Living in Aleppo as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Syria offers a visa on arrival for around 46 USD for nationals from several countries, which can last up to three months. Expats from other nationalities may have greater difficulties, with traditional embassy visa necessities. Therefore, it's crucial to check beforehand with the Syrian Embassy located in their home country. The renewal process might take a considerable amount of time, lasting several months, so be sure to check in advance.

Language resources

Although Syrian Arabic is the primary language spoken in Aleppo, English is becoming more common in the city's business sectors. Learning Arabic, particularly Syrian dialects, might improve communication with the local community and perhaps improve job prospects. Numerous cultural centers and language schools provide dedicated courses to learn Arabic and other local languages, including Syrian sign language, as well as English courses for foreigners.

Housing

Living expenses in Aleppo can vary significantly depending on one's lifestyle and preferences. For a younger person sharing a house, monthly rental expenses average around 65-87 USD. A private one-bedroom apartment can cost around 162-324 USD per month, whereas a two-bedroom house may cost around 214-642 USD. Families with children may opt for three or more bedrooms average around 261-1216 USD per month.

Groceries

Grocery expenses depend primarily on personal eating habits and shopping preferences. Common household items, such as bread, vegetables, and fruits, can be found at reasonably low prices ranging from 22-82 USD per month for a single person. For a family of four, expenses for food may range from around 367-1201 USD per month.

Transportation

The transportation costs in Aleppo vary widely depending on the mode of transportation used, but commuting inside the city is relatively inexpensive. Taxis range from around 20-100 USD for short distances, while taking a local bus can cost around 1-2 USD on average. Monthly public transportation passes for unlimited rides are also available.

Aleppo's climate is typically classified as a hot, arid, steppe biome, with scorching summers and relatively mild winters. From June to August, temperatures can soar above 45°C, making it essential to carry plenty of water and sunscreen. Winter months, from December to February, can still get quite chilly, and light jackets, sweaters, and blankets are advisable, especially during mornings and evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making drought-stricken areas and water conservation a pervasive challenge in Aleppo.

With a strong economy and a bustling start-up scene, Aleppo is home to some of Syria's leading industries, including automotive, textile, food, and finance. Aleppo's central location and infrastructure geared towards industrial and commercial transactions provide abundant opportunities for expats with professional skills in marketing, sales, finance, and engineering. Businesses in Aleppo frequently need English-speaking representatives capable of communicating with foreign clients, making fluency in English an advantage in securing employment.

Aleppo houses several healthcare facilities that provide world-class medical care to both Syrians and expatriates. State-run hospitals include Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Medical Center, Al-Assad Medical City, Al-Razi Hospital, and Al-Shifa Specialist Hospital. The private sector healthcare providers include Syrian-British Choueiri Medical Center, Clemenceau Medical Center, International Hospital of Aleppo, and Syriana Hospital. These institutions have highly trained medical professionals, state-of-the-art technologies, and advanced medical treatments.

Aleppo has an efficient public transportation system, with taxis and minibuses being the most convenient means of transportation. Taxis are available 24/7, but they tend to cost more. The minibus or shared taxis are more affordable, cheaper than buses, must be shared with other passengers, and are available every few minutes on main roads and popular routes.

While Aleppo is generally a safe city, precautions are necessary, and it's crucial for newcomers to adjust to their new environment. Generally, petty theft and pickpocketing are common, but high-crime areas and risks should be researched in advance. Lawless neighborhoods, particularly in the western parts of Aleppo, need cautionary attention and are best to avoid. Carrying a photocopy of their official documents, rather than the originals, is recommendable, especially for newcomers navigating the city's winding streets and crowded markets.