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Language: Arabic is the official, and most widely spoken, language. English is widely understood by many educated Syrians in the major cities.
Currency: The official currency is the Syrian pound (SYP), which is divided into 100 piastres. There are a few ATMs in the bigger towns, but not all cards are accepted. Credit cards are not widely used, but American Express and Diners Club are the most readily accepted. Travelers cheques are not recommended due to the difficulty that might be experienced in exchanging them; however the Commercial Bank of Syria should be able to exchange
them (open Sunday to Thursday).
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.
Communications: The international dialing code for Syria is +963. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). City codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Damascus. There is good mobile phone coverage in urban areas, and many networks have international roaming agreements. Internet access is limited, but is available in Damascus.
Duty Free: Travelers are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g tobacco, 1 pint of spirits, perfume for personal use, and gifts to the value of S₤250 without paying customs duty. Firearms are prohibited. There is no limit on the amount of tobacco or spirits for export.
Tourist OfficeSyria Ministry of Tourism, Damascus: +963 (0)11 221 0122 or www.syriatourism.org
EmergencyEmergencies: 112 (Police); 110 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Embassy of Syria, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 232 6313.
Embassy of Syria, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7 245 9012.
Embassy of Syria, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 569 5556.
Embassy of Syria, ACT, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 5235.
Embassy of Syria, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 4701.
United States Embassy, Damascus: +963 (0)11 3391 4444.
British Embassy, Damascus: +963 (0)11 373 9241/2/3.
Canadian Embassy, Damascus (also provides assistance to Australians): +963 (0)11 611 6692.
South African Embassy, Damascus: +963 (0)11 6135 1520.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Damascus: +963 (0)11 334 2144.
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