Living in Damascus:
Furthermore,
security is maximum. Syria is considered by the
United Nations as one of the safest countries in the world, free from
crime, insecurity and fear (no theft, no violence, no arms, no drugs).
Students will really feel at home, or even better.
The cost of living in Syria is low, much lower than Western countries or Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, or the Arabian Gulf countries. Life is affordable: eating, transportation, accommodation.
Syria is a relatively
developed country. For
alimentation,
fruits and vegetables are abundant, fresh, very tasty as they
are naturally produced. For cow meat and milk, there is few
because of the climate but chicken, sheep meat are common (even
camel).
The
bank system
is not very developed, but we can find some offices for
international transfer (with a commission, as Western Union).
Dont bring traveler cheques.
The use of
Internet is developed, we find many Internet
cafes everywhere.
The
weather
in Damascus is exceptionally good. 320 days a year there
is nice weather. In winter, it is quite cold (cold but dry and
sunny) and summers are very hot (35C, but dry heat so easily
bearable). Nice seasons (spring and autumn) are long and nice.
Important notice about
Dressing:
For the clothes, Syria and
specially Damascus, is quite conservative. It is a Muslim
country, where the culture, the values and principles are very
alive and strong. The best is Respect to be respected.
For the
women
for example, The most suitable is large clothes, cotton
for the summer. Short or medium dresses, naked shoulders,
bermudas, tide cloth are not indicated (even though some few
syrian girls wear very stretch clothes, it is not the common
way).
For men, it is easier: you
just have to avoid shorts, bermudas and short trousers. Here, as you will
see, all men wear long trousers (and oftenly with another thin trouser
under). Even when the sun is very hot, few people go with naked legs, only
"machos" or playboys (and some tourists!!).