Renting a Car in Paphos as a Younger Driver
Most rental companies set a minimum age, and it can be hard to know where you stand. Ours is straightforward: drivers must be over 21, or have at least 3 years of driving experience. This guide explains what that means, what to bring, the driving rules that matter most to newer drivers, and which of our cars are the easiest to start with. CHMI Rentals has served Paphos for over 23 years from Tombs of the Kings Avenue.
The Rule at a Glance
| Your situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Over 21 | You meet the age requirement. |
| 21 or under, with at least 3 years of driving experience | You meet the experience requirement. |
| 21 or under, with less than 3 years of driving experience | You do not meet the rule. Call the shop to talk it through. |
Our terms of service do not state whether an extra charge applies to younger drivers, so ask when you book and get the total confirmed before you sign. Your driving licence is the document that shows how long you have been driving, so bring the original.
What to Bring
- A valid driving licence.
- Your passport or ID. The passport is left as security under our terms.
- Cash or a credit card. Debit cards are not accepted. You can read about renting without a credit card.
Rules Every Driver Should Know
- Only the named renter may drive. The car must not be driven by anyone other than the renter who signed the contract. If friends want to share the driving, discuss it with us at booking.
- Provisional licence holders may not carry passengers. This is in our terms.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, narcotics or barbiturates.
- No racing, speed testing or driving instruction. The car may not be used for racing, pacemaking or speed testing.
- The renter pays traffic fines. Cyprus has speed cameras, and fines are issued automatically.
- Stay within the permitted areas. Northern Cyprus, the Akamas region and off-road driving are forbidden, and damage there voids cover.
- Insurance. The car has third-party insurance, and the renter is responsible for damage and theft, subject to the excess limits in the agreement. Ask what your excess is.
Which Car Suits a Newer Driver
A small automatic is the easiest car to start with. There is no clutch to manage on hills, and it is simple to park. Our compact automatics are all 2020 models with five seats, air conditioning, a radio and a USB port.
| Car | Why it suits a newer driver | Monthly rental |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Vitz | Small and easy to park, with five doors | €650 |
| Suzuki Swift | Agile, with Bluetooth for hands-free navigation | €540 |
| Nissan Note | Roomy, with extra legroom and cargo space | €450 |
| Honda Fit | Comfortable, with versatile seating | €650 |
If you are travelling with friends and luggage, an SUV such as the Nissan X-Trail gives more room. Bigger cars cost more and are harder to park, so pick the smallest one that fits the group.
Unlimited Mileage for Road Trips
Younger travellers often want to see as much as possible. Mileage is unlimited on our rentals, so a day trip to the south coast, Coral Bay or Polis and Latchi does not add to the rental price. Fuel is not included, so return the car with the same level you received. See our unlimited mileage guide for ideas and drive times.
Driving on the Left: The Basics
- Cyprus drives on the left, and your rental car has the steering wheel on the right.
- Roundabouts run clockwise, and traffic already on the roundabout has priority over cars entering it.
- Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways, with a minimum of 65 km/h. Limits are in kilometres per hour.
- Speed cameras, both fixed and mobile, are common, and fines are issued automatically. The renter pays all traffic fines.
- Wearing a seat belt is the law, and that includes rear passengers.
- Keep to the left lane on the motorway except to overtake.
- Use a phone holder, not your hand, for navigation.
- If you feel tired after a flight, rest before you drive.
Parking Without the Stress
Parking is the main challenge in Kato Paphos, especially on summer evenings when the restaurants fill up. Look for marked bays or car parks, since unmarked kerbs often mean a fine. A small car makes it much easier. In the old town and around the harbour, the castle, the mosaics and the promenade are walkable, so park once and explore on foot.
Working the Season?
Many people in their twenties come to Cyprus for a season of work in hospitality, tourism or construction. For stays of a month or more, a monthly rental costs far less per day than short rentals, and it includes maintenance and a replacement car when one is available. Seasonal workers and expats can arrange one with simple documentation. See our long-term rental page, and our cheap car hire guide for the lowest-cost cars.
What to Check at Handover
Two minutes at the start of the rental avoids disputes at the end.
- Confirm the fuel level matches your rental agreement.
- Photograph any existing scratches or dents before you leave the pickup area.
- Check that the insurance excess and your documents are as agreed.
- Adjust the seat, mirrors and steering position, and find the indicators and wipers.
- Set your satnav before you move off, not while driving.
Book With Confidence
Tell us your age, how long you have been driving and the kind of car you want, and we will confirm what is available. Call or WhatsApp +357 99 655104 (office +357 26 819880), or visit us at Shop 3, Royal Complex, Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Paphos. The shop is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 7pm.