Syria, once a vibrant and culturally rich nation, is now grappling with one of the most severe economic crises in its history. Years of conflict, sanctions, and isolation have led to soaring inflation, pushing ordinary Syrians to face an everyday struggle just to make ends meet. A recent video by popular travel influencer Elona Karafin has brought the world’s attention to this dire situation, offering a rare glimpse into the country’s hyperinflationary environment.
With over 300,000 followers on Instagram, Elona's travels have often taken her to unusual and off-the-beaten-path destinations. During her recent visit to Syria, she shared a deeply unsettling observation: prices in restaurants weren’t listed on the menu. Instead, diners were expected to pay with large bundles of cash.
Check Out the Viral Video
Syria’s economic crisis is not just an isolated incident but the result of years of conflict, international sanctions, and the country’s exclusion from global banking systems. The Syrian pound, once relatively stable, has plunged in value, making even basic goods prohibitively expensive. For example, Elona witnessed firsthand the staggering cost of a single cup of coffee, which was priced at an eye-watering 25,000 Syrian pounds.
To put this into perspective, the exchange rate used to be 1 US dollar for about 50 Syrian pounds. Today, that same dollar will set you back a staggering 15,000 Syrian pounds, a dramatic devaluation that has left much of the population unable to afford even the most basic items.
In her viral video, which has garnered nearly 10 million views, Elona describes the chaotic financial system that has become a part of daily life for Syrians. In her caption she wrote, “Many restaurants don’t print prices on their menus because they can’t keep up with the constant currency rate fluctuation. And money counting machines are a better investment.”
Elona’s video quickly caught the attention of people around the world, with many expressing disbelief at the situation. Some viewers questioned whether credit cards were accepted in Syria, while a local Syrian pointed out that Elona had likely been overcharged for her coffee, as the typical price should range between 5,000 to 8,000 Syrian pounds.
Users Reaction to the Viral Post
One of the users said, “Visiting a nation and basically supporting a vile dictatorship so can get some likes for your travel vlog is not a good look.”
Another one said, “In Indonesia 1$ = 15600. If you have 100$, it's considered you are millioner.”
“Girl you paid 25 000 for 1 cup of coffee ? usually its 5000 maximum 8000. you have been robbed I'm so sorry,” said a third user.
A fourth user wrote, “We have the "Arab spring" and foreign intervention(American, Iranian, Russian, etc) to thank for this.”