Money in Syria — Cash, Currency & Payment

The single most important thing to know before you come: Syria is a cash economy. You pay cash for almost everything, so plan on that basis and you'll be fine.

Cash is the basis

• Bring enough cash for your trip — food, transport, shopping, lodging.
• Exchange as you go — convert from your currency into Syrian pounds as you need, not one big lump.
• Keep your money spread out and safe, and don't draw attention. See safety tips.

Card machines (POS) — still early

Honestly: card payment is still rare. The country has reopened and electronic payment needs time to spread — we're at the very beginning. Don't rely on your card, or on finding an ATM everywhere.

The practical result: carry cash, and don't plan to pay by card unless you've confirmed in advance that a place accepts it.

Exchange

• Change your currency into Syrian pounds at exchange shops, as you need.
• Ask the rate first, and exchange in stages — not all your spending at once.

Syria's new currency (2026)

Syria launched a new currency in early 2026 (in general circulation from 3 January 2026): two zeros were dropped, so 1 new pound = 100 old pounds. There are six new notes — 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 pounds — and they no longer carry portraits of people, showing national imagery (flowers, crops, animals) instead.

• Old and new notes circulated together for a while; the switch was largely complete by mid-2026.
• During the transition a price may still be quoted in old or new pounds — ask which to be sure.
• The change is cosmetic, meant to simplify prices; it doesn't change real purchasing power. Check the exchange rate before you travel.

Dollars matter more than cards

• Bring US dollars in cash — they're the easiest to exchange, especially if you're coming from Lebanon or abroad.
• ATMs and cards generally don't work — don't rely on them.
• There are exchange offices in the arrivals hall at Damascus airport — change a small amount for your first needs (a taxi, a SIM), and the rest at exchange shops in the city.

Paying for our services

Your transport with us is a fixed price agreed before departure — you know the number from the start, and you pay the way we agree at booking. No surprises, no hunting for a machine.

In short

• Bring enough cash.
• Exchange in stages as you need.
• Don't rely on cards or ATMs — still rare.

Read also: Travel cost in Syria · Is Syria safe?.

Wherever your road leads, we'll get you there.