxed out.

Dixie Normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 19:32

Welcome to euroland, thats why mother Greece is skint and the economys in a tail spin, goverment duties making items unafordable, wont be long before ROC is in the same boat as Greece Ireland and a few others.

Try getting a ROC post box and shop on line its worth the few extra bob for postage considering the savings you make.



D.N

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 20:02

We stopped shopping there months ago. The prices just went through the roof about 12-18 months ago just after they changed to Euro. Now, I either go without or order stuff online and have it delivered to very kind neighbours or friends or relations (anyone???) who then bring the stuff out with them. We just can't afford th pay twice the price for ordinary everyday items.

tattlad


Joined: 13/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 22:56

I have mentioned in countless previous threads that anywhere in the Eurozone is a financial graveyard, that is the main reason Turkey should steer well clear of joining the EU, at least by sticking with the Turkish Lira they have control of their finances tourist wise that is, and if the truth was known Turkey does not need the EU.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 22:56

You are so right but it seems they can afford it. We are getting to the point when we cant afford to shop there so much sadly as most of our italian products are bought there.I bought a lovely autograph dress there for last new years eve 99 euro. In marks Cardiff this week 59 pounds. Sick as a parrot xxxxxOh well it will do for this new year also

luvincyprus



Joined: 03/12/2009
Posts: 96

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 23:23

You are all right about this,



when ı compare Greek side with England it's very expensive, ı was student in the uk and ı always found topshop prices ok but on the other day ı saw a basic top and it was 50eurs.



well Greek cypriots can afford because they earn euros but ı do not think all turkish cypriots can afford.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 23:38

A good friend of mine lives in the South. Only been waiting 8 years for his title deeds. Can't sell his home until he gets it. He wants to sell up & leave as rising prices are making it difficult for him to live in Cyprus.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
16/12/2009 23:51

Hector same in Spain. My best friend bought in Florida many years ago. Thank God they have managed to get long term rentals and ridden the storm. That development now has a Golf course and championship tennis acedemy. They have gone for xmas quids in xxxxxxxxx

glw215


Joined: 02/04/2008
Posts: 178

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 01:05

How does one get an ROC post box please???

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 10:26

Dear Mindy



re msg 4



>> Rip off RoC<<



As several other posters have tried to explain, this is more to do with the strength of the Euro v the GBP and TL .. do you actually think the GCs are happy about the exchange frightening off tourist's ?



Ex-pat folks in Spain, Portugal, France, [ and of course RoC] etc., - relying on UK Pensions - have seen their incomes fall by 35-40% in two years..



So, did they all 'conspire' to become rip-off ? !!



re 13 Re PO Box



glw215.. you need an address in the RoC, a passport and proof you reside there.. a utility bill ..



re 11

Hector..



Folks awaiting title deeds can get a surety from the developer and bank that the land/property is free of charges..

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 10:42

All I can say is God help us if we have to join the eurozone!! I noticed the difference in prices from the summer when I went last week, but as it was mainly as a 'jolly' with no real shopping involved i was ok - but I dread to think how we will manage if we all become ROC or whatever and have the euro!!

Mindy



Joined: 27/10/2008
Posts: 1210

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 12:14

Mmmmmm



I take your point about my comment.....



I see a lot of young people coming out of the designer shops in the Mall of Cyprus with their goods, I have wondered that maybe they live for free or cheaply, ie with parents subsidising them so they can afford these expensive items. Cos I sure as hell wouldn't even consider paying these inflated prices. But as they say, 'Each to their own'

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 12:43

If the question is 'how can the Cypriots afford it'? Then the answer is not difficult to find - just see how many Brits and other foreigners have been ripped off and you will find that elusive pot of gold from which they pay for everything that is over priced



Has anyone wondered how on an embargoed part of the island there are so many relatively new 4x4's? Or perhaps how the 'work' here is done by anyone besides the TC's?



When the sole occupation has been selling land and building houses and apartments - sold off plan to many an unsuspecting foreign buyer - then the property is mortgaged to the hilt through the banks who couldn't give a damn if it has been 'sold' to someone else as long as they have first claim and your lawyer gets his percentage - and the legal system is yet another way to milk the same foreign 'cow' - then you will see how they can afford to pay the outrageous prices!



Of course never forget, with an embargo in place they also have no competition Cont'd

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 12:46

Cont'd...



It is not that different on the ROC part of the island too! just look at the 1000's of unregistered titile deeds and the mortgage scams being perpetrated by the GC on unsuspecting Brits and other foreigners!



Of course in the end the "victims" have to take some responsibilty too - when we know the facts and see the problems why are we still chasing the dream in the sun which is sure to end up being a nightmare?



Or am I being too pessimistic?

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 13:10

Hi Mindy



re msg 16



Re the young ppl - smart clothes in the Mall..



Whatever folk think about Cypriots, they DO ( on average ) look after their kids - may be even 'spoil' 'em..



Moover321.. 70% plus of folk waiting too long for deeds in the 'rump' RoC are CYPRIOTS... for sure many Cypriots have made their money by selling land.

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 13:19

6m - but most of those who have been 'ripped off' in the ROC are foreigners!



Perhaps you need to do your reseach more thoroughly!



Here's a helping hand:



http://www.cyprus-property-action-group.net/press-articles.htm



Most of those being 'ripped off are foreign'!

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 14:32

'Thanks' Moovers321, but please can you point out to me where what I said about 70% plus of those affected NOT being foreign ( i.e. LOCALS) is 'incorrect' ..

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 14:33

not that that lessons the utter travesty of it all ...

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 15:15

Perhaps you need lessons in English as well as common sense!?



I said those being ripped off - the title deeds was just an illustration!



You seem awfully sensitive to any criticism of the ROC - or is it just your nature to argue for the sake of arguement just to prove how 'knowledgeable' and 'clever' you are - if it is the latter - I suggest you read carefully and comprehend before going off on a ego trip LOL:D Enjoy



LOL

HNComputers


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 472

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 16:16

Hmm...It is fairly more expensive than England however much cheaper than buying clothes in the North!!! 250TL for a top that's a fake designer name :-S

swannee7


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 394

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 20:11

Young people in developed countries have still to learn how to control their spending. Its much the same in the UK. They are part of a generation that has always been able to buy with plastic so the real value of their purchases hasn't burned a hole in their pockets. Even when c c statements show they're still over-spending they just continue to use the plastic..... Cypriot parents have always over-indulged their offspring but something has to give, as they say, and pretty soon, or whole families will end up bankrupt. Most of the posters on this thread seem to know where to draw the line on spending, having learned the hard way through life's various lessons. Nobody's teaching today's young people anything of any real value so they're totally unprepared (and of course unwilling) to be prudent in any area of their lives. Want this - will buy. Have card - will spend.

LOvegod


Joined: 22/03/2009
Posts: 161

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 20:16

The EU is the biggest scam of all time. Have fun euroland.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
17/12/2009 20:33

http://www.news.cyprus-property-buyers.com/2009/01/25/credit-crunch-drives-ex-pats-home/id=00740

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
18/12/2009 04:44

Confused.



The euro is strong ,the pound and dollar is weak, therefore the Euro is c--p.Logically then, when the Euro is weak it will be a good currency to be in or have.??

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
18/12/2009 09:24

As far as Turkish Cypriots go, at lot of them are now finding the enjoyment of shopping in charity shops and markets. I know most had never heard of, or understood the bargains of charity shops a couple of years ago, and now wouldn't shop anywhere else. Now, instead of going to regular shops to buy presents, they go to the markets. It's something a lot of us have done in England for years, but it is a new concept here, and catching on fast.

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
18/12/2009 10:14

That reads all wrong. I meant as well as buying clothes etc, they also go to buy presents, household goods, and any other bargain they can get. Getting Sunny Lane uniforms from Lambousa as against getting it brand new, can save a huge amount of money, as of course GAU or any other uniform.

tattlad


Joined: 13/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
18/12/2009 11:31

Msg 26 your spot on but only a few countries had sense to see it......

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
18/12/2009 12:16

Yeah right, these Europeans are all stupid, thats why we are in recession while everybody is out. Should have listened to us Brits. Thats why the pound has lost 25% of its value ,because the financial men see the Euro as a con ?. Thats why opec is considering moving the oil price into the Euro ,they arent taking our advice either it seems.

Yes to buy in Euros is expensive for us ,but then to buy in sterling is also expensive for Zimbabwians, doesnt mean their currency is better.



Watch in early Spring ,when the stimulus still doesnt take effect ,what will happen to our economy when the money men start to move out of sterling.These guys are hard and dont give a hoot about whether the Queens head is on a note or not.

As for all this, we want our own financial independence ,Black wednesday '92. We had to alter our bank rates within minutes of the Bundesbank.There is no independence in banking,regardless of queens head on note or not.

sloan



Joined: 24/02/2009
Posts: 808

Message Posted:
18/12/2009 13:14

Have just got back from 3 days in Istanbul and hotels, airport shuttles etc were in euros. The receptionist in the hotel wanted us to pay in euros, was not keen on accepting sterling and reluctantly took TL.

LOvegod


Joined: 22/03/2009
Posts: 161

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 18:21

Germany is good at hiding toxic debt, but next year will change all that. Watch Latvia tumble first and you will be glad that ur holding some TL.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 18:41

If the Turkish hotels etc don't want their own currency, what does that tell you?

stickle


Joined: 20/02/2008
Posts: 172

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 19:11

Most the customers are fropm the Euro-zone. It amkes sense to the business people to take the Euro. They can hedge currencies and generally the rate is in their favour.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 20:05

Hector. Message 35, spot on.

Traveller0392


Joined: 21/03/2008
Posts: 186

Message Posted:
23/12/2009 20:47

What is the Euro rate today in TRNC ,,,,, pound will be a lot worse next year. .. and less tourists... .... just glad the sunshine is FREE ...



Have a Merry Xmas everbody ...