The official currency of Syria is the Syrian Pound, also called the Lira, abbreviated SYP.
Like their neighbours in Lebanon, it can be a bit confusing as the names Pound and Lira are both used in English for the same currency.
The 2026 currency reform
The Syrian pound went through a complete overhaul at the start of 2026. New banknotes entered circulation on January 1, in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 pounds, with two zeros removed from the old currency's face value (100 old pounds = 1 new pound). The new notes no longer feature portraits of the Assad family — instead they showcase Syria's nature and agriculture, including the Damascus rose, olives, wheat and an Arabian horse.
Exchange rate
As of mid-2026, the redenominated pound trades at somewhere around 115 new SYP to 1 USD, though this fluctuates and is worth checking closer to your trip. We've covered the full story, including the reasoning behind the reform, in our dedicated guide to the new Syrian pound.
Exchanging money
The most common way to change money is at the border before you enter, or with money changers in most major cities. Most accommodation will also help you exchange money. USD is always the safest bet, as it's universally accepted, though Euros, Pounds, Australian and Canadian Dollars and AED can usually be changed too.
Can you use foreign currencies in Syria?
Restrictions on using foreign currency openly have eased significantly since the political transition, and USD cash is now the most useful currency to carry, especially for bigger purchases like carpets or antiques. Smaller everyday purchases are still usually paid for in Syrian pounds.
Are there ATMs, and do foreign cards work?
There are ATMs in Syria, but they're tied to the Syrian banking system and dispense pounds only. Since May 2026, Syria's central bank has allowed local banks to begin working with Visa and Mastercard, and card acceptance is starting to appear at some hotels and larger businesses in Damascus — but this is still very early days. Don't plan around having a card backup; bring enough USD cash for your entire trip.
