Top 5 Applications used in Cyprus

Today, mobile phones seem to be more necessary than anything else we use on a daily basis. For many, it is imperative to have phones that can take advantage of the many possibilities new technologies and applications can offer. If you are thinking of spending time in Cyprus, you might want to have some particular phone applications to help blend in with the crowd and make the most of your visit

Instagram / Messenger / Signal

Just like everywhere else in the world, Cypriots are a little addicted to social media. The two most popular social media applications almost everyone uses daily are Instagram and Facebook Messenger. Social media can give a sense of connectedness, which can be extremely beneficial if used with balance and not excessively. Since Cyprus is a small island, it is very easy to find a person you are searching for, as everyone knows everyone! We can learn so many things from some people and be inspired by others, meet new people who seem interesting and reconnect with the ones we used to know in the past. In addition to Messenger, many Cypriots use Signal as their Whatsapp equivalent for the island, so you might find yourself using Signal to communicate with all your new Cypriot friends.

JCCsmart

Paying your utility bills could not be easier with the ‘JCCsmart’ mobile application. This app gives you the ability to manage all sorts of bills you may have, from the electricity or water bill to your car insurance, all from the comfort of sitting on your couch. You can even pay off your parking tickets or the subscription of your phone. If you are planning to stay on the island for a while, then this is a very useful tool to have on your phone to save you from all queuing that is associated with traditional bill paying.

Foody Cyprus

In case you are not much of a cook and would rather have food delivered to your place, then you need ‘Foody’. Using the app, you can find numerous restaurants and coffee places in each city and select what you desire to have delivered straight to your door. This application has taken the island by storm, just like Deliveroo and JustEat have dominated their respective markets. The registration process is extremely simple, and so is selecting your favourite food and placing your order. For most restaurants, the delivery usually takes around 30-45 minutes. So download the app and enjoy some delicious food with friends or family.

Sigma Live / PhileNews

If you like to be informed about the latest news on the island, as well as internationally, then you are recommended to install either ‘Sigma Live’ or ‘PhileNews’, according to the preferences of the locals. Both represent trustworthy sources of news from a TV channel and a local newspaper agency respectively. In addition to the latest news, you can find information on travelling, Cyprus lifestyle, online bookings and property matters for those of you who are keen to learn more.

Spotify / Shazam

Music is a very important element in our everyday lives. Cypriots are no exception with their love for both local and international music. The most popular music application for locals is ‘Spotify’. You can find and download the albums of your favourite artists and even listen to their music offline, free of charge. Having the free version, however, means that you must suffer the endless advertising or experience limitation in your song selection. If you need more freedom, you can pay the subscription charge of just €7 a month to enjoy your favorite music uninterrupted. As a bonus, you can install ‘Shazam’, which is also very popular in Cyprus. This application recognises every sound it catches and gives you details of virtually any song you wish to find.

Bonus: Useful Apps for Cyprus

2GIS

If you are an explorer who wishes to get to know Cyprus better, then you are recommended to use the 2GIS map application. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5, this application provides you with detailed routes of public transportation or private car anywhere on the island, from the mountains to the city centres. Additionally, you can find businesses near you, along with the contact information you need to get in touch with them. The application works offline as well, so you can explore while off the grid, for those of you who love to explore without any interruptions.

Bazaraki

Bazaraki.com is a popular and commonly visited site amongst the Cypriot community. It covers a wide range of products and services and it is extremely useful for everyone. Whether you are looking for a property to buy, an apartment to rent or a coffee machine for your house, this application can help you find it at competitive prices. Bazaraki is the eBay equivalent of the island, so if you are looking for a peer-to-peer marketplace, this is the place to go.

Bank of Cyprus / Hellenic Bank

Depending on which bank institution you are using, you can download the relevant application to manage your finances with ease. Most citizens of the Republic of Cyprus are clients of the Bank of Cyprus or Hellenic Bank. Having one of these applications allows you to check your account balance or monthly expenses, transfer funds to another account, create standing orders or simply find the details of your bank account. Although internet banking took some time to become fully integrated in Cyprus, the internet banking revolution is being implemented at lightning pace, allowing both locals and foreigners to enjoy the new ease of day to day banking.

Trip Advisor

This application is widely known all over the world and is equally popular in Cyprus. Locals and visitors seek advice from ‘Trip Advisor’ on their road trips about the best restaurants, coffee shops or places to stay. You can make the best out of your visit to Cyprus or your smaller internal trips with this application, showing you the activities you can engage in and the highest-rated places to visit. There is a whole world of opportunities and treasures to see here.

There are certainly many more applications used by Cypriots, but the above mentioned are the most popular ones, covering various functionalities. You are recommended to use them for your ease when visiting the country for vacations or, especially, when planning to live here for the long term. We hope you have a great time enjoying and getting to know Cyprus.

Written Febuary 2020