Syria Currency & Travel Costs for Visitors

Syria Currency : Planning a trip to Syria involves more than choosing where to go — it also means understanding how to manage your travel budget. Syria Currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP), and due to the country’s unique economic conditions, cash is essential, as credit cards and ATMs are rarely available. Travelers should prepare in advance by learning how money exchange works and what daily expenses typically cost. With a basic understanding of currency use and travel costs, you can avoid inconvenience and handle your expenses confidently throughout your stay.

Cost of Reaching Syria

The cost of reaching Syria varies significantly depending on your point of departure and the route you choose.
Many travelers arrive via neighboring countries and enter overland, while others rely on indirect flight routes where available.

As a general orientation:

Travel to the region may start from $300 to $900, depending on origin and season.
Overland crossings can reduce or increase costs depending on logistics and timing.

Because routes and conditions change, transportation should be treated as a flexible budget item rather than a fixed expense.

Accommodation: From Simple to Comfortable

Accommodation costs in Syria are generally lower than in many regional destinations, but quality and comfort levels vary.

Typical ranges per night:

Basic accommodation (guesthouses or simple hotels): $15 – $30
Mid-range hotels: $30 – $60
Higher-comfort options in major cities: $60 – $100

The choice depends less on budget alone and more on the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and desired comfort level.

Food and Daily Expenses

Food is one of the most accessible and culturally rich aspects of visiting Syria.
Local cuisine is widely available and affordable, especially when eating at traditional restaurants or neighborhood eateries.

Estimated daily food costs:

Local meals and street food: $5 – $12 per day
Mixed local and tourist-oriented dining: $12 – $25 per day

For most travelers, food expenses remain manageable and rarely dominate the overall budget.

Transportation Within Cities

Urban transportation costs are modest.
City centers are relatively compact, and many historic districts are best explored on foot.

Estimated daily local transport costs:

Short taxi rides and local transport: $3 – $8 per day

For travelers focused on cultural and historical exploration, transportation expenses remain minimal.

Cultural Sites and Activities

For visitors interested in archaeology, architecture, and history, Syria offers exceptional cultural value relative to cost.

Estimated expenses:

Museum and site entrance fees: $2 – $10 per site
Some historical locations are accessible without formal entry fees.

Cultural exploration is therefore a high-value, low-cost component of the journey.

Estimated Total Cost of a Trip to Syria

For a 7–10 day visit, a realistic overall estimate (excluding international airfare) would be:

Budget-focused traveler: $300 – $500
Moderate comfort traveler: $500 – $800
Higher-comfort cultural travel: $800 – $1,200

These ranges assume a culturally focused itinerary rather than luxury travel.

Syria Currency

The official Syria Currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP), which is used for all daily transactions across the country. Starting January 1, 2026, new Syrian banknotes were released following the removal of two zeros, marking an important update in Syria Currency circulation and everyday use. Most transactions remain cash-based, as banking services are limited, and prices vary depending on location and type of service. For short visits, understanding how Syria Currency works—using small denominations and planning a simple daily budget—is usually sufficient, without the need for complex financial arrangements.

Is Syria a Low-Cost Destination?

Syria is not a “cheap destination” in the commercial sense, but it offers high cultural value for travelers who approach it with realistic expectations and thoughtful planning.

For those interested in history, archaeology, and authentic cultural environments, Syria remains a destination where expenses can be managed sensibly while gaining meaningful experiences.