Insider’s Tips

• Medical care is expensive, so please make sure you have travel insurance
• European adapter needed for most hotels (electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz)
• Pack carefully: Comfortable walking shoes, head scarf or shawl for the ladies to cover head and shoulders when visiting Mosques.
• No shorts are recommeded for ladies, in the summer months long linen trousers our long skirts are advised.
• You will need a Syrian Visa,  fee €45 via Citiescapes.
• You must not have an Israeli stamp in your passport
• Currency: Syrian Pound, can only be got in Syria
• ATM’s are not common but there are a few in Damascus
• Time zone: GMT +2

Shopping

Syian’s artisans have always been famed for their skills especially in metalwork, weaving and embroidery; they continue to produce work of the highest quality.  Our tours provide the opportunity to see  some of the local crats and industries.  These visits form part of the tour but you should not feel obliged to purchase unless you want to.  Try to accept the somewhat pressurised sales techniques employed in some oulets with good humor.  Wherever possible put your bargaining skills to the thest for best results!

• Check your credit card receipt carefully before leaving the shop.
• If you are buying articles that yuo will import yourself,  goods purchased in Syria attract tax and duty as your total imports exceed the regular duty free allowances.  If you bring in something worth more than the limit you must pay charges on the full value, not just the value above the limit.
• Credit card fraud is on the increase worldwide.  Keep your cards safe and use them only in reputable outlets.
• When strolling in the streets and markets Syria, please be aware that the pavements can be uneven.  Visitors should watch their step.

Food

Meals are included as detailed in your itinerary.  Syrian food reflect the influences of its neighbours and its history.  A close resemblance to Lebanese and Turkish cuisine, you’ll find; messe, lamb and chicken kebabs, yoghurts, flat bread and very sweet pastries are the basis of most meals.  Vegetarians can be catered for but more specific dietary requirements may be difficult to arrange so please ensure your local tour manager is aware of your requirements in adcance.  Drink plenty of bottled water which you can buy either from your hotel, your coach driver or reliable outlets.

Tipping

Tipping is away of life in Syria and is expected in order to get things done.  The normal practice is to dispence small sums to all sorts of people – the guide will tip the man who minds your shoes at the Mosque door and any site attendants but you will be expected to tip the waiting staff and porters- anyone providing a service will expect to be tipped and will not be shy about asking for it!

• Hotel: Housekeeping €1.00 per day.
• Porters: €1.00 per bag on delivery
• Waiters expect a tip of approximatley 10%
• Coach driver: €2.00 per person per day
• Tour guide: €2.00 per person per day

Transportation

Transportation is in private air-conditioned coaches with local guides accompanying tours.  Comfort stops are made on long journeys although facilities can be basic;  it is therefore advisable to carry a supply of toilet paper or tissues.