Frequently Asked Questions

Syria Core is a mobile platform (iOS and Android app) that helps travelers experience Syria authentically through local knowledge, cultural guidance, and optional connections with Syrian guides. We're not a booking platform for hotels or flights—we're your cultural companion for meaningful travel.

Syria Core was founded by Syrians who are deeply connected to the country's culture and committed to its future. Our team includes cultural experts, historians, local guides, and technologists—all working to share authentic Syria with the world.

Most travel apps aggregate tourist information. Syria Core curates local knowledge. Every recommendation comes from Syrians who've lived these experiences—the hidden café, the family recipe, the cultural context you can't Google. We focus on understanding, not just sightseeing.

The app is free to download with basic features. Premium features are available with a subscription. Free tier includes cultural guides, essential experiences, and offline maps. Premium includes all experiences, advanced planning tools, and priority support.

No! Syria Core is designed to work offline. Download the content you need before your trip (guides, maps, experiences, phrasebook), and you'll have full access without WiFi or data. This is especially important in Syria where internet can be unreliable.

Absolutely. The app is available in English and Arabic. We also provide essential Arabic phrases with pronunciation guides, helping you communicate basics even without fluency. Many Syrians, especially in tourist areas, speak English.

We update content regularly based on community feedback. Travelers and guides can report changes (closed businesses, new opening hours, etc.), and our team verifies and updates information. For time-sensitive details, we always recommend confirming locally.

Yes! Create custom collections, build itineraries, and save anything that interests you. All saved content is available offline.

Travel conditions vary by region and change over time. Syria Core provides practical awareness information, but we're not a security service. We strongly recommend checking your government's current travel advisories, consulting with Syrian embassies, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, and staying informed about local conditions.

Visa requirements vary by nationality. Contact Syrian embassies or consulates in your country for current requirements. Syria Core provides general travel preparation information but cannot advise on visas—official sources are always best.

Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming landscapes, ideal for most regions. Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, harvest season, cultural events. Summer (June-August): Hot, especially inland; coastal areas more comfortable. Winter (December-February): Cool to cold; some mountain areas get snow.

Syria can be very affordable compared to many destinations. Budget: $20-40/day (hostels, street food, public transport). Mid-range: $50-100/day (modest hotels, local restaurants, occasional taxis). Comfortable: $100-200+/day (nice hotels, varied dining, private transport).

We're launching the guide program in phases. Join our waitlist to be notified when it's available in your destination.

Every Syria Core guide goes through application review, interview with our team, background verification, test experience evaluation, and ongoing performance monitoring based on traveler reviews.

Guides set their own rates based on experience, expertise, and type of experience. All pricing is transparent upfront—no hidden fees.

Perfect! Syria Core is designed to support independent travel. All our cultural guides, experience descriptions, maps, and practical information are available whether or not you connect with a guide. The choice is entirely yours.

Syria's dress expectations vary by context. In cities: Modest but not overly conservative, shoulders covered, pants/skirts to knee or longer. Religious sites: More conservative, women should wear headscarf with arms and legs covered. Coastal areas: Slightly more relaxed, but still modest.

Not always. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Avoid photographing military, police, government buildings. Be respectful in religious sites. Markets and streets are usually fine, but ask vendors before close-ups.

Syrian hospitality is legendary! Key principles: Offers of food/tea—refuse once politely, accept the second offer. 'Please, stay longer'—often sincere, but you're not obligated. Invitations home—a high honor, bring a small gift, remove shoes, and be prepared to eat a lot!