Facts for the Traveler

Visas: All foreigners entering Syria must obtain visas from Syrian consulates abroad, but if there is no Syrian representation in your home country, then in theory you should be able to get a visa at the border or on arrival at the airport. The easiest and surest way to get your visa is to apply for it in your home country.

Money & Costs

Currency: Syrian Pound (Lairah).

Meals (a month)

• Budget: $50-150
• Mid-range: $200-350
• High: $400-700
• Deluxe: $700+
  
  Lodging (a month)
• Budget: $100-300 (it is so hard to get accommodation with this range in Summer)
• Mid-range: $350-900
• High: $950-1500
• Deluxe: $1500+

Syria is still a relatively inexpensive place to visit. It is possible (but you'd have to be pretty desperate) to get by on US$15 to US$20 a day, if you're prepared to sleep in very humble lodgings and live on felafel and juice. If you'd prefer to stay in a room with its own bathroom and eat in restaurants once a day, you'll need to budget about US$30 to US$40 a day.

Cash is king in Syria, but travellers' cheques, of course, are safer. There's no commission for changing cash, but you'll pay per transaction for cheques. You're unlikely to get a cash advance on your credit card, but plastic is increasingly accepted by bigger hotels and stores, and for buying air tickets or renting cars.

Tipping is the oil that keeps the Middle East running smoothly. Waiters in better restaurants expect a tip. People who open doors for you and people who carry your luggage will also expect a tip, but it's up to you to decide if it's worth it. Bargaining is integral when buying souvenirs - you won't have to try very hard to get the asking price halved.

NOTICE:

Some information that mentioned about can be changeable, so I would like to apologize for any inconvenience that you might get if prices or anything change, however I will do my best to keep this website updated.