It would be remiss to exclude official government advice on Safety in Syria. Most governments advise against all travel to Syria. But if you speak with locals, scholars, business owners, as well as international organizations on the ground, everyone you will speak to will vouch that Safety in Syria is not as concerning as portrayed—at least in the places tours are taken to, which have been safe for some time. Today, walking around Damascus on your own is completely safe. We do recommend you travel with a trusted guide or in a group for added security, but it's completely safe for you to visit famous places alone.
You're probably wondering how to handle money in Syria, so we gathered some important points for you to mind regarding Money in Syria:
First, you should know that Syria operates primarily on cash transactions (*cash-based economy*), as ATMs are either unavailable or unreliable. So it's essential to carry enough Syrian Pounds (SYP) for your expenses.
Second, you want to know about the *Currency Exchange*: try to Exchange foreign currency at authorized exchange offices. Avoid black-market exchanges to ensure fair rates and legality.
Third, it's best to *divide your cash into smaller amounts* and store it in different places to minimize risk. Use a money belt or secure pouch for added safety.
Last but not least, *avoid flashing valuables*, including large sums of money, gold or expensive items. While crime rates are relatively low, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Indeed, you have to know these numbers for immediate assistance in emergencies.
Police: 112
Syrian Red Crescent: 133
Ambulance: 110
Fire Department: 113
When it comes to clothing, Syria, like many countries in the Middle East, values *modesty and conservatism* in public. However, it is important to recognize that dress codes can vary depending on the area, with urban centers being slightly more relaxed compared to rural settings. As a tourist in Syria, you are free to dress however you prefer, because nobody will judge your clothing choices in the places you're going to. Nevertheless, to avoid unintentional disrespect, here are some key guidelines for dressing appropriately in Syria.
Syrian men tend to dress conservatively, typically opting for long pants and t-shirts. In professional settings, it’s common to see men wearing business suits, particularly in larger cities. No Shorts in Public: Wearing shorts or tank tops in public is generally inappropriate in Syria, especially in more conservative regions. It’s better to wear long pants to maintain respect.
You don't have to worry about what to wear because there's a big style variety among Syrian women, and mostly, anything is acceptable. Just remember to be modest, particularly in religious sites and traditional places. This means covering the arms, shoulders, and legs. Women often wear long skirts, dresses, or pants paired with tops that aren't too revealing (such as a t-shirt). In addition, there's no need to worry about not wearing a Hijab (headscarf). It's totally a personal choice. Only you should cover your head in places like mosques and churches if you're told to.
When visiting religious sites or smaller towns, dressing conservatively is essential. Women should cover their hair and wear modest clothing, while men should avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts. Respect for Tradition: While larger cities may embrace modern fashion, dressing modestly is still essential in rural areas or when visiting traditional communities. Understanding the level of conservatism in different regions can help you avoid cultural misunderstandings.
In Syria, as with many other cultures, social norms and etiquette shape how people interact with one another. Understanding what locals consider impolite can help ensure respectful behavior and smoother communication. Below are a few key behaviors that might look disrespectful or impolite in Syrian society.
Syrian culture places a strong emphasis on respecting elders. It's rude to interrupt an elder during conversation. Additionally, younger individuals normally stand when an elder enters the room and to give up their seat if needed.
*Avoid Close Physical Contact with Strangers*: While Syrians are famous for their warmth and hospitality, they prefer to avoid physical contact with strangers, particularly of the opposite sex. It’s important to respect personal space and avoid unnecessary touch, especially in public.
Hand shake: Hand shaking is a common greeting in Syria, but it’s crucial to note that men and women *usually do not shake hands* unless they know each other well. If offered a hand shake, you should do it with the *right hand*.
Refusing Food: Turning down food or drink from a host can seem impolite in Syria, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. If you are full, it’s customary to take a small bite or sip to avoid offending your host. Politely saying “I’m full, but thank you” is an acceptable way to handle such situations.
Displaying affection between men and women in public is *inappropriate* in Syria, particularly in more conservative areas. Actions such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing in public is *disrespectful and unacceptable*, -although holding hands isn't impolite in public-, It’s better to avoid intimacy behaviors for private spaces.
For addressing Elders, It’s also important to *use respectful titles* when addressing older individuals. It's common to use titles such as “Aunt” (Khala) for women or “Uncle” (Ammi) for men to show deference and respect.
In Syria, using the right hand to eat is polite and proper. They regard the left hand as unclean in many Middle Eastern cultures, so they don't use it for eating, handing food, or touching others.
We'll get to conversation etiquette later in our article, but you should definitely pay attention to these points: *Avoid Sensitive Topics*: It’s often best to avoid topics such as politics, religion, or the ongoing civil conflict, unless you are certain of the person’s views.
Interrupting someone while they are speaking is rude in Syrian culture. It’s important to wait until the other person finishes speaking before responding. Patience in conversation is a sign of respect.
Safety in Syria is notable, as the country is officially secular. Women have, largely, the same freedoms as men. Attacks against women are very rare, and they are able to wear practically whatever they want. Safety in Syria also extends to women, making it one of the safest countries in the Middle East for them.
Of course, like anywhere else, it's better to travel with a trusted guide or in a group for added security, but Safety in Syria is not a major concern in tourist regions and public places, where it is absolutely safe to explore alone. Despite challenges, many female travelers have reported positive experiences regarding Safety in Syria when traveling alone, emphasizing the importance of planning and cultural sensitivity.
Be cautious about *transportation* (read the next title below).
Avoid traveling alone at night.
Carry a *local SIM* card for communication.
Dress modestly to avoid uncomfortable situations.
While it's not dangerous to travel as an LGBTQ+ individual in Syria, it just requires careful consideration. Homosexuality isn't widely accepted, as there are no legal protections based on gender identity. You may be able to express yourself to the young generations, but you should probably stay discrete around the older generations. We advise you to exercise discretion and avoid discussing your gender identity in public settings, so you don't attract unwanted attention or even legal consequences.
Local Syrians are helpful to people with disabilities. People are very kind and patient on the whole, although you might expect some curious stares. Nevertheless, you may face some challenges due to limited accessibility and infrastructure, because many public spaces, transportation systems and accommodations are not designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Pharmacies and hospitals in the major cities are functional, although you should note that medical infrastructure is (understandably) lacking. Persons with disabilities should notify their tour operator when booking so that they make necessary accommodations if required.
You have a mix of options for transportation as a tourist in Syria. Here's some key points to know:
There are also some private taxi companies available, but you should know that they cost significantly more. If you're more comfortable using apps like Uber, there are a few companies that offer such services like *Yalla-Go* app for safer rides. They offer a quick booking, easy usage, real time tracking and payment options.
You can also get around by *taxi*, they are available almost everywhere. Local taxis are the yellow vehicles with a large ‘Taxi’ sign on the body of the car. You can simply flag down a taxi from the side of the road. It's best if you agree on a fare beforehand, as they don't usually use meters.
As called locally, are vans with a capacity of about 10 people. These vehicles generally have set routes and set fares. You can make stops anywhere along this route. You can pass the money to the front of the vehicle (there are no tickets), they are safe and the most affordable way to wander around within cities.
Is also an option for those who prefer flexibility. Just ensure you have the necessary permits and insurance.
Buses are the most common and affordable way to travel between cities, but schedules may not always be reliable.
When communicating with local Syrians, understanding cultural norms can greatly enhance your experience. By being respectful and following these next tips, you'll find that Syrians are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their culture.
Arabic is the official language, but many Syrians understand basic English. You can also go a long way in building rapport by learning a few Arabic phrases, such as "shukran" (thank you) or "marhaba" (hello).
Syrians value *politeness* and hospitality. You should always *greet people warmly* as it's appreciated and gives you the needed attention. Handshakes are common, but for women, it's best to wait and see if they extend their hands first.
Maintain a respectful demeanor, smile and make eye contact.
Syrians are generally friendly with foreign people, and are often social and they enjoy conversations, so showing patience and interest can lead to meaningful connections.
Accept gifts and give them when needed. Syrians tend to be generous with food and small gifts, and accepting their offers makes them happy even if you don't gift them something back. Nevertheless, if you're invited to someone's house, it's customary to bring a small gift like sweets or flowers as a token of appreciation.
Eating safely in Syria is an important thing to mind when you're visiting Syria to avoid illnesses and enjoy the local cuisine.So what you need to know first is to opt for known restaurants, and try to avoid street food if it wasn't covered. Instead, choose vendors that follow hygienic standards, and the ones with high turnover, as this indicates fresher ingredients. Don't drink tap water, tap water in Syria is not unsuitable for drinking purposes. You should rather choose bottled water. If you have a sensitive stomach you should start with small portions to see how your body reacts, that's because Syrian cuisine often uses a lot of spices. In addition, you'll probably try some traditional foods like Hummos and Falafel, so if you're not used to eating lots of Legumes, it's safer to eat small bits of these foods to avoid digestive discomfort. Bring medications like anti-diarrheal meds and antihistamines, just in case.
Overall, you're safer if you listen to your guide's advice because they are the experts, and they know how it's best for you to enjoy your trip to Syria safely.
