Nicosia - Post Report Question and Answers
Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Cypriots walk a fine line between a tradition of hospitality, particularly towards visitors, and raging prejudice, mostly towards foreigners. I would say that there is an underlying distrust of Americans, but equally of Russians, Chinese, British, etc., all of whom are presumed to be meddling in Cypriot affairs. Most often, prejudice is directed towards immigrants, so anyone who might appear to be from Syria, Northern Africa, i.e., along the eastern mediterranean route, could encounter some initial difficulty. - Aug 2022
I've never felt uncomfortable but I've been told I look like a local. My husband is white and has never felt uncomfortable, either. Greek Cypriots tend to be very welcoming. I cannot speak to experiences in the North. - Aug 2022
