Looking for reliable ATMs in Syria that work well with foreign debit/credit cards and dont charge crazy fees. Any recos will be highly appreciated.
I had a very frustrating experience trying to access cash in Syria, so I want to be clear for others: there is no reliable way to get money from an ATM with a foreign card. The banking system is highly regulated and under sanctions. I found a small exchange shop that gave me a decent rate for my Euros, but it was a risk. The best and safest approach is to budget your entire trip in advance and carry all the cash you need. My friend had to get a money wire through a very complicated and expensive process because they ran out of funds. Don't be that person.
For any traveler heading to Syria, do not rely on plastic. ATMs and credit card machines are not connected to the international banking system, so your foreign cards are useless. I'm a veteran traveler and always carry a backup card, but in Syria, neither my Visa nor my Mastercard worked. You have to be prepared to go completely cash-only. Bring crisp, new bills and be careful with your money. Don't take a chance on finding an ATM that works. It's just not worth the stress.
I can confirm what everyone else is saying: ATMs in Syria simply will not work for you. I tried my Visa card at multiple banks in Damascus, including Arab Bank Syria, and my transactions were declined every single time. It was a complete dead end. Your best bet is to carry enough US dollars to cover all of your expenses, from hotels to food. Many places will accept dollars directly, but for smaller purchases, you'll need local currency. Exchange your money at a bank or a government-approved exchange bureau.
Due to ongoing sanctions and the political situation, using foreign debit or credit cards in Syria is virtually impossible. The country's banking system is largely disconnected from international networks like Visa and Mastercard. Your only option is to bring all the cash you'll need for your entire trip in US dollars or Euros. I recommend US dollars in small denominations, and they must be in pristine condition. There are official exchange offices in major cities like Damascus where you can convert your foreign currency into Syrian Pounds (SYP), but do not expect to find a working ATM for foreigners.