Syria is currently witnessing political upheaval, and travelers should check with their embassy before departing.
The official language of Syria is Arabic, but other tongues that are spoken include Kurdish, Armenian, Turkish and French. English speakers are common in the capital, especially in tourist areas.
Entry to Syria will be refused if you have an Israeli stamp on your passport. American citizens should be aware that because of sanctions on Syria, many US banks do not do business with Syria and some credit and ATM cards may not work, although this seems to be less of a concern in recent years. Some Americans have had their bank accounts frozen, however, after trying to conduct financial transactions in Syria. That said, ATMs are widely available in the capital and to a lesser degree in other major cities, although credit cards are rarely accepted, even in tourist areas. Money exchange centers are also widely available in major cities and at the airport.
Travelers should be aware that during the month of Ramadan, which varies based on the Islamic calendar, the daily routine of the country changes drastically. Because this is a month of fasting, many businesses, especially restaurants, are closed during the day.
Public transportation in most major cities is well developed with a range of options. White micro-buses are a cheap means of transportation in cities and will let you off wherever you like. Larger buses are also available with similar fares, but are usually crowded. Taxis are abundant and cheap in cities. Be sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter before getting in the taxi and pay according to the meter with a small tip, even if the driver demands more. However, drivers do not operate meters late at night.
Car rentals are available, but Syrian traffic is chaotic and congested and drivers are aggressive. These conditions have been improving in recent years, however.
Intercity bus and train travel is cheap and usually comfortable depending on the company. However, bus schedules are usually unreliable, while trains usually arrive and depart on time.
Most travelers in Syria find the tap water suitable for drinking, although one should be cautious and bottled water is recommended and widely available.
Generally, Syria is an extremely safe country for foreign travelers. Crime rates are extremely low, though travelers should exercise caution.
Westerners are greeted warmly by Syrians despite political tensions. Although religiosity varies greatly in this officially secular state, Syrians are generally religious, and local culture should be respected by foreigners. Foreigners should dress modestly, but Syrians are not surprised or offended to see foreign men in shorts or women in a T-shirt. Dress should be more modest when visiting religious sites, however. Foreign women often report unwanted attention or harassment by Syrian men, usually limited to verbal harassment. The best thing to do in this case is to draw passersby’s attention.
Politics is an extremely sensitive topic and should be avoided in conversation.
Local pharmacies are open at all hours and pharmacists usually speak a little English. Hospitals in large cities offer reasonable standards of treatment but, while cheap, do not meet Western standards.
Sanitation varies greatly from establishment to establishment and usually meets reasonable standards in tourist areas.
