Travel Facts
Entry Formalities
A valid passport with an entry visa. Any amount of foreign currency could be brought into Syria. However, the
sum of foreign currency allowed out should not exceed the amount brought in.
How To Get There
Damascus, the main gateway to Syria, Aleppo & Latakia are connected with all continents by the national
carrier (SYR1ANAIR) and major international airlines. By land, Syria is connected by highways with Lebanon, Jordan,
Iraq and Turkey. There are seaport facilities at Latakia and Tartous.
Accomodation
There are international (5 stars) hotels in Damascus (Sheraton - Meridien - Cham Palace - Semiramis - EbIa Cham - and the new 4 Seasons), Latakia (Meridien - Coted'Azur), Palmyra (Palmyra Cham), Deir Ezzor (Furat
Cham), Hama (Afamia Cham), Bosra (Bosra Cham) and Aleppo (Shahba Cham). Numerous first and second class hotels are found
throughout the country. Chalets and Camps are also available along the coastline during summer.
Transportation
All major cities are served by buses, cars and trains. Special tourist buses and cars are available. (SYR1ANAIR)
has domestic flights connecting Damascus with principal cities. City transport includes taxis and buses.
Currency
The Syrian pound (called Lira) is divided into 100 pastries. The bank notes are 5,10,25,50,100,200,500 and 1000
Liras. The coins are 1,2,5,10,25 Liras.
Electrical Current
220 volts, 50A.C.
Media
Daily Arabic newspapers as well as foreign periodicals are sold at many news stands.
Communications
All modern communication systems & technologies are available.
Weights And Measures
Metric system.
Languages
The official language is Arabic. Most Syrians also speak another language which, most often, is French or English.
Business Hours
Government: 8.00 to 1400 Stores: 9.00 to 13.30 and 16.00to20.00 (Winter), 17.00 to 21.00 (Summer). Week-End:
Friday & Saturday.
Cuisine
There is a great diversity in Syrian Cuisine which is reputed throughout the Arab world. The best known dishes
are: Kibbeh (pounded lamb meat and crushed wheat) which itself comes in countless variations, Meshwi (skewered
grilled meat) Hoummos (pureed chick peas) Tabbouleh (cracked wheat salad) and Kounafa Pastry (shredded baked wheat
dough filled with cheese cream and pistachio, covered with sugar syrup). Western cuisine is available in all international
hotels and major restaurants.
Shopping
Shopping in Syria is an endless delight due to the variety, beauty and fame of Syrian products and handicrafts
such as: brocades, hand blown glass, embroideries, engraved copper works, silverworks, etc...
Culture And Art
Culture and artistic life is active all year-round. Art exhibitions are held almost weekly. An international
festival for dance and music takes place every another year on the amphitheatre of BOSRA (September) - In addition,
there are: Damascus International Fair (September). Damascus International Flower Show (June).
Embassies
Embassies of all major countries are located in Damascus. There also are some foreign consulates in Aleppo.
Banking hours
Syria and Jordan : 8 AM till 2 PM from Saturday till Thursday - Closed on Fridays.
Exchange is also possible in most of the 5 * hotels.
Lebanon weekdays are Saturday 8 30 AM - 12.30 PM, closed on Sundays.
Credit cards
Visa and American Express are accepted in various hotels and shops. Also tickets can be paid with credit cards.
Clothing
In summer light, cotton cloths are advisable. Sunglasses, a hat and a good pair of walking shoes are recommendable.
A woolen jacket for the evenings in the mountains or the desert. In winter, winter cloths should be brought as
temperatures can reach 0 .C.
Health
No special vaccinations are requested. It is advisable to drink bottled water, certainly outside of the large cities
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