CURRENCY

The Syrian Pound (lira).

The bank notes are 5- 10 -25 - 50 - 100 - 200 - 500 - 1000 liras.

The coins are 1 - 2 - 5 - 10 - 25 liras.

Approx. exchange rate: 1$ = 50sp, 1€ = 60sp

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COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone, fax, mobile (GSM), Internet systems are available.

WEIGHT & MESUARES

Kilograms and metric system.

ELECTRICITY

220 Volts AC, 50 Cycles, using rounded two-prong plugs.

ACCOMMODATION

There are international (5-star) hotels in Syria: Sheraton, Meridien, Cham chain. Numerous first and second class hotels are found throughout the country.
Chalets and campings are also available along the coastline during summer.

TIME ZONE

November thru April: GMT +2Hours.
May thru October: GMT +3Hours.

CLIMATE

Continental in most of the country with four distinct seasons. Average temperature 37c. in summer, 10c. in winter and 22c. in spring and autumn.

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BUSINESS HOURS

Government: 8.00 to 14.00
Stores: 9.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 20.00 (winter) 22.00 (summer).

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WEEKEND

Friday is the official holiday.
Tuesday is museums and castles closing day.

LANGUAGES

The official language is Arabic. Many Syrians also speak a second language, French and/or English.

HOW TO GET THERE

Damascus, the main gateway to Syria, is connected with Europe & Asia by many international airlines. Aleppo enjoys connections to the Gulf and Europe, mainly with the national airline Syrian Air. By land, highways connect Syria with Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. There are seaport facilities at Lattakia and Tartous, and a new and modern marina in Lattakia.

MEDIA

Local and Arab newspapers and magazines are sold at many newsstands. Foreign media is found at the international hotels. Local television (2 channels + 1 satellite), broadcast some programs in French and English.

SHOPPING

Syrian handicrafts represent a tradition of skilled workmanship and folk art that dates back many thousands of years. The most common Syrian craft items which are found in the souks (Damascus and Aleppo) and specialized shops all over Syria, include hand-woven silk brocades, embroidered table cloths, carpets, brass and copper, leather, gold and silver jewelry, inlaid furniture with mother of pearls.

VISA

All visitors to Syria require a valid passport and an entry visa, which should be obtained prior to departure from Syrian Consulates and Embassies.

Important Notice
Syria will not grant visa nor entry permit to anyone who has a passport which shows evidence of a visit to Israeli occupied territory.