How much spending money should I bring?

Prices of most common goods in Syria have been raised over the last six months and will probably be raised in the future. Also the value of the U.S. dollar to the Syrian Pound is not constant. Any price estimates of goods we offer may quickly be out-of-date. Please be aware of this as you review the information below.

Remember that your accomodations, your arabic classes, simple meals at the hostel and your weekend trips are covered in the cost of the program. Additionally, every room is equipped with free internet access.

However, you will likely still encounter some daily expenses beyond what you've already paid for.

Some estimated prices of basic goods and services (as of 3/1/08):

A meal at a resteraunt = 100-250 S.P. (about $2 to $5 U.S.)
A full meal at a fancy resteraunt = 500 S.P. (about $10 U.S.)
Internet Cafe for one hour = 50-100 S.P. (about $1 to $2 U.S.)
Taxi to most places in Damascus = 50-100 S.P. (about $1 to $2 U.S.)
Taxi ride from Damascus Airport to St. Elias = 700 S.P. (about $14 U.S.)
Laundry Services (washing and ironing) = 500 S.P. (about $10 U.S.)
Price of a (very cheap) cell phone in Syria = 2,000 S.P. (about $40)*

* (these are ONLY estimates). S.P. = Syrian Pounds.

A good tip at a resteraunt is about 10 percent.

Damascus is packed with fancy resteraunts serving full course meals in stunning locations. Although simple breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided for at the Hostel you will definitely be tempted to eat out and should plan on eating out at least a few times during your trip.

Taxis currently are very cheap for foreigners and the Old City is also in easy walking distance from St. Elias.

Although internet acces is free at all rooms at St. Elias, internet acces throughout Syria is fickle, so you may wind up at an internet cafe occasionally when the connection at St. Elias is not working (in turn, the internet cafes themselves sometimes close due to poor access).

There is also no end to the money you could spend on souveniers. Damascus and other Syrian cities are rich with antique stores and products range from the very cheap to the extremely expensive. If you have money to burn and want to bring home treasures for your friends and family, plan accordingly.

We will also be meeting with many organizations in Syria that are doing amazing work and providing critical services to those in need. You may be tempted to make some on-the-spot donations and its good to have a little bit of extra funds around just-in-case.

Please note that you cannot withdraw money from a U.S. bank account in Syria-Amercian check books and debit cards will do you no good here. It is advised to bring a Mastercard or Visa because these can be used for cash advances at banks or ATMs. It is recommend that you call your credit card company before your trip and let them know you will be traveling to Syria so that they will not red flag any cash advances you might collect while abroad. It is also recommended that you bring much of what you plan to spend in Syria with you in cash form (Ask the front desk at the St. Elias Monastery about storing any valuables securely).