Welcome to Suriname 😊

Quick Facts About Suriname

Money and Finances

The currency used in Suriname is the Surinamese dollar (SRD), which is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents, as well as 1 SRD. Notes come in 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 SRD denominations.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Paramaribo and other major cities. However, it's still recommended to carry cash for smaller transactions and in more rural areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted at larger establishments in Paramaribo and other major cities. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX. However, it's still recommended to carry cash or a backup card as not all merchants accept credit cards.

Internet and Phones

Suriname has limited internet infrastructure, with average download speeds of 5.7 Mbps and upload speeds of 1.5 Mbps. There is no reported government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Suriname are Telesur and Digicel, with average mobile phone plans costing around USD 20 per month. Some foreign sim cards may not be compatible with local networks.

Dialling to Suriname

To call Suriname from another country, dial +597, followed by the desired phone number. Within Suriname, phone numbers are 7 digits long and preceded by a 2-digit area code.

Transport Around Suriname

Air Travel

Suriname has one major international airport called the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, located in the capital city of Paramaribo.

Train Travel

Suriname does not have a train network.

Metro / Local Trains

Suriname does not have a metro network.

Buses

Suriname has a bus network that operates within the major cities and also connects to other towns and villages. Example ticket prices vary depending on the distance, but generally range from SRD 5 to SRD 20. Journey times can range from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Uber are not available in Suriname. However, local taxi services are available and the average travel price varies depending on the distance.

Driving by Car

Driving in Suriname is relatively easy. Speed limits are usually set at 50 km/h in the built-up areas and 80 km/h on other roads. Suriname uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Suriname, tipping is not a common practice, but rounding up the bill or leaving some change at restaurants or for taxi drivers is appreciated. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. It is common to address a stranger or an acquaintance with 'meneer' (Mr.) or 'mevrouw' (Mrs.), followed by their surname. Men and women may address each other as 'broeder' (brother) or 'zuster' (sister) as a term of respect.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Suriname has a mixed public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is often understaffed and lacks modern medical equipment, so many locals opt for private healthcare. Medical costs can vary widely depending on the type of service required, but a visit to the doctor generally costs around USD 25 to 50.

COVID Situation

Suriname has recorded several cases of COVID-19, with a daily average of approximately 50 new cases and 1-2 deaths. The government has implemented several measures to contain the spread of the virus, including mandatory face mask usage in public, restricted business hours, and border closures to non-essential travel.

Common Health Risks

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue Fever and Zika Virus are prevalent in Suriname, particularly in the rainy season from May to August. Visitors are advised to take precautions such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours. Travelers are also advised to take precautions against food and water-borne illnesses such as typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Suriname, the legal drinking age is 16 years old. Alcohol consumption is legal and widely accepted in most parts of the country, though public drunkenness is not tolerated. However, there are some areas where alcohol is banned or restricted, such as certain indigenous communities.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Suriname, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. This includes soft drugs such as cannabis and other party drugs. The government has been taking a more severe approach to drug trafficking in recent years, with increased border security and drug education programs.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are not criminalized in Suriname but the country is heavily influenced by conservative values. There is a cultural expectation for people to enter into marriage before having children but this is slowly changing as more people choose to live together without being married.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Suriname, but LGBTQ individuals continue to face social stigma and discrimination. There is no legal recognition of same-sex marriages in Suriname and the government has not enacted any laws to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination.

Firearms / Guns

Firearms ownership is tightly regulated in Suriname. To obtain a gun license, individuals must undergo a background check and training course. There are strict rules regarding the types of firearms that can be owned and how they are stored. Unlicensed possession of firearms is illegal and can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.