Staying connected while exploring Syria can be tricky—but with a little preparation, it’s very doable. Internet speeds vary, and coverage depends on where you are. Here’s everything you need to know to get internet access in Syria—whether you’re visiting for a day or a couple of weeks.
📱 SIM Cards in Syria
Where to Buy SIM Cards
You can buy SIM cards from the main offices of Syria’s two main providers: MTN and Syriatel. These central branches can handle passport registration, which is required for foreign visitors.
- MTN Central Branch (Damascus)
📍 Google Maps Link - Syriatel Central Branch (Damascus)
📍 Google Maps Link
Alternative SIM Shops:
Not all smaller shops have passport scanners, but one reliable option is Majed Shop in Bab Touma (Old Damascus).
📍 Google Maps Link
What You’ll Need:
- Just your passport (they check your entry stamp).
- You can buy multiple SIMs, no restrictions.
- SIM cards come with a universal frame—you can punch out Standard, Micro, or Nano size depending on your phone.
💡 Note: Syria does NOT support eSIMs. If your phone doesn’t take physical SIMs, get a local 4G router instead. One recommended seller is Digitalnet, which delivers to your hotel.
🌐 MTN Internet Packages
MTN provides 4G coverage and tends to have better speed in more places than Syriatel. If you’re choosing just one SIM, MTN is a good bet.
How to Activate MTN Packages
- Dial
*141*4#, then choose English. - Dial
*111# - Select option 2: Internet Bundles
- Choose between Daily, Weekly, or Monthly packages.
🚫 Avoid Daily Bundles
They are tiny (5MB to 25MB), barely enough to open an email.
✅ Best Weekly Options:
Perfect for short stays and light internet use (email, maps, WhatsApp):
- 1 GB – 9,400 SYP (~$0.78)
- 1.5 GB – 13,200 SYP (~$1.10)
- 3.5 GB – 25,000 SYP (~$2.08)
- 4 GB – 28,000 SYP (~$2.33)
- 5 GB – 33,000 SYP (~$2.75)
- 6 GB – 36,500 SYP (~$3.04)
📆 Monthly Bundles
Medium Bundles (Best for 1-2 week stays)
- 1GB to 4GB → Starts from 11,800 to 48,500 SYP (~$0.98 – $4.04)
Large Bundles (For heavy users or longer trips):
- 15 GB – 99,000 SYP (~$8.25)
- 20 GB – 122,000 SYP (~$10.17)
- 30 GB – 165,000 SYP (~$13.75)
- 45 GB – 198,000 SYP (~$16.50)
- 60 GB – 234,000 SYP (~$19.50)
- 90 GB – 270,000 SYP (~$22.50)
- 160 GB – 350,000 SYP (~$29.17)
- 250 GB – 475,000 SYP (~$39.58)
💡 You can also activate bundles online at MTN Syria’s website
🔍 Check your data balance:
Dial *111# and choose My Bundles
🌐 Syriatel Internet Packages
Syriatel generally offers 3G, not 4G. Their SIM is still useful in areas where MTN signal is weak. The Syriatel app is the easiest way to manage services since the menu codes are in Arabic.
Activating via Code:
- Dial
*999# - You’ll see 3 options (in Arabic):
- 1: Mix Plus (Internet + Minutes – recommended)
- 2: Minutes + Social Media
- 3: Minutes
- Choose option 1 → then 1 again for monthly packages:
- 4 GB – 14,000 SYP (~$1.17)
- 100 GB – 250,000 SYP (~$20.83)
🎯 Best Option: Download the Syriatel App (in English) for full package options:
📱 Syriatel App on Uptodown
Check Balance:
- Dial
*100#
Know Your Number:
- For Syriatel: Dial
*159#, then 1 → then 1 again → enter passport number - For MTN: Dial
*124#
🌍 Other Options: Syria Phone (Idlib Only)
In Idlib, MTN and Syriatel signals are weak. Locals and travelers use Syria Phone instead.
Here are their packages:
- Basic Plan – $4.00: 6 GB + 250 SMS + 300 minutes
- Economy Plan – $7.00: 10 GB + 400 SMS + 350 minutes
- Business Plan – $12.00: 20 GB + 600 SMS + 800 minutes
- Annual Plan – $50.00: 90 GB + 3,200 SMS + 3,500 minutes
📶 Turkish SIMs work in Northern Idlib
📶 Lebanese SIMs work near Krak des Chevaliers west of Homs
🔧 Useful Tips & Troubleshooting
VPN: Some sites and apps may be restricted
- Free VPN: ProtonVPN
- Paid VPN: ExpressVPN
Hotspot Issues on iPhones:
If you can’t find the hotspot feature:
- Go to:
Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network - Scroll to Personal Hotspot
- In APN field, type:
internet - Set any username/password
Now your Personal Hotspot should appear.
Google Phones & WiFi Glitch:
If your phone isn’t detecting WiFi:
- Turn off GPS
- Switch to Airplane mode
- Restart your phone
📶 Internet Speeds & Coverage
- Speeds vary: 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps, depending on your area.
- MTN is better in some regions, Syriatel in others.
- Roads between cities often have slow or no signal.
- If your phone supports two SIMs, get both MTN & Syriatel to always stay connected.
📶 Hotel WiFi is often slow, good only for light tasks like messaging. SIM cards are the best way to stay connected.
☎️ Customer Support
Need help? Just call 111 from any MTN or Syriatel line. English-speaking support is available.
📦 In Summary
- Best for 4G: MTN
- Best for backup/coverage gaps: Syriatel
- Idlib only: Syria Phone
- Most reliable SIM shop: Majed Shop (Bab Touma)
- Need more data?: Use MTN’s large monthly bundles
- Need ease?: Use Syriatel app (in English)
With this guide, you’re ready to stay connected during your Syrian adventure—whether you’re posting travel pics, checking maps, or messaging family back home.