Money, Currency and Cards in Syria
Local Currency
Syrian Pound (SYP)
General Advice
It can be extremely difficult and expensive to change travellers’ cheques in Syria – only a few moneychangers will do so. Avoid at all costs. US$ cash or GBP£ are the best forms of currency to travel with. The state owned Commercial Bank of Syria has branches in most towns who will change foreign currency and there are some private banks, with branches and ATMs in most major cities. Syrian Pounds cannot be converted back into hard currency on exiting Syria.
There is a thriving black market for hard currency, however rates are little better than official money-changers/banks.
All travellers leaving from Damascus airport will need to pay the Syrian departure tax of SYP200.
Money Exchange
Almost all cities have official money changers either in the form of banks or private money changers. Rates do vary, so it’s best to check a couple of offices.
ATM Availability
There are ATM machines in the major cities (but not in the desert areas) however these are not as reliable as those found in the West – they may be out of order or have not been stocked. They accept only Visa or Mastercard credit cards.
Travel with cards only as a back up.
For more information check the Visa ATM locator, the MasterCard ATM locator or the American Express ATM locator for the addresses of ATMs around the world.
Credit Cards
Widely accepted in larger shops and hotels. Credit cards are not used as much as in the West in smaller hotels and shops, except for large purchasers. You can also check the Visa, MasterCard or American Express locator pages.
Travellers Cheques
Not recommended – travellers’ cheques are very difficult to exchange and commission charges are high.
Other Information
Syrian Pound (SYP) divided into 100 piastres. Notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 SYP. Coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 SYP.
