Can i use USD in cyprus rather than Euro?

Question

I have heard that in cyprus they will accept USD as well as Euro's, does anyone know if this is true.

Ps i will be travelling from the UK and heard i could get a better exchange rate this way?

Answer 1

A few places might accept USD, but it is unlikely. West (Central) London has brilliant exchange rates, but not necessarily at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Luton.

Answer 2

Can you use USD in the UK?  

Same story - yes in a few major establishments in the centre, you could concievably use them, but (a) this will be by far a minority than a majority and (b) you will receive all your change back in Euros which won't make it fun trying to work out how to pay for the next purchase

The USD has seen the same slide as the pound recently against the Euro (due to the credit crunch and bank exposure in both country), therefore the pound may have not lost as much against the $ as the Euro, but the cost of goods will still be based on the Euro value.

As for exchange costs you always have to weigh up the exchange rate with the costs - best advice I keep seeing is to exchange at M&S or the Post office (for a small amount) and then if you get Nationwide account it is free to get money out of the ATM (hole in the wall) as so you can get what you need without having to change it back again later. (Safer than carryin around a load of cash as well)