Money in Syria 2026: The New Pound, Cash and Cards, and How to Pay

The most important thing to know about money in Syria in 2026 is that the currency has changed. A few simple rules will save you confusion and some money.

The new pound: two zeros fewer

At the start of 2026 Syria issued new banknotes and removed two zeros: one new pound = 100 old pounds. Something that cost 10,000 old pounds now costs 100 new pounds. During the transition you may hear prices both ways, and old and new notes may circulate together.

Cash first

Syria is still largely a cash country. Carry:

• US dollars or euros in clean, recent, untorn notes — old or marked notes may be refused.
• Syrian pounds in small notes for the souq, transport and cafés.

Cards

Visa and Mastercard are gradually working in Syria again, but acceptance is still limited: larger hotels and some restaurants and shops. Don't rely on them alone; carry enough cash for at least your first days.

Exchanging money

Change money at official exchange offices and banks. Avoid changing in the street, and keep your receipt.

How much will you need?

It depends a lot on how you travel. Street food and transport are relatively cheap; hotels and upmarket restaurants cost more. Our travel guide has an estimate of daily costs.

Paying on Bytnaa

Prices on Bytnaa are shown in new Syrian pounds, and you can display other currencies to compare. Most bookings need nothing paid up front:

• Stays: you pay the hotel on arrival.
• Table reservations: you pay at the restaurant as usual.
• Car rental: you pay the office at pick-up; the refundable deposit, if any, is paid to the office and returned with the car.

Currency

New Syrian pound (SYP)

Conversion

1 new = 100 old

Carry

Clean dollars and small pounds

Cards

Accepted in limited places