Syria Country Dossier

"In Syria you will feel more at home than anywhere else in the world."

"Growing up in Damascus, probably the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, I have always been very proud to be Syrian and for the last four years I have been able to share Syria with travellers knowing that their experiences will be unforgettable. Syria today is a very safe place, a haven of tolerance, a melting pot of religions, races and cultures and a country where the people are always hospitable, heartily friendly and helpful. Syria of the past is an archaeologist's paradise with the remarkably well preserved Silk Road city of Palmyra, the masterpiece of all crusader castles that is Crac des Chevaliers, and the citadel of Aleppo - an exceptional example of Arab architecture. I will be glad to welcome you to Syria. Ahlan Wa Sahlan."

Mohammad Khair al Khousi, Tour leader – The Imaginative Traveller

• Factfile
• Preparing to go
• Money
• Cultural & Environmental Guidelines
• Arrival
• On Tour
• General Information

Factfile

Capital: Damascus
Official Language: Arabic. Others: Kurdish, French
Religions: Muslim 80%, other 20% (Orthodox Christians).
Voltage: 220 volts. Sockets are of the European, two-pronged variety.

Preparing to go

Visas

Visas are required by all nationalities. A tourist visa is normally valid for a period of three months from the date of issue for a stay of up to 30 days. Visas usually take 5 to 7 working days to issue and can be refused without explanation to those in what the authorities consider a proscribed profession. Therefore it is advisable to avoid listing your profession as a journalist, editor or similar.

Multiple Visa Entries

If you plan to leave Syria and return later, you must clearly request a multiple entry visa on your application. If you apply for a multiple entry visa, check your passport when it is returned to you to make sure that you have been issued with the correct visa.

Please note: Entry to Syria will be refused if your passport contains evidence of travel to Israel, even if you have been granted a Syrian visa. Note this is not confined to an Israeli visa stamp. It also includes Egyptian & Jordanian entry or departure stamps obtained at the land border with Israel.

Money

Local Currency

The monetary unit in Syria is the Syrian Pound (SP), which is divided into 100 piastres. Approximate exchange rates (as at March 2007) are as follows:

• 1 Pound Sterling = 100 SP
• 1 US Dollar = 52 SP
• 1 Euro = 68 SP

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that a visitor may bring into Syria, however very large sums should be declared on arrival.

XE.com is a useful site for currency conversion.

Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATMs

Banks can be found almost everywhere in Syria. We recommend that you take either US$ or GB£ currency as these are the easiest to change. Travellers cheques are best avoided as they can be very time consuming to change and often cannot be changed outside major cities. ATMs have recently been introduced into Syria and are available in Aleppo and Damascus. We recommend that you do not rely solely on a credit card however, as the technology is new and may be subject to teething problems. Credit cards are generally not accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. It is possible to exchange left over Syrian Pounds on production of your original encashment receipt however it is advisable to try not to change more money than you think you will need.

The Pre Departure Booklet that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains general information about organising your spending money. Your Tour Leader will be able to advise you on local facilities.

Working out your Budget

The Pre-Departure Information contains general information about the things you will need to consider when budgeting for your holiday. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Syria.

Entrance Fees

Although Traveller trips include entrance fees to all sites specified in your itinerary there are additional ancient sites that you may like to visit. Adventurer trips do not include any entrance fees. The average entrance fee is approx US$6 (although some sites such as the Omayyad Mosque cost much less), with the most expensive being US$10.

The Imaginative Traveller Recommends: Remember to bring your student card if you have one or are entitled to one as you can save more than 70% at many of Syria's ancient sites and museums.

Optional Excursions

All of our itineraries include some free time, the amount of which usually depends on the style of tour you are travelling on (Adventurer trips generally have more than Traveller). If you wish to take optional excursions your Tour Leader will be able to advise you of the possibilities in each area. Approximate costs (per person) for popular excursions are as follows:

Damascus

• Dervish dance show = US$15 (including dinner)
• Walking tour including National Museum and Omayyad Mosque = US$18 (including guide and entrance fees)

Hama

• Half day tour to Crac = US$18 (For transport, guide and entrance fees)

Palmyra

• Bedouin show = US$10 (including dinner)

Aleppo

• Aleppo Citadel and St Simeon's Monastery = US$22 (For transport, guide and entrance fees)

Meals

You will find the meal plan for your tour clearly indicated in the brochure and on your Trip Dossier. Breakfast is provided each day on most tours, and many tours also include a number of dinners. Lunches are rarely included to give you more freedom. Approximate costs for meals and snacks not included are shown below:

• Simple snack - US$1
• Light meal - US$5-6
• Fancy restaurant - US$8-15

For a guide to the type of food you will find in Syria see the Local Food & Drink section of this dossier.

Drinks
Tea and Coffee is always provided with breakfast. All other drinks (i.e. bottled water, soft drinks) are at your own expense. Approximate costs for drinks bought in a shop in the street are shown below.

Note: Prices in restaurants, hotels, and cruise boats can be as much as double those specified.

• 1l of water = US$1
• 30cl bottle of soft drink = US$1
• 50cl bottle of beer = US$2

It is not recommended that you drink the local tap water in Syria however bottled water, carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices are widely available throughout the country.

Local Transport

In most cases it is easy to get around Syria's cities and towns on foot. Alternatively (if you get lost in Damascus and Aleppo's maze of streets!) taxis are the most effective method of local transport. Most taxis now run on a meter and you should make sure that it is switched on before your journey begins. All private taxis are yellow. Local journeys within a city shouldn't cost more than US$1-2 and a taxi from our hotel in Damascus to the airport will cost approx. US$10-12.

What to Take

The Pre-Departure Information that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains a comprehensive list of items that you should consider bringing with you. There are certain items of equipment (e.g. sleeping bags, towels) that you will need on some tours and not on others. Check your Trip Dossier for any special requirements.

Clothing

As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, hard-wearing and easily washed. In Syria's hot summer months, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than man-made materials like nylon. The winter can be cold and wet – particularly in the coastal and mountainous regions. Make sure you allow for climate changes and remember that even in very hot countries, night-time and early morning temperatures can be cold. You will generally find it is better to have several thin layers rather than one thick layer as it gives you more flexibility and warmth. A fleece can be invaluable and double as a pillow.

You should bear in mind that Syria has conservative attitudes towards dress. Women, and also to a certain extent men, will find that the way they dress will often determine the degree of respect they receive from both men and women. Shorts and strappy tops will attract unwanted attention so it is much better to wear loose fitting T-shirts or long sleeves and cropped or full length trousers. While exploring at Palmyra you can be more casual although it is still a good idea to cover up for wandering around the town.

The Imaginative Traveller Recommends: Make sure you bring lots of clothing that covers shoulders and knees and also several outfits which cover your legs to ankles and your arms past the elbows. A sarong is an invaluable item to carry as it can be used to instantly cover any exposed areas (i.e. head, legs).

When visiting the Omayyad Mosque in Damascus women must cover their head (a sarong is fine for this) and will be given a hooded baggy robe to wear over their clothes. Your Tour Leader may also ask you to dress conservatively at other religious sites. Out of respect for local values, we ask that you follow your Tour Leader’s advice at all times.

Prepare Yourself
Whilst few of our tours can be described as physically demanding you will find all activities more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit and active.

Cultural & Environmental Guidelines

Toilets

Wherever you go to the toilet remember to place your toilet paper in the rubbish bin provided – DO NOT flush it down the toilet as this may block the sewerage system. You will almost always find a rubbish bin next to the toilet however you may find it useful to carry a supply of small plastic bags to put your toilet paper in if a rubbish bin is not provided. You may also want to carry your own toilet paper as not all toilets will supply it.

Religion

We encourage travellers to visit mosques and experience religious festivals, such as the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, as a visit to the Middle East during this time will give you a whole different perspective. However we ask that you follow religious rules such as removing your shoes when visiting a mosque. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to advise you of local sensitivities. If you would like to know more about Ramadan or you are travelling at this time please consult our special Ramadan Information Sheet (this can be found on the download pages of our website).

Etiquette & Customs

When entering a shop, a greeting or an effort to make small talk (particularly in Arabic) will always go down well. However it is not a good idea to try to talk about the president or politics in any company. Open displays of affection (such as kissing and holding hands) should be avoided.

Photography

You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. It is wise to be careful about photographing women particularly if you are male.

Begging

Begging is a way of life in the Middle East. Ultimately donations are a travellers personal choice, however in line with initiatives and government policy in many of our destinations, our recommendation is NOT to give money, pens, gifts or sweets as this encourages a begging mentality and is largely ineffectual. If you do want to help it is probably better to give to a recognised charity. If you choose not to give simply say no with a smile and keep on walking. If you learn nothing else of the local language, learn to say ‘no thank you’!

Haggling

Haggling is a way of life in the Middle East. In the shops there is no fixed price so the shop keeper will start with a high price which you are then expected to haggle down until you reach a fair price. Haggling should always be relaxed and can be a lot of fun – you will find most shop owners are very friendly and will probably invite you in for a cup of tea to break the ice before the haggling starts!

Arrival

Arrival Transfers

Upon arrival at Damascus International Airport, please look for our representative who will be holding an Imaginative Traveller/Jasmin Tours sign. He should be waiting for you after you have passed through Customs and Immigration.

Making Your Own Way

The Meeting Point for your tour should be clearly marked on your travel vouchers.

At Damascus International Airport, you will find a 24 hour taxi service. Taxis usually have meters however it is a good idea to agree on a price before you set off. The cost of a taxi from the airport to our hotel should be approx. US$15-17.

Immigration

On entering Syria all visitors must complete an entry/exit card in duplicate. One copy will be returned to you and this should be kept safe for presentation to Customs and Immigration upon departure.

On Tour

Safety

Most people find that Syria is a very friendly and hospitable country and feel quite comfortable wandering around alone during the day. However, as with any country you are not familiar with (and in particular in large cities such as Damascus), it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and generally take taxis rather than walk.

Tour Leaders & Guides

Your Tour Leader's role is to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He/she will share their local knowledge, advise on how to fill your free time and co-ordinate the day to day running of the tour – although occasionally he/she may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your Tour Leader know so that steps can be taken to put it right. Tour Leaders are supported by our regionally based office staff and, in most cases, a locally based manager.

On Traveller tours the group will also be accompanied by a qualified Syrian guide throughout most of the trip. On Adventurer tours we use the services of specialist guides at sights of particular historical interest such as Palmyra.

Please note that some styles of trip, such as Imaginative Escapes or Imaginative Honeymoons, do not have a Tour Leader. However, there will be representatives on hand who will be able to assist you in arranging any excursions that you wish you take.

Accommodation

Our main criterion for choosing hotels is cleanliness. On Adventurer tours hotels are simple, but comfortable. Bathroom facilities may sometimes be shared and rooms may sometimes be multi share rather than twin. Hotels on Traveller tours almost always have private bathrooms, air conditioning and bar / restaurant facilities. Please bear in mind that hotels can sometimes suffer from minor problems and technical difficulties.

At each hotel your Tour Leader will try to organise the rooming arrangements to suit everyone's requirements. If you are travelling alone you will be allocated a room with another group member of the same sex (unless you have paid a single supplement*). If you are travelling as a couple please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of double beds.

*Note: Single supplements are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room. Single supplements are also only available on Traveller tours and are not applicable on overnight boats, trains and while camping.

Laundry

A laundry service is available in most of the hotels we are use (especially in Damascus and Palmyra).

Local Food & Drink

Food
Food in Syria tends to be a mixture of Arab and Lebanese cuisine. A standard Syrian meal will consist of a main dish supplemented by a number of appetisers, such as tahina (sesame seed puree), baba ghanoug (tahina, garlic and charred aubergines), moutabbal (grilled mashed eggplant with pomegranate juice and sesame seed oil) dips, bread, salads and side-dishes. Mensef is a popular dish in Syria. This traditional Bedouin meal consists of lamb (or goat) cooked with herbs in a yoghurt sauce with rice and bread. Other favourite dishes include meat stews, meatloaf and kebabs. Popular snacks found all over the country are felafel (deep fried ball of ground beans or chick peas mostly served in bread with salad) and shawarma (lamb, salad, garlic sauce and tahina wrapped in flat bread).

Drinks
Throughout the Middle East, the taking of tea is almost a national pastime. Syria is no exception, especially if you are shopping or meeting people for the first time. In Syria mint, thyme, or saga are often used to flavour the tea. Coffee is served Turkish style - very strong and sweet. If you don't normally take sugar, make sure you mention this to your host. Freshly squeezed fruit juice is readily available from street stalls and kiosks, and makes a refreshing change from carbonated drinks. It also makes a change to be in a country where you will find 'Kola' but not Coca-Cola (or McDonalds for that matter!)

Although Syria is a Muslim country, most of the hotels we use do serve alcoholic drinks (although during Ramadan, some hotels will close their bars). Local wine is fairly palatable, as is the local beer. You might also want to tray araq – a strong aniseed flavoured liqueur.

Special Dietary Requirements

Vegetarians
Although meat is often not the main feature of a meal, it can be found in many dishes, even if only as a stock. Therefore, if you are a vegetarian you may experience a distinct lack of variety in the food available at meal times. Your Tour Leader will do their best to offer a vegetarian alternative, but your patience and understanding is requested.

Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or preferences, please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.

Please note: Unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can always be met.

Communications

Email
Internet cafes can now be found in most parts of Syria. The cost for an hour is approx US$2.

Phone
The Syrian phone system is fairly good. A 3 minute call (to the UK) will cost approx. US$10 from a hotel and approx. US$5 from a telephone centre or with a pre paid phonecard.

Post
The postal service is good and stamps are available everywhere. An overseas stamp will cost approx. US$1.

Cameras

Availability of Film
Camera film can be found in most parts of Syria but it is best to bring your supply from home to be sure of the quality.

General Information

Weather

The climate in Syria varies considerably throughout the country. The coastal strip, running from the Lebanese border in the South to the border with Turkey in the North, enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate. Though like the Mediterranean it does get colder in winter months. Across the mountains in the central region, between Damascus and Aleppo they enjoy a similar climate to the coastal strip, whilst the south east of the country is almost entirely desert and has blazing hot summer days and freezing winter nights.

The general climate is most pleasant during spring and autumn when hot days cool off in the late afternoon.

The following chart shows average daily temperatures (in degrees celsius):

Syria Meteorological Authority

Holidays

Islamic Holidays
Islamic Holidays are fixed in accordance with the Lunar Calendar. 2003 dates are:

• Islamic New Year - 10 Feb
• Prophet Mohammed's B'day - 21 April
• Ramadan - 04 Oct
• Eid el Fitr - 03 Nov

National Holidays

• Revolution Day - 8 Mar
• Independence Day - 17 Apr
• Labour Day - 1 May
• Martyrs Day - 6 May
• October War Day - 6 Oct

Syria Public Holidays

Suggested Reading

Guidebooks

• Syria & Lebanon Handbook (Footprint Guides)
• The Middle East (IC Publications)

Background Reading

• What Is Islam? A Comprehensive Introduction (Virgin Publishing)
• The Gates of Damascus (By Lieve Joris)
• Monuments of Syria (By Ross Burns)

Useful Phrases in Arabic

• Hello (greeting) - Salaam or Salaam Alaykum
• Hello (response) – Wa Alaykum Salaam
• Goodbye - Ma Salama
• How are you? - E-zayak(M) /E-zayik(F)
• I'm well, thank you - El Humdoolelaa! (literally - "Thank God")
• Good morning - Sabah el Kheir
• Excuse me - Lao Samaht(M)/Samahti(F)
• Please - Minfudluk (M)/Minfudlik (F)
• Thank you - Shokran
• Yes - Aiwa
• No - La
• How Much? (price) - Bekam?
• Water - Maya
• Coffee - Ahwa (Arabic Coffee), Nescafe (instant)
• Tea - Shy
• The bill - El Hesab
• I don't understand - Ana mish fahem[m]/ fahma [f]

Notes: Many words contain the sound ‘Kh’. The ‘K’ is not pronounced. Instead the sound is like the ‘ch’ in Loch.

(M) - when addressing a man
(F) - when addressing a woman
[m] - when said by a man
[f] - when said by a woman

Arabic Numbers

• 0 - (۰) - Sefer
• 1 - (١) - Wahed
• 2 - (٢) - Etneen
• 3 - (٣) - Talata
• 4 - (٤) - Arbaa
• 5 - (٥) - Hamsa
• 6 - (٦) - Sitta
• 7 - (٧) - Sabba
• 8 - (٨) - Tamannia
• 9 - (٩) - Tissa
• 10 - (١٠) - Ashera
• 11 - (١١) - Hedosha
• 12 - (١٢) - Etnosha
• 13 - (١٣) - Talatosha
• 20 - (٢٠) - Ashreen
• 30 - (٣٠) - Tallateen
• 40 - (٤٠) - Arbaeen
• 50 - (٥٠) - Hamseen
• 100 - (١٠٠) - Miya
• 1000 - (١٠٠٠) - Elf

Note: Although Arabic script reads from right to left, numbers are read from left to right.

Contact Details

Local Office
The Imaginative Traveller
C/o Jasmin Tours,
Ain Al Kerash, Fathi Al Atasi St,
Halabi Building, DAMASCUS
Tel: +963 11 231 75 97
Fax: +963 11 231 31 76

UK Office
The Imaginative Traveller
1 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1473 667337
Fax: +44 (0)1473 614566

24hr Emergency Contact
(MOB): +963 94 269 987 (Ghassan)