Syria, Lebanon and Jordan Exchange Facilities: Available at all points of entry and hotels. Rates are displayed and you may wish to ask for a receipt. There are no restrictions on visitors to bring in, and take out, foreign currencies. Familiarize yourself with the exchange rates published in daily newspapers. All major credit cards are welcomed anywhere.

Syria is considered a shoppers' paradise for all sorts of handicrafts and gifts made of silk, wool, copper, brass, glass, wood and cotton-embroidered table covers. Please ask your Tour Escort for advise. Shops open Saturdays through Thursdays 08:00-20:00.

In Damascus range from Arabic to Asian, Italian to Mexican, French to Japanese, Thai to Chinese. Whilst on tour, the choice may be more limited. Your Tour Escort is there to help. Syria is the paradise of gourmet food. The Syrian kitchen has the widest variety in the world.

Syrian plates and dishes are so numerous, more than one thousand and one delicious healthy varieties all made of healthy non frozen ingredients of meat and vegetables, fruits, sweets and delicacies, all typical Syrian cuisine.Tipping: A way of showing your satisfaction with the service rendered. Tips to your driver, guide and the hotel personnels is not different than Europe and is left to your discretion and satisfaction.

Winter: Rainy with some snow on heights, temperatures ranging between -4 to +10 Celsius. Spring and Autumn: Very moderate and lovely; 17 to 23 Celsius. Summer: Average 30 Celsius though may be for not more than two weeks in August it reaches 40 during day time, while it cools at night.

Medium to heavy in Winter, light in Spring and Summer. Casual attire, except at clubs or special formal gatherings a jacket and tie for gentlemen and dresses for ladies are recommended. Electricity: 220/50 Hz.Entry Requirements: Individual visas must be obtained from the Syrian Embassy/ Consulate in your country, if not, then visas can be issued upon arrival. Please contact us for full details. But for groups of 8 persons & above of all nationalities (with some exceptions) visas are issued upon arrival at any port of entry in Syria upon presentation of a passport detailed manifest on your agency letter head showing name/surname/ profession/ date and place of birth/ nationality/ passport number/ date of issuance/ date of expiry.

January 1st, March 8th Revolution day, April 17th National day, May 1st Labor day, May 6th Martyrs day, and Christmas, Easter, end of Ramadan Feast El Fitr 3 days, Al Adha feast 4 days, Al Hijra day and Prophet's day. Museums and Castles close on Tuesdays all over the country but they are open on all other days even during holidays.

Transfer Equipment: Small cars, Limousines, Mini & Large Pullmans; all modern and air-conditioned.

Payment/Policy: Rates are usually in US Dollars.
Unless agreed otherwise full payment must be made before arrival to Damascus by cashier cheques made payable to Mr. Izzedine Maksousa, Atlas Tours Damascus, or by Bank remittance to account #313/3070, at the Commercial Bank of Syria branch No. Six, beneficiary Izzedine Maksousa, Atlas Tours Damascus-Syria. All major credit cards, Amex, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club are acceptable.