Checklist for this page

BFPO deliveries
Coping with money worries
Vehicle Information - Road tax renewal
Cytanet
Are you Fire Safe?
Children’s car seats
Travel Insurance
Turtle Watch
UK Dependant’s Gratuity Scheme
Claiming Tax Credits

Go to 'Moving to Cyprus' page

BFPO deliveries

Are you based in Cyprus and frustrated that you cannot have something delivered here because the company you are trying to buy from will not deliver to a BFPO address? If you are then we would like to hear from you as part of our ongoing efforts to collate your views and opinions on BFPO. Please let us know the names of companies which you have found will not deliver to a BFPO address and we will lobby them on your behalf to try and get them to change their ways. As we all know, sending something to a BFPO address requires no extra effort on the part of the sender so there is no reason to refuse to send items here. You can call us on 2596 2110 or email us at cyprus@aff.org.uk to let us know who we can lobby for you.

Coping with money worries

Service personnel and their families in Cyprus may find it difficult to get information on agencies they can turn to for help with money worries. This factsheet will help you find the right contact details for agencies in Cyprus and the UK. Read more >>

Vehicle Information - Road tax renewal

Cyprus road tax expires on December 31st each year. You can now renew at www.jccsmart.com and print out your own tax disc. You will need your passport number, insurance details and your credit card number. Click on the top box “TMHMA” which stands for Road Transport Dept. Thereafter, all instructions are in English. Alternatively, your bank also provides this service. Failure to display a valid tax disc may result in entry and exit being denied within Sovereign Base Areas with a written caution. Repeat offenders will be liable for large fines. The Command Master Driver has advised that Cypriot police may impose fines against those who do not renew their road tax.

You can now use your BFPO address on your driving licence. Remember that it is an offence if your driving licence is not current and up-to-date.

Cytanet

Cytanet operate the telecommunications to SFAs in Cyprus.

Families ending a contract with Cytanet should be aware that the day their contract with Cytanet ends any e-mail accounts set up with Cytanet will also end.

With other providers you can normally continue to access your e-mails. This is not possible with Cytanet and families are reminded to set up another e-mail account with a different provider before closing the Cytanet account and inform those in their address book of the change.

Are you Fire Safe?

Many houses in Cyprus do not have central heating and have to use other forms of heating which might increase the fire risk if care is not taken. During the winter months, please take extra care and if you have any concerns or queries about fire safety in your home, contact your local Fire Station for advice. Here are some basic tips to keep you safe, warm and toasty during the winter:

Calor Gas Heaters - The majority of Service Families Accomodation are issued with Calor Gas heaters and it is vitally important to ensure that they have been serviced prior to use. Heaters that do not have an in-date service sticker should not be used and should be returned to Accommodation Stores for a replacement. Guards for gas heaters are available from your Barracks Wardens but remember that Calor Gas Heaters should not be used in bedrooms.

Electric Heaters - Always ensure that heaters are placed firmly on the floor and cannot topple over. Never place items of clothing directly in front of a heater to dry and be mindful of children when using stand-alone heating appliances – use a guard if possible.

Log Fires - This type of heating, whilst effective and aesthetically pleasing, presents its own specific hazards. Once established in the grate, ensure that the guard is always in place to avoid sparking wood embers from the fire igniting the carpet or hearth rug. Remember to extinguish the fire or ensure that it does not represent any danger before you go to bed.

Smoke Detectors - Smoke detectors are provided in all SFA – if you do not have one or its unserviceable then contact your Families Office immediately for a replacement. Your local Fire Station has instruction leaflets on the testing and upkeep of detectors.

Children’s car seats

You are required by law to use the correct car seat for your child - this legislation also applies in Cyprus. An official information leaflet has been made available to families in Cyprus and can be obtained from HIVEs, AFF and the Master Driver. For further information on the new regulations, visit www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk. Mothercare and Jumbos have assured AFF Cyprus that all seats sold in their stores are EU compliant, however families are advised to check the details on the seats when making a purchase. Where necessary military vehicles will have compliant seats fitted for families and their children.

Travel Insurance

Families living in BFC should inform visitors of the need to have comprehensive travel insurance in addition to their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors who require urgent medical attention may be seen at the Station Medical Centres, but must have travel insurance as visits are not covered by the EHIC and will have to be paid for.

The EHIC only covers treatment in the Republic of Cyprus Hospitals (full details can be obtained from www.ehic.org.uk) and does not cover the private hospitals. Visitors should also ensure that they have adequate medication for the duration of their stay. If you have any further queries contact your local medical centre.

All applicants should also be aware of the following points:

• Each family member needs their own EHIC
• You should have both an EHIC and travel insurance since the EHIC does not cover all medical costs
• The Service Families Task Force website states the following, ‘The MOD will supply free medical treatment at your posting location but you will not be covered for travelling elsewhere. Please check what you are covered for.’

Turtle Watch

British Forces Cyprus has three Turtle Watch groups in Akrotiri, Dhekelia and Episkopi. They consist of groups of volunteers who work together to protect the Green and Loggerhead turtles that nest in Cyprus. Volunteers monitor nesting adults, remove their tracks, protect the nest area through its incubation period and estimate its hatching date. A cage is placed over the nest to protect them from predators such as dogs, foxes and humans. The nests are watched and the cage is lifted so that the turtles can go naturally towards the sea.

Families are invited to watch the excavations of the hatchlings and dates will be advertised. It is an experience enjoyed by adults and children alike. If you would like to volunteer contact:
Akrotiri Co-ordinator Sgt Clive Burt 00357 99997662
Episkopi Co-ordinator Mrs Linda Stokes 00357 99347296
Dhekelia Co-ordinator Mrs Fiona Martin 00357 99024920

UK Dependant’s Gratuity Scheme

In recognition of two years minimum employment through DCS(Pers), dependants will receive a Gratuity Payment when they leave their employment.

Whilst AFF Cyprus is clearly delighted at the introduction of this scheme, which will reward staff for their longevity in employment, it is also for this reason that we are disappointed that minimum length of service is 2 years. Unfortunately, this very welcome initiative will deprive many Army spouses, indeed many military spouses, from benefiting from the Gratuity as the majority of Army tours to Cyprus are 2 years in length.

Despite this it is worth noting the scheme and if you are posted to Cyprus for more than two years and hoping to find work, this may be the incentive to do so.

Claiming Tax Credits

The Army Families Federation would like to reassure anyone applying for Tax Credits that LOA should NOT be included on your application form. AFF Cyprus has, through AFF Central Office, been assured by SP(Pol) on this point.

LOA is a non-taxable allowance, paid to Service Personnel to compensate for the increased costs incurred with living overseas.

If you are having difficulties with an application you are making; if you have been turned down, or been told you have been overpaid Tax Credits, please talk to your AFF Coordinator, at your local HIVE, or to AFF Branch Office, in Episkopi on 25 96 2110.