Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Syria. Consider typhoid if you’re planning to eat street food or visit rural areas. Ensure your routine vaccinations, like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, are up to date.
Consult a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific needs.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Syria, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for SyriaCulture & Customs
Avoid discussing politics or religion as these can be sensitive topics. Dress modestly; women should cover shoulders and knees. Always remove shoes when entering a home or mosque. Use your right hand for eating and passing items, as the left is considered unclean. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. LGBTQ+ travelers face significant risks; homosexuality is illegal and can lead to severe punishment. Be respectful when photographing people; ask for permission first.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Syria.
- Kibbeh: Often called Syria’s national dish, kibbeh is a mix of bulgur wheat and minced meat, usually lamb or beef. It can be served raw, fried, or baked, and it’s a staple at any Syrian gathering.
- Fatteh: A comforting breakfast or brunch dish, fatteh combines layers of toasted pita bread, chickpeas, and yogurt, often topped with pine nuts. It’s a hearty meal that showcases the region’s love for combining textures.
- Shawarma: While popular across the Middle East, Syrian shawarma is known for its unique blend of spices and slow-cooked meat, usually lamb or chicken. It’s a street food favorite, wrapped in flatbread with veggies and tahini sauce.
- Yalanji: These vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and herbs are a vegetarian delight. Yalanji is often served as a mezze, providing a taste of the region’s rich culinary traditions.
- Mahshi: Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers are stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices. It’s a comfort food that brings the family together, especially during holidays and celebrations.
Tap water in Syria is generally not recommended for tourists due to inconsistent water quality and potential contamination issues. While locals may drink it, it’s safer for travelers to stick with bottled or properly filtered water to avoid any risk. Always ensure that bottled water is sealed before purchase.
The main language in Syria is
Arabic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Arabic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Syria includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Syria,
English is not widely spoken, especially in rural areas. However, in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo, you may find English speakers, particularly among the younger population, university students, and professionals in tourism and hospitality sectors. Many signs in urban areas are also bilingual, featuring both Arabic and English, which can aid navigation for English-speaking travelers.
In educational institutions, English is taught as a second language, but proficiency levels can vary significantly. While some individuals may be fluent or conversational, others may have limited abilities. In tourist areas, staff at hotels, restaurants, and attractions are more likely to speak English to accommodate foreign visitors.
Overall, while you can find English speakers in Syria, especially in urban centers, it is advisable to learn a few basic Arabic phrases or use translation apps to enhance communication and enrich your travel experience.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Syria is SYP (£).
Traveling in Syria as a backpacker can be a bit of a financial balancing act. ATMs are scarce, especially outside major cities like Damascus or Aleppo, and international cards often won’t work. It’s best to carry cash, and U.S. dollars are generally preferred over euros. Bring crisp, new bills, as old or damaged ones might get rejected.
For exchanging money, head to licensed exchange offices rather than relying on street changers. Rates are usually better, and it’s a safer bet. Credit cards aren’t widely accepted, so don’t count on them for everyday expenses. Keep your cash in multiple, secure places to avoid any mishaps.
In Syria, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A small tip of around 10% is usually enough in restaurants, while rounding up taxi fares is common. Keep some smaller bills handy for informal services like porters or street vendors.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.