Syrian Pound (SYP; symbol S£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of S£1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of S£25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Syrian currency cannot generally be reconverted to hard currency. The country’s banking system is state-owned, and there is at least one branch of the Commercial Bank of Syria in every main town. Hard currency can be exchanged for local currency in these branches.

American Express and Diners Club are most readily accepted; some hotels will accept MasterCard. Tickets may be bought with credit cards.

Can be difficult to exchange and are not generally recommended.

Normally Sat-Thurs 0800-1400 (banks tend to close early on Thursdays).

Date	Apr 07
£1.00=	S£102.66
$1.00=	S£51.91
Eur;1.00=	S£69.38

The following items may be imported into the Syrian Arab Republic without incurring customs duty (irrespective of passenger’s age):

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 30g perfume for personal use.
• 570ml of spirits.
• 500ml of lotion and 500ml of eau de cologne.
• Gifts worth up to S£250.

Firearms and ammunition; live, frozen or stuffed birds, or any bird-derived products.