Historical money guide — originally published 13 February 2024; reviewed 6 November 2026. This page preserves earlier examples of tourist budgeting in Syria. Its 2024 banknote denominations, exchange rates and prices are no longer valid travel instructions. For practical information today, start with our updated Money in Syria guide and Essential Travel Tips.
How money worked for travellers in 2024
When this article was originally written, visitors commonly saw older Syrian pound notes including 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 SYP. The original guide also described limited foreign-card access and a cash-first travel experience. Some quoted restaurant and market prices were in U.S. dollars, but they reflected the circumstances of that period rather than today’s menus or exchange rate.
What changed in 2026?
On 1 January 2026 Syria introduced redesigned banknotes and removed two zeros from the denomination system: 100 old SYP became 1 new SYP. The earlier notes were withdrawn from everyday legal-tender use in 2026. This means a price, banknote image or exchange rate from 2024 should never be used without identifying whether the amount is in old or new pounds.
To see the current banknotes, read Syria launches the new pound in 2026. For practical preparations, read the current money guide.
Useful money advice that still applies
- Prepare cash: Foreign payment cards or international cash withdrawals may not work reliably; do not assume you can pay by card.
- Verify the rate: Ask the current exchange rate and check which pound denomination is being quoted before exchanging.
- Confirm what is included: Tour prices differ by transport, accommodation, meals, entrances and visa arrangements.
- Carry a reserve: Bring an appropriate amount of clean notes for personal costs and unexpected expenses, subject to entry and currency rules.
For a visit today, see our Syria Travel Guide, private tours and small-group trips.