The Syrian Pound is the official currency in Syria.
Syrian Pound (SYP) = 100 piastres.
Notes
are in denominations of SYP 1, 5, 10, 25, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.
Coins are in denominations of SYP 1, 52, 5
10 and 25.
Credit & debit
cards
American Express and Diners Club are most easily accepted, some
hotels will accept MasterCard. Tickets can be bought with credit
cards. Please check with your credit or debit card company for merchantacceptability and for other services which may
be available.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques can be difficult to exchange
and are not generally recommended.
Currency
Exchange
Syrian currency cannot usually be reconverted to hardcurrency. The country’s banking system is
state owned, and there is at least 1 branch of the Commercial Bank
of Syria in every main town. Hard currency can be converted for
local currency in these branches.
Exchange
rate indicators
The following figures should be perceived as a guide to the movements
of the Syrian Pound against the US Dollar and UK
Pounds Sterling:
Date
Nov’07
UK
£1.00=
108.622
US
$1.00=
52.109
Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is unlimited, the
export of local currency is limited to S£ 5000 when travelling
to Lebanon. The import and export of foreign currency is limited
to US$ 5000.
Banking hours
Banks are generally open Saturday to Thursday from 8.00 am to 2.00
pm (banks tend to close early on Thursdays).
