Suriname, Suriname - Travel Guide

Suriname is South America's best-kept secret - 93% pristine rainforest, UNESCO-listed Paramaribo with Dutch colonial and diverse immigrant architecture, and incredibly rich multicultural society. Maroon villages along rivers preserve African traditions, while Hindu temples stand beside synagogues and mosques. Uncharted territory for intrepid travelers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$200/day

Known For

surinameparamariboamazon_rainforestmaroon_culturedutch_colonialbiodiversitybrownsbergcentral_surinamejewish_heritageindian_culturejavanesecreolegalibisea_turtlesbirdwatching

🇸🇷 Country Information: Suriname

CapitalParamaribo

CurrencySurinamese dollar ($)

Language Dutch , Sranan Tongo, English, Sarnami Hindi, Javanese

Phone Code+597

Electricity127V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not widely practiced but appreciated for good service in restaurants (5
10% is common)
For tour guides and drivers, a small tip is customary if satisfied

Money & Payments

ATMs are available in major cities but less common in rural areas
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger establishments, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases
Bringing US Dollars or Euros cash for exchange is advisable
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in religious areas
Politeness and respect are highly valued
Punctuality is appreciated, but flexibility is also common

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights in Suriname are developing, with some legal protections in place for discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and penalties for drug offenses are severe

Special Laws

Possession or use of drugs is illegal and heavily penalized
Be aware of local customs regarding dress and behavior, especially when visiting religious sites
Photography of military installations or government buildings may be prohibited

Common Phrases

NoNee (nay)

YesJa (yah)

HelloHallo (hah-LOH)

PleaseAlstublieft (ahl-stoo-BLEEFT)

Thank youDank u (dahnk oo)

Climate

Equatorial climate with high humidity year-round (24-32°C). Two dry seasons: February-April and August-November. Wet seasons: December-January and May-July. Interior even wetter. Best wildlife viewing in dry season.

Best Time to Visit

Short Dry Season: February
April (best for coast and turtles)
Long Wet Season: May
July
Long Dry Season: August
November (best overall)
Short Wet Season: December
January

Getting There

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) is 45km from Paramaribo
KLM flies from Amsterdam, Surinam Airways from various Caribbean islands
No direct flights from North America
connect via Panama, Trinidad, or Netherlands
E
visa or visa required for most nationalities

Getting Around

Paramaribo walkable in center
Buses and minibuses (inexpensive, crowded)
Taxis available but agree fare first
Rental cars useful for coast
Interior requires boats and small planes
tour operators essential
Roads limited outside capital

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination required
Typhoid and Hepatitis A recommended
Malaria prophylaxis for interior
Dengue present
Bring strong insect repellent
Medical facilities limited outside Paramaribo

Staying Connected

Telesur and Digicel coverage
4G in Paramaribo only
Very limited in interior
eSIM available from Airalo
WiFi in hotels/cafes
Expect to disconnect in jungle

Local Cuisine

Roti must_try

Suriname's ubiquitous Hindustani flatbread served with curried chicken, potatoes, and long beans. Filled roti (folded) or served on the side. The coun

Pom must_try

National dish of Creole origin - grated tayer root (similar to taro) baked with chicken in citrus sauce. Rich, savory casserole served at celebrations

Nasi/Bami Goreng must_try

Javanese fried rice and noodles brought by Indonesian immigrants. Served with satay, fried egg, and pickled vegetables. Found at warungs (Javanese eat

Bara must_try

Hindustani fried split-pea fritters, crispy outside and soft inside. Street snack served with tangy sauces. Quick, cheap, and delicious.

Peanut Soup must_try

Creamy peanut-based soup, often with chicken or salt meat. African-influenced comfort food with rich, nutty flavor. Served with rice or bread.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Galibi Turtle Tour tour_or_activity

Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Limited departures, accommodations are basic with few beds, peak season fills up.

Upper Suriname River Trip tour_or_activity

Book 2-6 weeks in advance

Complex logistics require advance planning, limited operators.

Central Suriname Reserve Expedition tour_or_activity

Book 1-3 months in advance

Major expedition requiring flights, permits, and guides. Few operators.

Fun Facts

1. Suriname is the smallest country in South America and one of the most ethnically diverse places on Earth - Hindustanis, Creoles, Javanese, Maroons, Indigenous peoples, and more coexist.
2. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve protects 1.6 million hectares of pristine rainforest - one of the largest protected areas of tropical forest in the world.
3. Paramaribo's historic inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring unique Dutch colonial architecture blended with local building traditions.
4. Suriname is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America, a legacy of Dutch colonization that began in 1667 when the English traded it for New Amsterdam (now New York).

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