Syria Travel Guide

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Shopping

Souks (markets) are the best places for shopping, notably those in Aleppo. Local handicrafts in the Syrian Arab Republic are numerous and precious, including mother-of-pearl items (such as backgammon boards), olive-wood carvings, weaving and embroidery, leather goods and gold and silver jewelry.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and 1630-2200 (summer); Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and 1600-2000 (winter).

Currency

Syrian Pound (SYP; symbol S£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of S£1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of S£25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Currency Exchange

Syrian currency cannot generally be reconverted to hard currency. The country’s banking system is state-owned, and there is at least one branch of the Commercial Bank of Syria in every main town. Hard currency can be exchanged for local currency in these branches.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express and Diners Club are most readily accepted; some hotels will accept MasterCard. Tickets may be bought with credit cards.

Travelers Checks

Can be difficult to exchange and are not generally recommended.

Currency Restrictions

The export of local currency is limited to S£5,000 for residents of Syria and US$5,000 for foreigners. The amount of local currency imported is unlimited for residents of Syria and limited to US$5000 for foreigners.

Banking Hours

Normally Sat-Thurs 0800-1400 (banks tend to close early on Thursdays).

Exchange Rate