Tartus Syria Travel Guide
Syria has two main mobile providers: Syriatel and MTN (Syria). Purchase a local SIM upon arrival, often at the airport or by way of your travel company. Passport registration is needed.
Wi-Fi is available in the majority of hotels, but it can be slow and unreliable due to infrastructure limitations and sanctions. Internet small restaurants are rare in Tartus.
Arabic is the official language of Syria. English is spoken among some in tourism but less commonly between the general population.
Learning these basic phrases will be greatly appreciated by locals and can smooth many daily interactions during your visit.
Always confirm your SIM card functions before leaving the purchase point. Keep your phone charged for interaction and maps.
Usually open from 9:00/10:A.M. TO 9:00/10:00 PM. Smaller shops might close for an afternoon siesta (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM).
Typically open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday. ATMs mainly dispense Syrian Pounds and often do not accept international cards.
Open from morning until late evening, often past 10:00 PM. Friday is the day of rest, with many businesses having reduced hours or closures.
Friday is the day of rest. Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) vary annually, causing service limitations. Christian and federal holidays also affect operations.
No specific seasonal closures beyond standard holiday observations affect tourism. Business hours remain generally consistent across seasons.
Your guide is your main resource for sophisticated cultural norms. Observe and adapt to local practices.
Always use your right hand for eating. Accepting offers of food from residents demonstrates respect.
Tipping is customary for services. Refer to Section 2.3 for specific guidelines on appropriate amounts.
Always get consent before taking pictures of people, especially women and children. A simple gesture or "Mumkin soura?" (Can I take a picture?) is appropriate.
Do not photograph military installations, checkpoints, government buildings, or sensitive areas. Discretion is advised. Your guide will indicate sensitive zones.
Travelers with mobility challenges call for extensive pre-planning and a dedicated tour operator to assess feasibility and organize support.
Your travel choices directly influence the local economy, especially in regions facing economic challenges. Support local livelihoods.
No formal community-based tourism initiatives are established for foreign tourists. Your visit indirectly brings revenue to local businesses.
Support local artisans and small businesses directly in markets (souks). Bargaining is common; engage respectfully and negotiate fairly. Seek out authentic, locally sourced products.
Your choices support Tartus's resilience. Patronize local, engage ethically, and give thoughtfully.
Buy from local restaurants, cafes, and shops. Your tour provider employs local guides and drivers.
Be aware of great economic disparities. Ensure interactions are respectful and do not contribute to exploitation.
Donate to reputable NGOs working in Syria rather than direct handouts. Your tour operator might recommend charities.
Your economic choices hold power. Support local businesses and communities directly for real benefit to the people of Tartus.
