Suriname Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Suriname: From Paramaribo to Brownsberg Nature Park

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The 15 Most Searched Questions About Suriname

The capital of Suriname is Paramaribo, home to 240,000 people and known for its colonial architecture and vibrant markets.

EU, US, and Canadian citizens can get a tourist card for $54 on arrival, valid for 90 days. More details in our Documents tab.

Suriname uses the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). More details in our Currency tab.

Suriname is generally safe, but petty crime occurs in Paramaribo—exercise caution in crowded areas. More details in our Safety tab.

Dutch is the official language; Sranan Tongo, English, and Hindi are widely spoken.

Suriname is known for its rainforests, diverse culture, and the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

The dry seasons (February-April and August-November) are ideal, with temperatures of 26-31°C; the rainy seasons (May-July and December-January) bring heavy rainfall.

Suriname is affordable—a daily budget of $60-$120 covers most expenses, though remote tours can be pricier.

Tap water in Paramaribo is generally safe, but bottled water ($1 per liter) is recommended in rural areas.

Must-visits include Brownsberg Nature Park, the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, and Galibi for turtle watching. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Suriname has a tropical climate: dry seasons (February-April, August-November) are 26-31°C; rainy seasons (May-July, December-January) bring heavy rains and humidity.

Yes, Keti Koti on July 1 celebrates the abolition of slavery, and Holi Phagwa in March marks the Hindu spring festival.

Popular souvenirs include Maroon wood carvings, local spices like masala, and handmade jewelry.

Minibuses in Paramaribo cost $0.50-$1 per ride. A boat trip to Galibi costs $80-$100 round trip and takes 2 hours.

Try roti, pom, and moksi meti. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About Suriname

Suriname, located on the northeastern coast of South America, spans 163,820 square kilometers, bordered by Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana, and the Atlantic Ocean. Paramaribo, the capital, is home to 240,000 people—roughly 40% of Suriname’s total population of 620,000 (2023 estimate). The population is a vibrant mix of Indigenous, Maroon, Creole, Indian, Javanese, Chinese, and European descent, reflecting its colonial history. Dutch is the official language, but Sranan Tongo, English, and Hindi are widely spoken. Visa requirements are straightforward: EU, US, and Canadian citizens can obtain a tourist card on arrival for $54, valid for 90 days, while some nationalities require a visa through an embassy. In 2023, Suriname welcomed 250,000 tourists, drawn by its untouched rainforests, which cover 93% of the country, and cultural diversity. Tourism contributes $100 million annually to the economy, alongside industries like gold mining and oil. The climate is tropical: dry seasons (February-April, August-November) see temperatures of 26-31°C, while rainy seasons (May-July, December-January) bring heavy rainfall and humidity. Budget travelers can manage on $60-$120 per day, with a local meal costing $5-$10 and a coffee $1-$2; upscale dining in Paramaribo can cost $15-$30 per person. Public transport includes minibuses in Paramaribo ($0.50-$1 per ride) and taxis starting at $2-$5; boat trips to remote areas like Galibi cost $80-$100 round trip. Cultural events like Keti Koti (July 1), celebrating the abolition of slavery, feature street festivities, while Holi Phagwa in March marks the Hindu spring festival with colorful celebrations. Suriname’s history includes Indigenous cultures, Dutch colonization in the 17th century, independence in 1975, and a military coup in 1980. Known for its biodiversity (Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a UNESCO site), colonial architecture in Paramaribo, and unique cultural blend, Suriname offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers.

Visa & Passport for Suriname: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Suriname and have at least one blank page for stamps. Children need their own passports—they cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
  • Visa Requirements: EU, US, and Canadian citizens can obtain a tourist card on arrival for $54, valid for 90 days. Other nationalities may need a visa—apply at a Surinamese embassy. Overstaying can result in fines of $20 per day, payable upon departure.
  • Other Requirements: Proof of onward travel and a yellow fever vaccination certificate are required if arriving from an endemic area. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended due to limited healthcare facilities in rural areas.

Driving in Suriname: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national license. Car rentals in Paramaribo start at $30 per day; a 4WD is advised for jungle roads like the route to Brownsberg.
  • Road Rules: Drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—fines for violations start at $50.
  • Road Conditions: Roads in Paramaribo are paved but narrow; rural roads, especially to Brownsberg, can be unpaved and muddy during the rainy season—drive cautiously.
  • Transport: Minibuses in Paramaribo cost $0.50-$1 per ride. A boat trip to Galibi for turtle watching costs $80-$100 round trip and takes 2 hours.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 115 for police or medical emergencies.

Currency in Suriname: Using the Surinamese Dollar for Your Trip

  • Surinamese Dollar (SRD): The official currency. The exchange rate is approximately 35 SRD to 1 USD (as of May 2025), but check current rates.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices in Paramaribo—avoid street vendors due to scams. ATMs are available in cities but may have withdrawal limits.
  • Payment Methods: Cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in Paramaribo, but cash is essential in rural areas. Small vendors prefer SRD.
  • Costs: A local meal costs $5-$10, a coffee $1-$2, and a souvenir like a Maroon wood carving costs $10-$25.

Legal Guide for Suriname: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Recreational marijuana is illegal—possession can lead to fines of $100 or detention. Public drinking is frowned upon outside designated areas; fines start at $30.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Maroon and Indigenous communities—ask permission before entering villages or taking photos. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited—fines start at $50. Always ask permission when photographing locals, especially during cultural events like Keti Koti.
  • Public Behavior: Public nudity is illegal—fines start at $50. Littering incurs fines of $20-$40.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 2 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $10,000—currency controls are enforced.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 115 for police or medical emergencies.

Travel Safety in Suriname: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Suriname is relatively safe, but petty theft occurs in Paramaribo—avoid flashing valuables in markets like Waterkant. Rural areas are generally safer.
  • Road Safety: Roads in Paramaribo are narrow; rural roads to places like Brownsberg can be slippery in the rainy season—use a 4WD. Minibuses in Paramaribo cost $0.50-$1 but can be crowded.
  • Health Risks: Tap water in Paramaribo is safe, but use bottled water in rural areas. Malaria is a risk in the interior—use mosquito repellent and consider prophylaxis for trips to the Central Suriname Nature Reserve.
  • Natural Hazards: The rainy seasons (May-July, December-January) can cause flooding in low-lying areas—check weather updates. Wildlife like snakes can be a risk in the jungle—stick to guided tours.
  • Outdoor Safety: Jungle treks to Brownsberg require a guide—trails can be slippery. Sunburn is a risk on the coast; use SPF 30+.
  • Medical Facilities: Academic Hospital Paramaribo is recommended for emergencies, but facilities in rural areas are limited—bring necessary medications.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 115 for police or medical emergencies. The US Embassy in Paramaribo can be reached at +597 556-700.

Culture & Etiquette in Suriname: What to Know

  • Greetings: A handshake is common; friends may share a hug. Address elders with respect using “Meneer” (Mr.) or “Mevrouw” (Mrs.) in Dutch.
  • Dining Customs: Tipping is appreciated—10% in restaurants. Meals are communal; sharing food is common, especially during festivals like Holi Phagwa.
  • Community Respect: Suriname’s diversity means respecting all cultures—don’t stereotype groups like Maroons or Hindustanis. Dress modestly when visiting villages.
  • Festivals: Keti Koti on July 1 features music and dance to celebrate the abolition of slavery. Holi Phagwa in March involves throwing colored powder to mark the Hindu spring festival.
  • Language Tips: Dutch is widely spoken, but English is understood in tourist areas. Learning basic Sranan Tongo phrases like “Fa waka” (How are you?) is appreciated.
  • Social Practices: Surinamese people are relaxed about time for social events—arriving 15-30 minutes late is normal. Be polite and patient in interactions.

Local Cuisine in Suriname: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Roti: A flatbread with curried chicken, potatoes, and vegetables—$5-$8.
  • Pom: A Creole dish with chicken and root vegetables, baked with citrus—$6-$10.
  • Moksi Meti: Mixed meats with rice and beans—$5-$7.
  • Dawet: A sweet coconut milk drink with rose syrup—$1-$2.
  • Parbo Bier: Suriname’s local beer—$2-$3 per bottle.
  • Where to Eat: In Paramaribo, Warung Felicia near the Waterkant serves authentic roti in a lively setting. In Brownsberg, small stalls at the park entrance offer moksi meti with jungle views. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Suriname: Must-Visit Places

  • Brownsberg Nature Park: A rainforest reserve with hiking trails and waterfalls. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Central Suriname Nature Reserve: A UNESCO site with pristine jungle and wildlife. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Galibi: A coastal area for turtle watching, especially leatherbacks. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Paramaribo Historic Center: Colonial architecture and the Saint Peter and Paul Basilica. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Commewijne River: A boat tour to former plantations like Frederiksdorp. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Jodensavanne: Ruins of a 17th-century Jewish settlement in the jungle. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Where to Eat: In Paramaribo, Warung Felicia near the Waterkant offers roti in a bustling atmosphere. In Brownsberg, try moksi meti at small stalls near the park entrance with scenic jungle views.

Flights to Suriname: Travel Options

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), 45 km from Paramaribo, is the main gateway, with flights from Amsterdam, Miami, and Trinidad. A taxi from PBM to Paramaribo costs $30-$40 and takes 45 minutes.

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Travel Tips for Suriname

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from Digicel or Telesur offer 5-10 GB for $5-$10, available at the airport. Wi-Fi is limited outside Paramaribo—download offline maps.
  • Health Prep: Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic area. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for jungle trips—bring insect repellent.
  • Weather Prep: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate (26-31°C year-round). Include rain gear for the rainy seasons (May-July, December-January) and hiking shoes for Brownsberg.
  • Navigation: Use Google Maps in Paramaribo—offline maps are essential for rural areas. Minibuses ($0.50-$1) are affordable but slow; taxis in Paramaribo cost $2-$5 per ride.
  • Peak Season: Keti Koti on July 1 draws crowds to Paramaribo—book accommodations early to avoid high rates, which can reach $100 per night.