The new Syrian pound What it is worth in old pounds, and how the market copes
Episode date: Length: 1 min 29 s
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Syria removed two zeros from its pound, and everyone had to learn to count again. The Mukhtar asked people in the market how they convert prices, and whether they have got used to the new notes.
The short answer
One new Syrian pound equals 100 old pounds, so drop two zeros. For example, 50,000 old pounds equal 500 new pounds, about $3.6 in October 2026. In the market many people still count in old pounds, and old notes have become rare.
One new pound equals 100 old pounds. To convert any price from old to new, divide by 100, meaning drop two zeros. The episode's example: 50,000 old pounds equal 500 new pounds.
What is 500 new pounds in dollars?
At the market rate on the episode day (about 138 new pounds per dollar), 500 new pounds is about $3.6.
How are people coping?
The episode showed many people still counting in old pounds, and some mixing up the two when paying. People said old notes have become rare in the market.
The Mukhtar's tip
When you pay, ask: "Is that in old or new pounds?" Two zeros can cost you a lot.
Questions people ask
How much is a new Syrian pound in old pounds?
One new pound equals 100 old pounds. Drop two zeros to convert.
How much is 50,000 old Syrian pounds in new pounds?
500 new pounds, about $3.6 at the market rate on 4 October 2026.
Are old Syrian notes still used?
People in the episode said old notes have become rare, but many still count in old pounds.
We ask sellers in the market and record every price with its date, in US dollars and new Syrian pounds. How we work
The Mukhtar Al Souq team: produced by Ahmad Nahas (the show on his site) · written by Ahmad Nahas, Mazen Shbib, Ranim Shabani and Dania Halbouni · edited by Abdulrahman Al-Nassar and Abdulrahman Mulla · graphics by Wael Fayyad
The truth from the market, for the people