Syria

The image of Syria in the west is still one of a place little known and possibly dangerous. However, the experience of travellers is one of friendly people and of romantic sites including mountaintop Crusader castles and Roman ruins in the desert in this ancient land that is referred to by many as "the cradle of civilisation".

History - Ancient Syria emerged ten thousand years ago & included Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. It was the cradle of three great civilisations: Amorites, Canaanites & the Phoenicians who all settled the coastal regions.

Armenians were the highlanders the south. Immigration from the Arabic Peninsula was continuous but Syria withstood invasion from the Hittites, Persians, Greeks & Romans. Islam conquered Syria in 630AD and has been the religion of the country to the present day.

Size - Its approximate area is 185,000km square. There are four geographic regions: A fertile, 180km long coastal strip between Lebanon and Turkey; the Jebal an - Nusariyah mountain range (with average height of 1000m) an impenetrable ridge running N - S from the coast, with the Anti Lebanon Mountains forming a 200km border between Lebanon and Syria; the cultivated steppes which form an arc on the island side of the mountain range(and including the main centres of Damascus, Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Quamishle);the stony Syria desert of the southeast.

Population - Approx.13 million, 90% Arabs, including some 10,000 Bedouin. The remainder is made up of small groups of Kurds, Armenians, Circassians and Turks.

Language - Arabic is the official language. French and English are generally understood in the tourist areas. Aramaic (the language of Christ) is spoken in Maloula and two other villages.

Climate - Close to the coast, Syria has a moderate climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. Inland it gets progressively drier and more inhospitable. On the coast average daily temperatures are 29C in Summer. Winters are generally cold and it sometimes snows in Damascus. In the steppe and desert areas (eg Palmyra) it is significantly warmer.

Accommodation – Five, four and three star hotels are generally very good. Two star is available and is ‘clean and comfortable’.

Major Attractions - Bosra, Damascus, Maloula, Lattakia, Qalat Marqab, Tartus, Krak Des Chevaliers, Hama, Apamea, Aleppo, Palmyra, Raqqa, Deir Ez Zur, Doura Europos, Mari

Shopping – One of the best Middle Eastern country for shopping. A wide range of goods and handicrafts are to be found in all the souqs (covered markets) in each main city, but particularly in Damascus and Aleppo. Excellent prices, and bargaining is both expected and undertaken by all store owners in a pleasant manner.

Tipping - Not quite as universal as in most Middle Eastern countries, but is generally expected in larger hotels (porterage to and from) and restaurants. Conserve all small notes as they can be difficult to obtain.

Safety – Syrians are, for the most part, very friendly and visitors are made to feel very welcome. Avoid asking any questions concerning domestic politics or the ruling party.

Phone and Post - IDD service is available. Mobile phones generally work OK but you should check with your local service provider. Postal services outside main towns are in general, poor and erratic. No English newspapers.

Public Holidays – All Moslem holidays are observed, including Prophet Mohamed’s Birthday, Ramadan and Eid el Fitr. Sep 1 is Revolution Day.

Voltage and plugs - 150/220v. 50Hz. Blackouts are not uncommon.

Dress – Syrians dress conservatively and the general rule of thumb is ‘cover your limbs’ especially for female travellers. Women must be covered when entering a mosque.

International Transport - Good connections from Australia with Emirates, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian/Qantas. Regular services from Europe.

Domestic Transport - Bus and mini bus services operate to all major cities. Services from Damascus to Aleppo are excellent and to most major tourist sites they are OK. To other places they can be irregular and overcrowded. Major highways and roads are all sealed.

Food and Drink - Typical Syrian meal starts with an excellent mezze. Meat (lamb is a favourite) chicken or fish follows with rice and salad. Fresh fruit juices are widely available as most Syrians don’t drink, however beer and local wine is available in better quality tourist hotels and restaurants. Syrian pastries are excellent – a throwback to French occupation. A hot drink of Arabian coffee or Shai(tea) is served at the end of the meal. 

Tap water is not potable. Bottled water is widely available.

Entertainment - Limited to restaurants, cinemas and shopping.

Photography – Not a problem but avoid photographing police, army personnel or military establishments.

Health – Drink bottled water. Take normal precautions e.g. washing of hands. Food is generally of a good standard and very palatable. Please check with your local doctor regarding requirements prior to travel.

Visas – A visa is necessary and must be obtained before entry. Valid for 15 days and must be used within one month of date of issue. A yellow entry card is filled out on entry and must be presented on leaving the country. Best to obtain a multiple entry visa to cover any possibility of visiting Baalbek in Lebanon during your stay in Syria. The cost in Australia changes but is approximately $80. An Israeli stamp in your passport – or any evidence of having visited Israel (eg a Jordanian exit stamp from King Hussein Bridge) - will prohibit entry.

Currency & Exchange - Currency unit is the Syrian pound (SYP) - often referred to locally as "lira". Coins: ¼, ½, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25. Notes 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500. 1000. Smaller denomination notes are fairly difficult to acquire, and the 500/1000 pound note is not really practical for most travellers. A tourist exchange rate operates through banks (approx. 40 SYP to A$1 as well as an official rate of approx. 15 SYP to A$1). Hotels that exchange US dollars often offer a poor rate of exchange (for credit card payments also) so it is recommended you pay for any extras with Syrian pounds. Major credit cards accepted in most tourist areas. Departure tax: USD 10 (subject to change).

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