Do not count on your card; carry cash in Damascus
- Damascus, Syria
- Posted on
- 1 photo
Photo: stevepb · Pixabay Content License · Pixabay
About this trap
International cards are only starting to work in Syria, with first Mastercard and Visa tests in 2026, so many shops, cafés and taxis remain cash only. Some hotels and restaurants may accept Mastercard credit cards, but coverage is not nationwide and Visa had no launch date in August 2026. Carry enough cash for each day, ask before ordering whether a card is accepted and check with your bank beforehand.
Where
Do not count on your card; carry cash in DamascusHotels, restaurants and shops across the city
Open in Google Maps(opens in a new tab)More Tips & Traps in Damascus
12 posts from Local Friends and travelers who know the city.
TipEventsBrowse the Damascus International Book Fair
Damascus, SyriaThe Damascus International Book Fair returned in 2026 as its 57th edition, organised by the Ministry of Culture at the Conference Palace and open to the public after the opening day. That edition ran in February with Saudi Arabia and Qatar as guests of honour and included books once banned. Confirm the month with the…
TipSleepSleep in a restored merchant house in Bab Touma
Damascus, SyriaBeit Al Wali on Al-Boulad Street joins four 18th-century Damascene merchant houses into one small hotel, with rooms arranged around courtyards. Breakfast is a traditional Syrian spread, and the Umayyad Mosque, Hamidiyah souq and Bab Touma churches are within walking distance. It suits travellers who want the Old City…
TipArt & CultureSee the nine domes of Khan As'ad Pasha
Damascus, SyriaKhan As'ad Pasha, built in 1751 and 1752, is the largest caravanserai in the Old City, with a high covered courtyard under a central dome ringed by eight smaller ones. It stands on the Buzuriyyeh souq, so you can pair it with the spice lane. Caravans from Baghdad, Aleppo and Beirut once unloaded here. Ask at the gate…
TipArt & CultureStep down into the Chapel of Ananias on Straight Street
Damascus, SyriaNear Bab Sharqi at the east end of Straight Street, a small underground chapel marks the traditional house of Ananias, who meets Saul in Acts 9. Excavations in 1921 found a Byzantine church on the site, and it is still an active Maronite church. Dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before photographing inside…
TrapArt & CultureConfirm the National Museum is open before you go
Damascus, SyriaThe National Museum on Shukri al-Quwatli Street reopened in January 2025, but a theft from its classical wing in November 2025 led to a closure and a security review. Guides disagree on its current status and earlier exhibitions were limited. Ask your hotel to confirm opening on the day, and keep the Old City sights…
CG TrapNature & WellnessCheck a hammam's men and women hours before you go
Damascus, SyriaDamascus hammams are single-sex, and each bath sets its own schedule: some are men only, others give women separate days or hours. Nur al-Din in the Buzuriyyeh spice souq is men only, so women should pick a bath that has a women's session. Ask your hotel to call ahead the same day and confirm which hours suit your…
AP TrapMiscellaneousAsk whether a price is in new or old Syrian pounds
Damascus, SyriaSyria removed two zeros from its currency in early 2026, so 100 old pounds became 1 new pound and the new notes carry much smaller numbers. Printed listings and some people still quote in the old style, so a figure can be 100 times off. Ask whether a price is new or old, check the digits on the note you hand over and…
TipShopBuy spices and herbal tea in the Buzuriyyeh souq
Damascus, SyriaThe Buzuriyyeh souq is a lane of about 150 metres south of the Umayyad Mosque, known for spices, dried fruit, sweets and laurel soap. Walk it once, then return to buy za'atar, sumac and Aleppo pepper in small amounts and ask for the price per 100 grams. Tasting is normal, and sealed labelled bags travel better…
Know Damascus well?
Share a tip, or warn travelers about a trap. It only takes a few minutes.