Currency in Syria
The official currency in Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP) or Lira. The banknotes are 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000, which is the highest note. There coins of 5, 10 and 25, but they are no longer in use due to inflation.
ATMs in Syria
Tourists should be aware that there are no ATM machines in Syria, and transactions are conducted primarily in cash. Therefore, it is essential for visitors to bring sufficient cash for their expenses. Due to the current financial crisis, the same rule applies to Lebanon. If you are traveling to Syria from Lebanon, you must bring enough cash for visiting both countries.
Sample Prices
For a glimpse into the cost of living in Syria, here are some approximate prices to assist tourists in planning their budget:
Prices in Restaurants:
- Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant: $20-30 USD
- Burger Meal: $5 USD
- Domestic Beer: $1.50 USD
- Imported Beer: $2 USD
- Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle): $0.78 USD
- Water (12 oz small bottle): $0.45 USD
Prices in Markets:
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range): $5 USD
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle): $0.94 USD
- Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle): $1.86 USD
- Shawarma: $1.20 USD
- Falafel: $0.50 USD
These prices serve as an estimate and may vary based on location and specific preferences.
Note: It is important to note that it is not allowed to pay in USD locally in all places, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. It is illegal to conduct transactions in USD, and only the Syrian Pound is accepted as a valid currency locally.
Currency Exchange
Tourists can exchange money easily at authorized exchange offices locally. The official rate is 1 USD to 13500 USD. It’s advisable to utilize these official channels to get Syrian Pounds for your expenses while in Syria. The widely accepted currencies for exchange in Syria include the US Dollar (USD) and Euro, with a prevalent preference for the USD.