Syria to Exchange Old Banknotes for Newly Issued Currency Starting Sunday

Syria’s state-run postal service will begin exchanging old banknotes for newly issued currency starting Sunday, marking a key step in the government’s rollout of the new Syrian pound and its efforts to streamline access to basic financial services.

The Syrian Post Corporation announced that the service will be available at approved post offices across all governorates, following what officials described as full logistical and technical preparations to ensure a smooth launch.

Imad al-Din Hamad, Director General of the corporation, said the postal network is ready to handle public demand efficiently, citing the institution’s wide geographic reach and operational capacity. Speaking to the state news agency SANA, Hamad emphasized that the process has been designed to be “easy and accessible” for citizens.

Authorities said additional post offices will be added in the coming weeks to expand coverage and reduce congestion, particularly in densely populated areas. The move is intended to limit travel burdens on residents and prevent overcrowding at existing exchange points.

The currency exchange service is part of a broader government initiative accompanying the official introduction of new Syrian banknotes, which were formally unveiled earlier this year. Officials have not announced a final deadline for withdrawing old notes from circulation, but the launch of the exchange mechanism signals the start of a transitional phase.

Rather than relying solely on banks, the government has opted to use the Syrian Post’s extensive nationwide infrastructure to deliver the service. Officials say this approach will help ensure continuity in daily transactions, especially in areas with limited access to banking facilities.

“The postal service’s presence in all governorates allows us to deliver financial services quickly and with minimal disruption,” Hamad said, adding that trained staff and clear procedures have been put in place to manage the exchange process.

The rollout comes amid continued economic strain, high inflation, and currency depreciation, which have eroded purchasing power for much of the population. While authorities frame the new banknotes as a technical update, the exchange process is being closely watched by citizens concerned about access, limits, and the future value of the currency.

For now, officials stress that the focus is on facilitating the exchange, not restricting it, and that further details will be communicated as the process expands.