The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Syria (no age limit): 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 50 cigarillos or 250 g of tobacco; 570 ml of alcoholic beverages; 30g perfume, 500ml cream/lotion and 500ml eau de toilette for personal use; Gifts up to S£250 value. Import ban on firearms and ammunition. Live, frozen and stuffed birds and all products containing bird components.
Prohibited Imports
firearms and ammunition. Live, frozen and stuffed birds and all products containing bird components. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Consulate General of the SyrianArabRepublic
(with visa issue)
Route de Pré-Bois 20, 7th floor
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 732 56 58. Embassy of the SyrianArabRepublic
Daffingerstrasse 4
Vienna
Austria
+43 (0)1 533 46 33.
Rue Vaneau 20
Paris
France
+33 (0)1 40 62 61 00.
http://ambassadesyrie.fr
http://ambassadesyrie.fr
Mon-Thurs 9.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.
Business
Business etiquette
Suit or costume is appropriate. Almost all business people speak French or English. Appointments are required. Business cards are welcome, if possible with an Arabic translation on the back. Business talks in Arab countries are often held with several partners at the same time. Good interpreters are hard to find. Business hours: Sat-Thurs 8.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. Government offices, banks and Muslim companies are closed on Fridays but open on Sundays; Christian companies are open on Fridays and closed on Sundays. During the fasting month of Ramadan, government offices open an hour later, and everything happens more slowly.
Business contacts
Commercial Department of the Syrian Embassy Rauchstr. 25, D-10787 BerlinTel: (030) 50 17 70.Austrian-Arab Chamber of CommerceLobkowitzplatz 1, 1015 ViennaTel: (01) 513 39 65.Internet: www.aacc.atDamascus Chamber of Commerce (Handelskammer)BP 1040, Rue Mouawiah, DamascusTel : (011) 221 13 39. Internet: www.dcc-sy.com Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce Mousa Bin Nosair St., PO Box 5909 Damascus Tel: (011) 333 73 44. Internet: www.fedcommsyr.org
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service.
Mobile phone
GSM 900/1800. Network operators are Syrian Telecom Est., MTN Syria (website: www.mtn.com.sy) and Syriatel Holdings SA (website: www.syriatel.sy).
Internet
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, Internet cafes can be found in Damascus. Internet access is also possible in universities and some public institutions.
Post office
Airmail to Europe takes about a week to arrive. Packages to foreign countries should be packed at the post office, the formalities often take a lot of time. Post office opening hours: Smaller post offices are open 08.00-14.00, main post offices all day.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
