Syria

Travel tips for Syria: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cash is essential. Although Visa and Mastercard began returning in mid-2026, recent traveler reports confirm the economy remains strictly cash-based; you must bring enough USD to exchange for all your daily expenses.

Try the food

  • Kibbeh (كبة): A deep-fried croquette made of bulgur wheat, minced onions, and finely ground lean beef or lamb, often flavored with Middle Eastern spices.
  • Shawarma (شاورما): Thinly sliced marinated meat roasted on a slow-turning vertical spit, typically served wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles.
  • Fatteh (فتة): A comforting layered dish of toasted pita bread, chickpeas, and a warm yogurt-tahini sauce, often garnished with toasted pine nuts and pomegranate seeds.

Say it in Arabic

  • Hello: مرحبا (Marhaba)
  • Thank you: شكرا (Shukran)
  • Please: من فضلك (Min fadlak)
  • Excuse me: لو سمحت (Law samaht)
  • How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hatha?)
  • The bill please: الفاتورة لو سمحت (Al-fatoora law samaht)
  • Yes / No: نعم / لا (Na'am / La)
  • Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma'a as-salama)

Essentials

Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Purchase a local SIM card from Syriatel or MTN at official stores in major cities, as international roaming is expensive and eSIM coverage is highly unreliable.

Etiquette

Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, and expect to leave a 10 percent tip (baksheesh) at restaurants and cafes.

Airports in Syria