Lebanon
It’s no secret that Lebanon has been going through a rough time recently. Consequently, its
currency has seen some wild fluctuations day by day. So what’s the current situation? Well again, even while writing this the rate is still fluctuating, however it is now hovering around the high 30s at around 37,000 to 1 USD.
Earlier this month it reached an all-time high at close to 40,000 to 1 USD. Previously when it has reached such highs it has come crashing down, but this time around it seems to be a little more stable. Will this last? Probably not.
If you come to Lebanon, look at the rate on Lirarate.com which gives you minute by minute updates on the black-market rate. Honestly, listen to Lebanese people on the streets and what they say about what is about to happen. They always seem to know which way it is about to move. Our advice would be change money as soon as you get here, especially if it is staying around the high 30s. It could change wildly at any point so just get what you can really. It’s ambiguous advice we know, however the situation is extremely volatile and thus there is no easy, fool-proof advice.
Syria
Syria has seen some high inflation over the past few months. When we crossed the border in June 2022, we received roughly 3,500 SYP per 1 USD. Currently as of 27 September 2022, we received a whopping 4,600 per 1 USD at the exchange places in Lebanon before crossing the border. Inside Syria you will get around 4,200 to 1 USD.
For Syrians this is not great at all, but if you’re a tourist then you’re getting mad bang for your buck! Prices in the country have certainly not risen in line with such a big change. While they have increased slightly for some things, most things that we would purchase on tour such as food, drinks and souvenirs are very very cheap.
If you are coming to Syria for a visit, most likely you’ll be crossing the border from Lebanon. On this drive just before the border is where you should change money. However, if you don’t then you can definitely still change money within Syria, you just might get a slightly lower rate.
Check out our tours to Lebanon and Syria to experience this first hand.
Update to the currency situation in Lebanon.
