Travel guide to Syria

Al-Jomhurya al-arabya as-Surya

Damascus (6,000,000)

185,180 square kilometres

Arabic

Islam

17,000,000

Republic

The Mediterranean and Lebanon on the East, Turkey in the North, Iraq in the West and Jordan and Israel in the South enclose Syria. The most fertile area is that north of Lebanon, which constitutes the only coastal stretch in Syria. This area is a sharp contrast with the stony desert by the borders of primarily Iraq, but also Jordan. Between these two border regions - a cultivated steppe region, the mountain cattle, and Jebel Ansariyya with an average height of 1000 above sea level - are situated.

For the most successful visit to Syria it is a very good idea to visit the country during spring or autumn - when temperatures are humanly-bearable. During summer the temperature can reach 45 degrees Celsius - and perhaps even higher. During winter you should be prepared for some rain, which could possibly spoil some of the pleasures of the many outdoor activities.

Lonely Planet Middle East
Lonely Planet Syria Travelkit
Lonely Planet Jordan and Syria

In Syria, the following units of measure are used:
Length: Metres
Weight: Kilos

As a rule of thumb excessive precautions are not required in Syria besides common politeness and respect. However do please note that sacred buildings may have special restrictions.

Generally you can safely drink the tapwater in Syria. However, people with a weak stomach and children are advised to drink bottled water. Others may naturally also drink bottled water in order to lower the risk of a bad stomach.

Electric current operates on 220 volts AC, 50 cycles.

Syrians are not as specific about clothing when compared to other, more religious countries. However, proper clothing and behaviour is a must when visiting mosques and other sacred places. Otherwise the Syrians are generally tolerant and have a friendly attitude towards tourists, and they will often invite you for a cup of tea in their private home.

Office opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Saturday through Thursday
Banks are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday through Thursday
Shops are open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

As with most other middle eastern countries, the Syrian kitchen is an interesting experience. It is very similar to the food served in other Arabic countries, yet a few specialities make Syrian food unique. One of these specialities is the Marya: Thin dough filled with minced flesh and spices, folded and cut. For people interested in dessert, they could be tempted by a halawat al-jibna; an ice-cream dessert with syrup, cream cheese and pastry-like dough.

New Year's Day, 1 January
Revolution Day, 8 March
Independence Day, 17 April
Labour Day, 1 May
Martyrs' Day, 6 May

Other, not fixed holidays
Easter (March or April)

Generally the accommodation possibilities in Syria are good. One special Syrian invention is the divided Hotel room - where male travellers can share four-bed Hotel rooms with other travellers. If you prefer to live alone in one of these hotels you will have to pay for all 4 beds in the room. In all circumstances women are recommended to do this. Moreover you will find many large hotels and smaller hostels everywhere in Syria.
Book your Hotel in Syria here

Camping is a possibility when visiting Syria. In Damascus, you will find one single campsite.

You will find many hotels in all areas of Syria. The standard varies, but several of them have a unique history with for instance signatures from Lawrence of Arabia and Agatha Christie in their visitors' book.

B&R / Guesthouses approved by the authorities cannot be found in Syria. However, you may be invited by one of the locals to their home with perhaps the possibility of spending the night.

Many hostels are found in Syria - though the organised, standardised hostels well-known throughout Europe cannot be found in Syria.

Buses are the most popular means of public transport in Syria. You can choose between the luxury buses with only a few stops - and a lower priced bus which offers an excellent opportunity to make contact with the locals. Moreover, you will find shared taxis, trains and planes between larger cities.

Syrian Air offers domestic Flights between larger cities in Syria. Domestic flying is not expensive. However, please note that the transfer time together with check-in time increase the total travelling time to almost the same as a bus would take for the same route.

Karnak is the old, national bus company, with its characteristic orange and white buses crossing the country. However the bus company has experienced increased competition from private companies which have undercut this old monopoly. Added to this is competition from highly modern luxury coaches which do not compete on price, but on service and speed.

Just recently Russia has delivered modern trains to Syria, and they are of a fine quality and run on schedule between the larger cities. Trains are inexpensive, but unfortunately the stations - unlike the bus stops - are situated far from the city centre.

Microbus and service taxi are the two terms to know when entering a Syrian taxi-rank. Microbuses are small vans, typically going on shorter trips between towns close to each other. The buses leave when they are full, and that means quickly! The service taxis are about the same size as an ordinary passenger car, and they also do not leave until they are full. They are rather expensive compared to the microbuses.

Some of the large Western car rental companies are found in Syria. Prices are similar to those in Europe, and sometimes even higher. Therefore, please check the local companies first, not only concerning the vehicle but also concerning insurance. Please note that petrol is expensive in Syria.

Male travellers may safely use hitchhiking as a means of transport in Syria. It is commonly used, and car drivers do not hesitate to take passengers. In return, they do however expect a small amount of money. Women travelling alone should really take the bus.

Syria welcomes tourists, but this does not mean that borders are wide open. Citizens from other countries with Syrian representation must hold a visa before going; otherwise they will be denied entry. All other people will get a visa at the borders or in the airport for payment - depending on citizenship. Due to the tense political situation between Israel and Syria - and Syria's refusal to recognise Israel as an independent state, you cannot enter Syria if you in any way look like you have been to Israel. Israeli passport stamps are prohibited, and so are other signs of previous visits to Israel. Besides all this, a study card will save you a lot of money in museum entrance and at other attractions. Prices may often be only one tenth of normal prices if you have such a card.

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