Everything you need to know about handling money during your trip
If you’re planning a trip to Syria, it’s super important to understand how money works here. This guide covers all the essentials — currency, payments, exchange, budgeting, and practical tips — so you’re never caught off guard.
Currency in Syria
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP), also known locally as the Lira.
Banknotes in circulation:
- 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 SYP
- Coins (5, 10, 25 SYP) exist but are rarely used due to inflation
Paying in Syria: What You Need to Know
- Cash is king — Syria is a cash-based economy
- Cards don’t work: No Visa, no Mastercard, no PayPal — not in ATMs, not online, not in shops
- Bring enough USD cash to cover your entire stay
- ATMs are not usable for foreign visitors, and there’s no way to withdraw money inside Syria
- Same rule applies for Lebanon, so if you’re combining the two, plan your cash needs accordingly
Currency Exchange in Syria
You can exchange money at licensed currency exchange offices found in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo. They’re usually reliable and fast.
Exchange Rates:
- The official rate is around 11,000 SYP per 1 USD
- BUT — and this is crucial — no one uses the official rate
- The Central Bank doesn’t sell or buy USD, so everyone uses the black market rate, which is around 9,000 SYP per 1 USD as of now
Currencies Accepted for Exchange:
- USD (preferred)
- Euro (EUR)
- Other currencies are difficult to exchange
💡 Pro Tip: Only bring clean, crisp bills, preferably in $50 or $100 denominations. Torn or old notes may get rejected or given a lower rate.
Where and How You Pay in Syria
Here’s a breakdown of how you’ll be paying for different services:
| Service | Preferred Currency |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Hotel stays | USD only |
| 🪪 Visa on arrival | USD |
| 🏛️ Entrance to tourist sites | Syrian Pound (SYP only) |
| 🍽️ Restaurants, cafés, bars | SYP preferred, but USD accepted |
| 🛍️ Shops & local markets | Mostly SYP, some accept USD |
Most places will quote in USD if you ask, but they’ll convert to SYP using the black market rate. So having both currencies is useful, especially for small daily expenses.
Sample Prices in Syria (in USD)
🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés:
- Meal for 2, mid-range: $20–30
- Burger meal: $5
- Domestic beer: $1.50
- Imported beer: $2
- Coke/Pepsi (330ml): $0.78
- Water (330ml): $0.45
🛍️ Snacks & Street Food:
- Bottle of wine: $5
- Domestic beer (0.5L): $0.94
- Shawarma sandwich: $1.20
- Falafel sandwich: $0.50
Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the city or venue.
Tipping (aka Baksheesh)
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s appreciated and often expected.
- Restaurant waiters: 10%
- Hotel staff (porter/housekeeping): $1–2 USD
- Guides & drivers: $5–10 USD/day
- Taxi drivers: Just round up
Travel Expenses You Might Forget
Be sure to set aside cash for:
- Visa fee (on arrival): $10 USD
- Entrance tickets (museums, ruins): about 10,000–25,000 SYP per site
- Travel insurance (recommended): $15 USD
- Optional experiences like wine tasting: $10 USD
Practical Money Tips for Syria
- Bring all the cash you need for the trip
- Split your cash into separate pouches or hiding spots
- Use the hotel safe when possible
- Have plenty of small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for tips, snacks, and taxis
- Avoid showing large amounts of money in public
- Always ask about exchange rate when paying in USD
- Keep both SYP and USD — you’ll need both at different times
If you’re booking a tour, ask if prices include meals, entrance fees, and tips so you can budget smartly.