Syria's Central Bank announced regulations for citizens exchanging old Syrian pound banknotes for new denominated currency through 66 companies and 1,000 designated outlets beginning January 1, 2026, Baghdad's Al-Eqtisad News reported on December 29.

The procedures aim to accelerate and simplify the exchange process in coordination with all concerned parties. Citizens must arrange banknotes in bundles containing notes of the same denomination and issue, with no more than 100 notes per bundle, Central Bank Governor Abdul Qadir al-Hosariya stated.

Banknotes must be arranged uniformly with the face side up in all bundles. Damaged banknotes should be sorted into separate bundles according to the same regulations with proof of damage submitted, according to Syrian Arab News Agency.

The Central Bank stated that compliance with these instructions saves time and effort for citizens and relevant authorities whilst enhancing cooperation necessary for successful exchange implementation.

New Syrian currency will launch with six denominations of five, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 pounds, with one new pound equalling 100 old pounds. The 500 new pound note equals SYP50,000 in old currency, facilitating cash carrying whilst maintaining monetary mass without additions, al-Hosariya stated.

Currency exchange will not affect its value as the change involves nominal value only, with no direct effects on purchasing power. The Syrian Central Bank will reopen its Idlib branch alongside other provinces.

The new currency features modern security advantages and special features enabling visually impaired and blind people to use it. Removing zeros will not affect the new pound's shared functions, al-Hosariya stated, calling for cooperation to preserve the pound's value.

The exchange standard removes two zeros from nominal value, with every 100 old pounds equalling one new Syrian pound. The exchange process will continue for 90 days subject to extension and will be implemented free of charge without imposing fees or taxes.

All Central Bank transactions will use new currency from the start of 2026. Citizens should not dispose of old currency during the coexistence period between both currencies, with sellers obliged to accept both.