At the start of 2026, Syria entered a new monetary era by launching the new Syrian Pound, removing two zeros from the old currency — the biggest monetary change the country has seen in decades. This guide explains everything citizens, traders and the diaspora need to know.
What is the new Syrian Pound?
The new Syrian Pound is the official national currency after the redenomination, based on Presidential Decree No. 293 of 2025, which authorized the Central Bank of Syria to manage the exchange process. The rule is simple: every 100 old pounds equal 1 new pound. If you held one million old pounds, you now hold 10,000 new pounds — the purchasing power is identical; only the zeros changed.
Why did Syria remove two zeros?
After years of high inflation, daily numbers had become exhausting: salaries in millions, grocery bills in hundreds of thousands. The redenomination aims to simplify daily transactions, ease the banknote liquidity shortage, and restore confidence in the national currency as part of a wider monetary reform. Importantly, removing zeros is an organizational measure: it does not by itself strengthen the pound or lower prices — real value remains tied to the economy and the market exchange rate.
The new banknote denominations
The new issue includes six denominations with simplified designs carrying symbols of Syrian nature and heritage rather than political imagery — described officially as a modern monetary identity.
How does the exchange work?
The exchange officially began on January 1, 2026 through licensed exchange companies and dedicated outlets across all governorates, starting with the large old denominations (1,000, 2,000 and 5,000). The initial 90-day window has been extended more than once to absorb demand. Follow our news section for the latest announced deadlines.
Reading prices in both currencies
During the transition, both currencies circulate together. That is why we display every price on this site in old and new pounds side by side: the US Dollar rate, all currencies and gold — updated minute by minute from the parallel market. The golden rule: remove two zeros from any old price to get the new one.
FAQ
Do prices fall after the redenomination? Prices are divided by 100 just like the currency, so purchasing power is unchanged.
What happens to old banknotes after the deadline? They lose legal tender status — do not leave your exchange to the last days.
Does the USD rate change with the new pound? Supply and demand work exactly the same; only the zeros differ. Track the live rate in both currencies on our USD page.
Disclaimer: informational content, not financial advice. Always verify official deadlines through government channels.
