Currency
Syrian Pound (S£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of S£1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of S£25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Currency exchange
Syrian currency cannot generally be reconverted to hard currency. The country’s banking system is state-owned, and there is at least one branch of the Commercial Bank of Syria in every main town. Hard currency can be exchanged for local currency in these branches.
Credit & debit cards
American Express and Diners Club are most readily accepted; some hotels will accept MasterCard. Tickets may be bought with credit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability and for other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
Can be difficult to exchange and are not generally recommended.
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.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Syrian Pound against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | £1.00= | 87.18 | 87.62 | 98.82 | 102.98 | | $1.00= | 48.81 | 47.56 | 52.18 | 54.53 |
Banking hours
Normally Sat-Thurs 0800-1400 (banks tend to close early on Thursdays).
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