There are some quirky and ridiculous elements of Syrian daily life that add charm and humor to the culture.
Also, they show how adaptable and creative people can be when dealing with unusual situations, making Syria a place full of unique stories and experiences!
The Syrian people, are known for their Kindness, hospitality, and hope for a better future. continue reading to know better and act like locals when Traveling to Syria.

Honking for Every Occasion

In Syria, honking isn’t just for alerting other drivers. The people use honks to greet people, announce a wedding, or express frustration.
You’ll even hear cars honking in celebratory patterns at weddings or parties.
So, Honking horns seem to be a form of communication! do you have this bizarre thing in your country?

Haggling Over Everything

In Syria, haggling isn’t just reserved for markets, it extends to almost every transaction.
Whether you’re buying a bag of oranges or getting your car fixed, the art of negotiation is alive and well.
It’s almost, absurd how even the smallest purchase can turn into a 15-minute bargaining session. will you try haggling when traveling to Syria?
read about shopping malls in Syria.

From spilling coffee being a sign of good luck to scratching your palm meaning you’ll receive money, Syria is filled with bizarre superstitions that make daily life a bit surreal. You can read about the famous Superstitions in Syria.

Mexican beer in Syria

Have you heard about Mexican beer in Syria before?
Even if you visit Mexico, you won’t find this beer unless you travel to Syria.
When you order a beer, the bartender will ask if you want a normal or a Mexican beer.
Mexican beer is typically served in a glass with salt on the rim and a bit of lime juice inside.
On the other hand, normal beer is usually served in the bottle. don’t forget the difference between normal and Mexican beer when traveling to Syria.

Physical connection

1. Hugging

Syria, being a predominantly conservative society with deep-rooted traditions, typically reserves physical affection for specific circumstances and relationships.

First, hugging between family members is common and acceptable, like parents, and grandparents, it’s a normal way to express, support, or greet, especially during significant moments such as weddings.
on the other hand, in some conservative families, even if the people are relatives, they refrain from hugging because they care about the opinion of strangers around them, who may not know they are relatives, and to avoid being judged negatively.

however, in Damascus or Aleppo, public displays may be more relaxed.
Second, hugging among friends of the same gender, is generally acceptable, particularly between close friends.
They consider it a warm gesture of friendship.

Third, hugging between men and women who are not family members is generally more restricted, especially in more conservative settings
In traditional or religious families, public displays of affection, including hugging, between opposite genders may be considered inappropriate or disrespectful.
What’s more, it’s generally not acceptable to hug someone you’ve just met or someone you don’t know well, regardless of gender.
Instead, a handshake or verbal greeting is more appropriate in these cases.
More importantly, you cannot simply hug or shake hands with a woman wearing a hijab.
In Islam, a woman does not shake hands with a man who is not related to her.
Also, a man does not shake hands with women who are not related to him.
Please keep this in mind when traveling to Syria because it is not considered disrespectful.
Rather, it is part of religious traditions and societal customs.

How about Some Alternatives to Hugging?

Of Course! A handshake is the most common form of greeting between men and between men and women who are relatives.
But, please pay attention not all people like physical touch, it’s appropriate to ask first.
In addition, among close friends or relatives of the same gender, cheek kissing is a common greeting this is more common than hugging in certain social settings.

It’s always best to be respectful and mindful of the situation, and when in doubt, observe the body language and customs of those around you to gauge whether hugging is appropriate or not.

2. Hookah

if you are sharing a hookah with a Syrian friend, don’t be surprised if your friend tapes on your hand out of nowhere.
Traditionally, when sharing a hookah with a friend, there are specific etiquette rules, such as touching hands in another word, more like tapping, when passing the hose as a sign of thanks.
Certainly, it is a tradition you should keep in mind when traveling to Syria.
So, if you prefer not to participate in this tradition,  it’s okay to politely decline or limit your participation.
Syrians are very understanding of personal boundaries.

3. Being Nice to Babies

In Syria, touching babies is generally acceptable, especially when done in a friendly and respectful manner.
In public settings, it’s usually acceptable to touch or interact with a baby if you’re invited to do so by the parents.
A lot of people see a baby in his stroller and pat the baby with a light, gentle touch, stroke the baby’s cheek, or gently hold the baby’s tiny hand and let the baby grasp your finger.
when traveling to Syria, always pay attention to the baby’s parent’s guidance to ensure your interactions are welcomed and enjoyable for both the infant and their caregivers.
In Syria, this is a warm and loving gesture, but in other countries, this action is completely forbidden.

The beloved animal to Syrians

Cats hold a special place in Syrian society, much like in other parts of the Middle East.
Historically, cats have been admired for their cleanliness, independence, and gentle nature, and they are often seen as beloved companions in many households.
In Islam, cats are considered pure animals, and the Prophet Muhammad is said to have shown kindness toward them, which has influenced how they are treated in many parts of the Muslim world, including Syria.

Unlike many other animals, such as dogs, Islamic Law considers cats ritually pure and allows cats to freely enter homes and even mosques.
Many families keep cats as pets and enjoy their company.
Even street cats in Syrian cities are usually fed by locals, regularly.
As a matter of fact, during the Syrian conflict, Syrians have plenty of stories and images of people carrying their cats among destruction this becomes a symbol of hope and shows the humanity side of Syrians.
The presence of cats in the society reflects values of kindness, care, and respect for animals

Financial matters

Money in plastic bags

In Syria, the ongoing economic crisis and hyperinflation have led to significant changes in how people handle money.
Due to the severe devaluation of the Syrian pound, large sums of cash are often required for even everyday purchases.
For this reason, it is a common practice to carry money in oversized plastic bags.
Even travelers at the border when exchange money.
If they want to exchange one piece of paper, for example,100 USD for the highest Syrian pound which is 5000 lira, the visitor will have to carry almost 300 pieces of paper.
So, imagine if the exchange was from the 500 Syrian Pounds, You do the math!

For this reason, don’t be surprised if you see people in the shopping areas carrying big black bags.
You can read more about money in Syria and the cost of living.

In reality, many visitors go out for dinner, they often carry a bag full of money. It’s better to put it in a mini-case, and that leads us to

Men Small bags

In Syria, many men have started carrying small bags due to inflation, which has made handling cash more cumbersome.
For this reason, bags are necessary nowadays, also, these bags have become a style statement, reflecting both practical needs and personal fashion preferences.

And this bag is suitable for 2 mobile phones .. wait what? Why 2 phones for one person? Continue reading to know better.

Almost everyone Have two phones

In Syria, people commonly used to carry two mobile phones, one new and the other old.
But why is this phenomenon common nowadays?

When importing a mobile phone into Syria, individuals were required to pay customs duties.
The cost of these duties can vary based on the phone’s value, brand, and specifications.
Let’s talk numbers; if your phone costs 300 USD the customs fee is almost about 190 USD, and so on, if the phone costs 700 the customs fee is about 400 USD
Likewise, the phone cost 1300 USD, and the customs fee cost about 1000 USD

Due to economic conditions and inflation, the cost of importing phones has increased, making the process more expensive.
This has led to people often choosing to buy used or older phones, as they are more affordable and less affected by high import duties.
These fees, reaching exorbitant amounts, have made it difficult for many Syrians to access modern technology and stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
Visitors previously could use their phone with a local SIM for 1 month then, after one month they needed to buy a new phone from Syria or just use an old phone.
Thankfully, that’s from the past!
The Impact of Removing Phone Customs Fees in Syria
Removing phone customs fees on 12/12/2024 could have a significant positive impact on the country’s economy and society.
The removal of customs fees could encourage a more competitive market for phone imports, leading to lower prices and a wider variety of devices.
From an economic perspective, removing phone customs fees would boost the technology sector. More affordable phones could lead to higher sales, benefiting local businesses involved in distribution and repair.
Additionally, it represents a step toward modernization and recovery for a country seeking stability and progress.

VPN in Syria

VPNs Will No Longer Be Needed in Post-Assad Syria
We used to advise tourist to download the VPN to their phone before traveling to Syria.
In Syria, the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) was quite common due to several factors: like access to restricted websites.
Many people in Syria used to use VPNs to access news sites, social media platforms, and other online resources that the government blocks within the country.
Thankfully! That’s no longer needed.
Internet restrictions and government surveillance are likely to ease, making VPNs less necessary for tourists.
A freer internet would enable unrestricted access to information, social media platforms, and global communication without fear of censorship or monitoring.

Our Syria Scope Travel Guide is happy to help you with any questions you have.

Tipping in Syria

Tipping in Syria is a common practice and is generally appreciated in various service sectors. While tipping is not obligatory, it is a valued gesture that helps show appreciation for good service. also, it is an important aspect of social etiquette.
In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the bill, although the exact amount can vary depending on the service quality and the establishment.
For drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is customary, especially if the driver is helpful or the ride is pleasant.
In hotels, tipping staff such as bellhops and housekeeping is also expected.
Tips are usually given in cash, as credit card tips are not common.

Credit cards in Syria

Credit card acceptance is limited in Syria
Given the potential challenges with credit card use, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash in local currency.

ATMs

Many ATMs in Syria accept international cards from major networks like Visa and MasterCard, but it’s wise to check with your bank before traveling to Syria about whether your bank card is compatible with the ATM networks in the country.
While ATMs are available in major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia, they may be less common in rural areas. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling.
ATMs in Syria generally dispense Syrian pounds (SYP). Make sure to check the exchange rates and transaction fees associated with withdrawing local currency.

Rings indicate the marital status

In Syrian culture, people commonly wear engagement rings on the right hand, symbolizing a promise of commitment before marriage.
Once a couple ties the knot, they transfer the wedding ring to the left hand, signifying their union and the start of their married life together. This practice highlights the significance of both stages in a relationship, with the right hand representing the engagement’s hope and anticipation, while the left hand embodies the bond of marriage.

Too many strange things to know at a time right? Book your tour of Syria now, and explore Syria differently.
We would be happy if you could share your experience of Your Syria Tour with us on social media.

For more information about Syria’s Culture please get in touch with us today! Alternatively, check out our extensive range of group Syria tours.