Damascus, Syria Report of what it's like to live there - 10/19/10
Personal Experiences from Damascus, Syria
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Lived in Zimbabwe and Kampala, Uganda/
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Netherlands. It takes 4 hours. Malev, Turkish Airways, Syrian Air.
3. How long have you lived here?
3 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Educator.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartments. The average commute depends on traffic. It can be busy at peak times.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Western food stuffs are all available western prices.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I would bring my camping gear. Books are not cheap here, and some titles are not for sale here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC, Chinese, lots of great middle-eastern food options: falafal, shoarma, hummus, kebab, all very affordable.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
You can find most in supermarkets.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Easily available both part time and full time; ranges USD300- USD600 per month for 5 days per week. Some live in, most live out.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs can give you local money and USD.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
International church every Friday 10.00 AM; Also an Anglican.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
TV- paid-for satellite, BVN for the Dutch/Belgian community for free; Fox-series free. Most in Arabic and for free
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Knowing Arabic would help you lots.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Safe and affordable but it takes some time to figure out where to go, as everything in Arabic.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Roads are good, any car will do. KIA and HYUNDAI are very popular.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Expensive, but doable.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Syriatel or MTN are the two main providers.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There is a vet.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Cover your shoulders, but they are tolerant towards foreigners.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
It is much safer then the African city I lived in.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good quality and easily available.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate to unhealthy. Dusty, especially after a drizzling rain, lots of dust comes down with it. Hot this summer, July-August.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
DCS has reopened and has close to 400 students in PreK-12. US teaching staff, a good option for expat children.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Do not expect a lot.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Preschool is available, at USD3500/year from age 2-5, mornings only. My son loves it. Nanny day carers/cleaners are very easily available at USD400- USD600 per month. They are mostly from the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia; some are refugees from Sudan or Somalia.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not so easily; they take place at school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. Morale among expats:
High.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Great, there is always something happening on the weekends that are on Friday and Saturday.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, especially if you like classical music/opera. The national theatre is great. Singles meet up in local social venues and organise their parties.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Walking around the city and taking in the ancient buildings, citadel, souks, etc.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Souk, eating great food, monuments, amphitheatre, Bosra, Aleppo old city, castles, ruins, beach.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Carpets, Middle Eastern art, gold, jewelry, pottery.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Beautiful old city, visits to souk, architecture, friendly people.
11. Can you save money?
You will spend it all on carpets, travel and food.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Raincoat.
3. But don't forget your:
Camera and sunglasses.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Bradt guide: Syria
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
My two adopted African sons get a lot of attention, mostly positive, as they love children here, and as there are very few black children here it always sparks interesting talk with the locals.
