It's relatively easy and inexpensive to get around in Damascus, Aleppo, and other parts of Syria by taxi. You can either flag a taxi down along the street, pick one up at a hotel, or call a radio taxi company to pick you up.

Most licensed taxis are painted yellow and are metered. However, meters often do not work when tourists get into cabs. You may have to haggle over the price or insist that the driver use his meter. Most rides within Damascus and Aleppo cost no more than S£50 (US$1).

Since few taxi drivers speak English, it's a good idea to have destinations written out in Arabic. Most hotels and restaurants will help you with Arabic directions.

It may be convenient for you to hire a taxi for a day. You'll have to negotiate a rate, which shouldn't be more than US$50 for an 8- or 10-hour day. If you plan to travel outside the city, the price will be higher.