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Suriname travel guide - Travel S helper

Suriname

travel guide

Suriname, formally the Republic of Suriname, is a sovereign state located on South America’s northeastern Atlantic coast. It is bounded on the east by French Guiana, on the west by Guyana, and on the south by Brazil. It is the smallest nation in South America, with little under 165,000 km2 (64,000 sq mi). Suriname has a population of about 566,000 people, the most of whom reside on the country’s north coast, in and around Paramaribo, the capital and biggest city.

Suriname was long inhabited by a variety of indigenous civilizations before falling under Dutch control in the late 17th century. The nation became a component country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1954. Suriname gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 25 November 1975, while retaining strong economic, diplomatic, and cultural connections to its former colonizer. Its indigenous peoples have been more vocal in demanding land rights and advocating for the preservation of their native lands and ecosystems.

Suriname is a culturally Caribbean nation and a Caribbean Community member (CARICOM). While Dutch is the official language of government, business, the media, and education, Sranan is a commonly used lingua franca based on English. Suriname is the only country outside of Europe where the majority of the people speaks Dutch. Suriname’s population is one of the most varied in the world, including a wide range of ethnic, religious, and linguistic groupings.

Suriname is South America’s smallest sovereign nation. It is mainly located on the Guiana Shield, between latitudes 1° and 6°N and longitudes 54° and 58°W. The nation is split into two geographical areas. The northern, lowland coastal region (approximately above the Albina-Paranam-Wageningen line) has been farmed, and it is home to the majority of the inhabitants. The southern portion of Suriname is made up of tropical rainforest and sparsely populated savanna near the border with Brazil, accounting for about 80% of the country’s land area.

The Bakhuys Mountains and the Van Asch Van Wijck Mountains are the two major mountain ranges. Julianatop, at 1,286 meters (4,219 feet) above sea level, is the highest point in the nation. Tafelberg (1,026 metres (3,366 feet), Mount Kasikasima (718 metres (2,356 feet), Goliathberg (358 metres (1,175 feet), and Voltzberg (240 metres) are among the other mountains (790 ft).

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Suriname - Info Card

Population

612,985

Currency

Surinamese dollar (SRD)

Time zone

UTC-3 (SRT)

Area

163,821 km2 (63,252 sq mi)

Calling code

+597

Official language

Dutch

Suriname | Introduction

Climate In Suriname

Suriname has an extremely hot and rainy tropical climate, and temperatures do not change greatly throughout the year. It is located 2 to 5 degrees north of the equator. The average relative humidity is between 80% and 90%. The average temperature fluctuates between 29 and 34 degrees Celsius (84 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit). Because to the high humidity, actual temperatures might feel up to 6 degrees Celsius (11 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than the reported temperature. The year is divided into two wet seasons: April to August and November to February. It also has two dry seasons, which last from August to November and from February to April.

Demographics Of Suriname

Suriname has a population of 541,638 people according to the 2012 census. Surinamese society is distinguished by its high degree of variety, with no one ethnic group constituting a majority. This is the result of centuries of Dutch dominance, which resulted in repeated periods of forced, coerced, or voluntary migration by different nations and ethnic groups from all over the globe.

East Indians are the most numerous ethnic group, accounting for 27 percent of the population. They are the descendants of 19th-century Indian contract laborers, mostly from the contemporary Indian states of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, which border Nepal. Surinamese Maroons, whose ancestors were mainly fugitive slaves who fled to the interior, are the second biggest group at 21.7 percent; they are split into five major groups: Ndyuka (Aucans), Kwinti, Matawai, Saramaccans, and Paramaccans. Surinamese Creoles, a hybrid race descended from African slaves and mainly Dutch Europeans, account for 15.7% of the population. Javanese make approximately 14% of the population and, like East Indians, are mainly descended from laborers hired from the former Dutch East Indies’ island of Java (modern Indonesia). 13.4% of the population is of mixed ethnic origin.

Other significant groups include the Chinese, who numbered over 40,000 as of 2011 and were descended from 19th-century contract workers and some recent migration; Levantines, primarily Maronites from Lebanon and Jews of Sephardic and Ashkenazi origin, whose center of population was the community of Jodensavanne; and Brazilians, many of whom were laborers mining for gold.

A tiny but important group of Europeans remain in the nation, accounting for approximately 1% of the population. They are mostly descended from Dutch 19th-century immigrant farmers known as “Boeroes” (derived from boer, the Dutch term for “farmer”) and, to a lesser extent, from other European communities such as Portuguese from Madeira. After South Africa gained independence in 1975, the majority of Boeroes fled.

The Akurio, Arawak, Kalina (Caribs), Tiriyó, and Wayana are the major indigenous tribes, accounting for 3.7 percent of the population. They are mostly concentrated in the districts of Paramaribo, Wanica, Marowijne, and Sipaliwini.

Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, and the coast are home to the overwhelming majority of the country’s population (about 90 percent).

In the years running up to Suriname’s independence in 1975, people were given the option of becoming Surinamese or Dutch citizens, which resulted in a huge exodus to the Netherlands. This movement persisted in the early aftermath of independence, throughout military administration in the 1980s, and for mostly economic reasons lasted into the 1990s. As of 2013, the Surinamese community in the Netherlands totaled 350,300, compared to about 566,000 Surinamese in Suriname.

Religion In Suriname

Suriname’s religious composition, like its ethnic makeup, is diverse and reflects the country’s multiculturalism. According to the 2012 census, almost half of the population (48.4 percent) was Christian, 21.6 percent were Roman Catholic, 11.18 percent were Pentecostal, 11.6 percent were Moravian, and the rest were of various other Protestant faiths.

Hindus were the second-largest religious group in Suriname, accounting for 22.3 percent of the population, the third-highest percentage of any Western Hemisphere nation behind Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago. The Indo-Surinamese people is home to almost all Hindu adherents. Muslims make up 13.9 percent of the population, the highest percentage in the Americas, and are mainly of Javanese and, to a lesser extent, Indian ancestry.

Other religious groupings include Winti, an Afro-American religion followed mostly by Maroons; Javanism, a syncretic faith embraced by certain Javanese Surinamese; and numerous indigenous folk traditions that are often absorbed into one of the major faiths (usually Christianity). A bit more than 10% of the population is irreligious or has not declared a faith.

Language In Suriname

Suriname’s official language is Dutch. English is commonly understood.

The Dutch repressed the creole language Sranang Tongo for many years, but it is today the most commonly spoken language in Suriname. It is the native language of the majority of Surinamese people and is utilized as a lingua franca amongst all ethnic groupings. In French Guiana, it is sometimes referred to as Taki-Taki and was formerly known as nengre or negerengels (Dutch for “Negro English”). It is based on English since slaves were not allowed to speak Dutch. Despite the fact that there is relatively little written material in Sranang Tongo, the language has had its own legally defined spelling since 1986.

Sarnami (a Hindi dialect), Javanese, Chinese (Mandarin, Hakka, and Cantonese), Spanish, and Portuguese are also spoken in Suriname.

Economy Of Suriname

Suriname’s democracy became stronger following the tumultuous 1990s, and the country’s economy became more diverse and less reliant on Dutch financial aid. Mining for bauxite (aluminium ore) remains a significant source of income, and the discovery and exploitation of oil and gold has significantly increased Suriname’s economic independence. Agriculture, particularly rice and bananas, continues to be a significant component of the economy, while ecotourism is creating new economic possibilities. Suriname’s pristine rain forest covers more than 80% of its land area; with the creation of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve in 1998, Suriname signaled its commitment to the protection of this valuable resource. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Suriname’s economy is driven by the bauxite sector, which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export profits. Rice, bananas, and shrimp are other important exports. Suriname has just lately begun to utilize some of its substantial oil and gold deposits. A quarter of the population is employed in agriculture. Suriname’s economy is heavily reliant on trade, with the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and Caribbean nations, namely Trinidad and Tobago and the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles, serving as major trading partners.

After taking office in the autumn of 1996, the Wijdenbosch administration terminated the previous government’s structural adjustment program, saying it was unjust to the poorest segments of society. As existing taxes expired and the government failed to adopt new tax options, tax revenues dropped. The distribution of fresh Dutch development money had been stopped at the end of 1997, as Surinamese The Dutch government’s ties with the United States have worsened. In 1998, economic growth slowed due to declines in the mining, building, and utilities industries. Excessive government spending, inadequate tax collection, a bloated civil service, and decreased foreign assistance all led to the budget imbalance, which was projected to be 11 percent of GDP in 1999. The government attempted to offset the deficit via monetary expansion, which resulted in a significant rise in inflation. Suriname takes longer than almost any other nation in the world on average to register a new company (694 days or about 99 weeks).

Entry Requirements For Suriname

Visa & Passport for Suriname

If you wish to visit Suriname and are not a citizen of one of the countries listed below, you must verify that your visa paperwork is in order. If you need a visa, please contact one of the Suriname Consulates listed under Contact. Visas are not required for citizens of the following countries to enter Suriname:

Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Caribbean Netherlands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Montserrat, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Sint Maarten, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a single entry 90-day tourist card at The Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport for US$25 or €20 (cash) as of November 2011: Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Pa

If your nation is not listed below, you must get a visa in advance through your local Surinamese mission.

Most of the time, you will be given a single-entry visa/tourist card. As a result, you will only be allowed to visit Suriname once. If you wish to visit Suriname and another country, such as Guyana or French Guiana, you’ll need to apply for a multiple entry visa (higher cost).

Getting in through land (river) crossing: – Visas and tourist cards are not accepted at the border. The Suriname Consulate in Cayenne, French Guiana, now sells tourist cards for €31, which may be obtained in less than an hour. There is no need to fill out any paperwork; simply hand over your passport and cash/card. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The Surinamese Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana, likewise provides the tourist card, but requires you to return in the afternoon to pick it up. The cost is $35 USD. Two things to keep in mind: Suriname embassies/consulates are frequently closed without prior/extensive warning, and there is no website to check ahead of time. Don’t be shocked if the embassy/consulate is closed when you arrive, with a statement indicating that it will be closed on Wednesday, Friday, and Monday without reason, but thanks you for your understanding. N.B. Those having EU passports (free movement) may not need to be stamped into French Guiana, but they must DEFINITELY be stamped out of French Guiana before crossing into Suriname. Otherwise, you’ll be sent back over the river (and charged twice as much) to acquire your French exit stamp!

Because the ATM in Albina does not accept foreign cards, you will need to exchange your money for (ideally) Euros.

Despite the fact that the tourist card is valid for 90 days, the standard entrance stamp is only good for 30 days, which can be extended while in Suriname. Overstaying may result in a one-year prohibition from entering the country, as indicated in your passport.

When you arrive in Suriname, you must notify the authorities of your intended stay. As a result, within a week of your arrival, you must travel to the foreigners registration office at the ‘Nieuwe Haven.’ This is something that the customs officer will remind you of. (This looks to be no longer essential.)

More information may be found on the website of the Suriname Embassy in The Hague.

How To Travel To Suriname

Get In - By plane

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

(IATA:PBM) It is 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo and was formerly known as Zanderij International Airport.

The daily KLM flight departs from Amsterdam. Surinam Airways also has flights from Amsterdam to other Caribbean locations.

Airline service is provided from the United States through Surinam Airways and Caribbean Airlines, with a layover in Trinidad. Aside from the daily trip to the Netherlands, there are weekly direct flights from Trinidad, Brazil (Belem), and Curacao to Suriname.

You may take a cab or bus into town from Johan Adolf Pengel International. A cab (if private) will cost about SRD80. Prices, however, may vary depending on the driver. Before traveling somewhere, be sure to establish and agree on a fee with the driver.

Zorg-en-Hoop Airfield

(IATA: ORG) A tiny airstrip situated farther from Paramaribo that serves mainly local and domestic aircraft. The following airlines operate many daily flights from/to Ogle Aerodome in Georgetown (Guyana):

  • Gum Air, Doekhieweg 03, Zorg-en-Hoop Airport, Paramaribo,  +597 433830, fax: +597 491740, e-mail: [email protected]. M-Sa.  
  • Trans Guyana Airways (TGA), Ogle Aerodome, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, Guyana,  +1 592 222-2525, e-mail: [email protected]. M-Sa.  

Get In - By car

Suriname may be reached by road from Guyana. Georgetown, Guyana, inquires about minibuses traveling to Suriname. It should be noted that entering Suriname, Nieuw Nickerie via boat travel from Guyana is prohibited. Every day, buses depart Georgetown towards the Surinamese border. Inquire about the Berbice parking lot. There is a frequent river ferry between Guyana and Suriname in the west (Guyana-Suriname border).

It is possible to go by automobile from French Guiana (there a small car ferry between Suriname and Guyana). Small boats and a ferry connect Albina (Suriname) with St. Laurent in the east (French Guiana) The cost is typically about SRD10 or €5 per person.

Get In - By bus

You may ride the bus from Albina (on the border with French Guiana) to Paramaribo for around SRD30 or €10.

Take mini bus #63a from Georgetown, Guyana, to Molson Creek in eastern Guyana, close over the river from Suriname. The journey will take at least 3 hours. You will next travel through customs on the Guyanese side. Then, at 11:00 a.m., take the boat across the river to South Drain. The boat journey itself lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Get In - By boat

There is a frequent river ferry between Guyana and Suriname in the west. The boat from Guyana costs USD10 and only operates once a day at 11:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., the boat leaves Suriname for Guyana (Suriname is one hour ahead of Guyana). As of December 2010, there is an extra boat that departs two hours later. Look into the specifics.

How To Travel Around Suriname

Because there are few visitors in Suriname and the countryside is difficult to access, travel costs are greater than you would anticipate. Tourist attractions may be more costly than in Europe or the US. This is anticipated to change in the near future, since there is an annual rise in international visitors, necessitating the development of improved roads and other modes of transportation.

Get Around - By car

Hire a car if you’re not going far inland, but on dirt roads, always rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. The rental firm will inquire as to your destination. Some companies won’t let you travel into the forest in your vehicle unless you hire an SUV.

  • Traffic in Suriname is on the left side of the road.
  • There are a number of speed bumps with the word drempel written on them. These may be extremely high, forcing you to slow down to almost nothing. At the entrance and exit of neighborhoods and intersections, most bumps are built as twins.
  • The majority of roadways lack traffic lines.
  • Although there are few bridges, those ones you do come across may be in poor shape. Slow down as you drive. If you plan on driving to Jodensavanne, bear in mind that the Carolina bridge across the Suriname River is blocked due to a partial collapse. There is a car ferry that can accommodate approximately six cars.
  • There are lots of petrol stations, but if you leave the paved roads, you’ll need to top up your tank.

Get Around - By boat

You may rent a boat at a reasonable price at any riverside. Traveling with a tour guide is usually a good idea.

Get Around - By air

Two local aircraft provide private connections to the inner city. Gumair and Bluewing Airlines.

Destinations in Suriname

Regions in Suriname

Paramaribo

The capital city of Paramaribo and its immediate surrounds, which are home to over half of the country’s population, are as busy as it gets. It boasts a lovely historic center and several cafés and restaurants that appeal to any traveller’s needs. It is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It’s also a great starting place for visits to the rest of the nation.

The West Coast

The west coast is known for its bird life, and the Bigi Pan Nature Reserve is a must-see on any trip to Suriname. There are a few villages and some lodging options, but this is a spot away from the throng and sometimes neglected by travelers.

The East Coast

The eastern region has some of the greatest examples of old colonial plantations, some of which are still in use, while others have been abandoned and are totally damaged. Some of the most notable nesting beaches for sea turtles in the West-Atlantic may be found around the coast.

Surinamese Rainforest

Suriname’s interior parts are part of the enormous Amazon region and are nearly totally covered with tropical rainforest. The Sipaliwini savanna is located in the southwest. Mountain ranges may be found in the center and south, however the highest peak, Julianatop, is just 1280 meters high. This region is home to the majority of Amerindians and Maroons, many of whom live in primitive conditions. The Brokopondo Reservoir is one of the world’s biggest reservoirs.

Cities in Suriname

  • Paramaribo – The capital and only city of the country
  • Albina – Hub to French Guiana
  • Apoera – Indian village in West Suriname
  • Domburg – Sunday’s meeting point for Paramaribo people
  • Groningen – Relaxed place on the Saramacca River
  • Lelydorp – The second largest city of Suriname
  • Moengo – The former bauxite mining centre
  • Nieuw Amsterdam – Best known for it’s fort
  • Nieuw Nickerie – Most western city protected by a sea wall
  • Santigron – A Maroon village along the Saramacca river

Other destinations in Suriname

  • Bigi Pan Nature Reserve – A large area of open water, mudflats and mangrove forest
  • Brownsberg Nature Park – A nature park close to Paramaribo
  • Central Suriname Nature Reserve – one of the most remote, ancient, and pristine wildernesses on Earth
  • Colakreek – A Cola colored swimming place in the midst of the savannah
  • Galibi nature reserve – Beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs
  • Jodensavanne – A ruined, historic settlement of Sephardic Jews
  • Nature Resort Kabalebo – Flora and fauna in the untouched nature of the splendid Amazon rain forest
  • Old plantations in Commewijne – Best place to visit plantations as they were once
  • Raleighvallen Nature Reserve – An extensive set of rapids in the upper Coppename River
  • Upper Suriname – Authentic Maroon villages along the Upper Suriname River

Accommodation & Hotels in Suriname

In Paramaribo and Nickerie, there are many excellent hostels and guesthouses. It is advisable to get a hammock in Paramaribo before venturing into the jungle. Some forest guest rooms offer hammocks, although they are less sanitary since washing machines are few in the jungle. When venturing into the forest, bring insect repellant and sunscreen.

Things To See in Suriname

Suriname’s extensive natural areas and the variety of flora and wildlife in them are the country’s primary tourist draw, with almost a third of the country designated as national reserves. Visit the beaches of Galibi and Albina to watch the spectacular breeding process of huge Leatherback sea turtles, or take a helicopter trip to one of the more isolated beaches to experience the same thing with less people. On the journey, look for river dolphins and observe the characteristic mangrove woods that exist between the coast and the rain forests. The Amazon rain forests comprise the majority of Surinam’s land area and are home to hundreds of birds, reptiles, monkeys, and even a few jaguars.

As tourism grows, guided excursions and lodges in the middle of the jungle are springing up, providing a pleasant alternative for those looking to spend a few days seeing animals or flora such as the rubber tree, spike-footed palms, orchids, and cactuses. Day trips are also a possibility. The Raleigh waterfalls and Mount Voltzberg are located in the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, which is the most popular of the reserves. The Brokopondo Reservoir, located in Brownsberg Nature Park, is one of the world’s biggest man-made lakes. Visit Tonka Island to witness the eco-tourism initiative established by the Saramaccaner Maroons.

Maroon and Amerindian settlements may be located deep in the jungle, although many are also found along riverbanks. A boat excursion down the Marowijne river, with French Guyana only on the other side, is a wonderful opportunity to view the best of the forest, see several towns, and do some border hopping while you’re at it. Swim at Cola Creek, a black water (Blaka Watra) leisure area 50 kilometers from Paramaribo that is popular with Surinamese families. On the way back, stop at the Jodensavanne (Jews savanna), where Jews were permitted to live in the 17th century. Only the remains of this historic site remain to remind us of bygone times.

The city of Paramaribo is a lovely location, and its historic center is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The capital has many of the qualities of a big rural community, and despite the lack of genuine monuments and attractions, it is a pleasant location to spend some time. Spend some time on the Waterkant, the waterside street with its ancient wooden colonial homes, and get a meal from one of the food booths. Visit the Central Market and see the Jules Wijdenboschbrug. Stroll through the Palm Tree Garden and the Independence Square to reach Fort Zeelandia. Include the Roman Catholic Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral on your stroll since it is the biggest wooden structure in South America.

Former plantations will transport you back to colonial days, when coffee and sugar were grown on the property. Others of the plantation buildings have been restored, and some are even used to produce coffee and dried shrimp. Bike through the peaceful and lush region between the banana trees to old plantations with names like Einde Rust (End of Rest), Worsteling Jacobs (Struggle Jacobs), Zorgvliet, and Zeldenrust (Rarely Rest).

Food & Drinks in Suriname

Food in Suriname

Because of the ethnic diversity, a wide range of unusual foods are accessible. Indian (especially roti with chicken), Chinese, Javanese (Indonesian), and Creole cuisines are available.

Javanese

Although the term “Indonesian cuisine” may seem to be accurate, the Indonesians in Suriname are mainly, if not entirely, from the island of Java. And Java has its own cuisine that is different from the rest of Indonesian cuisine. Furthermore, the cuisine has developed to reflect Surinamese culture and is therefore distinct from food found in Java. Nonetheless, it tastes delicious and you should try it. The most popular locations to get such cuisine are in ‘warungs’ in Lelydorp on the route from the airport to Paramaribo, or in Blauwgrond in Paramaribo, and, more recently, beside the bridge in Commewijne. Every warung serves bami (noodles) and nasi (fried rice). It’s served with either hot chicken or satay with peanut sauce. Baka bana (fried banana) and petjil are vegetarian meals (vegetables with peanut sauce). Telo is fried cassava served with salt fish. Soato, a stock with strips of chicken, bean sprouts, egg, and sliced peppers, is popular among Javanese people.

Chinese

Suriname’s Chinese cuisine is delicious. Paramaribo has a number of excellent eateries. Visit the Chinese market on Sundays, as well as several of the dim sum eateries.

East-Indian

East Indian cuisine is less spicy than traditional Indian food, yet it is still a popular dinner. Roti, masala-seasoned pancakes stuffed with chicken, potato, and kouseband (long beans), is a popular dish. Bara is a fried cake of beans, similar to a doughnut, that is oozing with grease.

Creole

Suriname has a lot of this kind of cuisine, including dishes like cassava soup, pom (an oven dish with milled tajer-tuber and salt pork), pastei (an oven dish in puff pastry with brownbeans), and peanut soup with tom tom (dumplings of cooked bananas).

Other

International cuisines are offered at Paramaribo’s more costly downtown restaurants and hotels.

Drinks in Suriname

Suriname would not be the tropical paradise that it is today if it did not have a broad range of delicious fruit juices. Even the well-known orange juice is delicious, but don’t be afraid to try wonderful tropical fruits like passion fruit (known locally as’markoesa’) or soursap, also known as Guanábana (known locally as ‘zuurzak’). Sugar is added to most juices sold in bottles because the natives have a sweet tooth. It is preferable to request freshly produced juice for pure juice.

In the city, you can also buy shaved ice in various flavors from local sellers, which is extremely refreshing in the tropical heat.

Dawet, a pink (and sometimes green) drink made from coconut milk, is popular among the Javanese.

If you have the opportunity, ask a native ‘east-Indian’ to make you a glass of lassi.

Alcohol

Try the native ‘Parbo-beer,’ also known as a ‘djogo’ when sold in one-liter bottles. Suriname finally received Parbo beer in a can in 2008, which was a big occasion in the nation. Guinness is a popular import beer, therefore Parbo also makes a very good own stout variant: Parbo Stout, as well as its own rums: Borgoe and Black Cat. Naturally, foreign beers, whiskeys, and rums are accessible.

Money & Shopping in Suriname

Accommodation and meals are reasonably priced. Retail costs for clothes, gifts, and other items are comparable to those in the United States.

The following items are highly worth purchasing:

  • Handcrafted jewellery
  • handcrafted woodcarvings
  • art
  • Tropical flowers
  • Perfumes

Money

The Suriname dollar is the native currency, and it is denoted by the symbol SRD (which is also the ISO 4217 international currency code). The money may be freely converted (but nearly impossible to get rid of outside Suriname except for the neighbouring countries and one exchange bureau in Amsterdam airport).

Currency exchange is available at all banks and most cambios. ATMs are accessible in Paramaribo and the majority of the bigger towns in the north. The RBTT bank’s ATMs accept the majority of foreign bank cards. Paying using a credit card at stores, hotels, and restaurants is uncommon. Expect an additional fee of 2-6 percent.

Business hours

Shops in Suriname are typically open from 8:00 a.m. until 16:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. On Fridays, most businesses stay open until 19:00, while on Saturdays, most shut at 14:00. Chinese stores are springing up all across the nation, even in the most remote villages. They are open till late at night.

Banks and post offices are open from 07:30 to 14:00 Monday through Friday.

Government services are accessible from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Festivals & Holidays in Suriname

Holidays

  • 1 January – New Year’s Day
  • 25 February – Revolution Day
  • 1 May – Workers’ Day
  • 5 June – Indian Arrival Day
  • 1 July – Keti-koti (Sranantongo creole for “the chains are cut”). This day is also known as (Prisiri) Maspasi, meaning “Emancipation (Festival)”.
  • 9 August – Day of Amerindians and Javanese Arrival Day
  • 10 October – Day of the Marroons
  • 25 November – Independence Day
  • 25 December – Christmas Day
  • 26 December – Boxing Day

Festivals

  • Owru Jari (New Year’s Eve) – A three-day event celebrating the old and new years with plenty of pyrotechnics.
  • Carnival (February) – Exciting carnival parades.
  • Avondvierdaagse (April) – Four days of walking and dancing in the streets of Paramaribo. The event begins at 17:00 p.m. Every day, the path changes and a new surprise awaits. It winds its way through the different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality.
  • Bodo (Javanese Fasting Period End) – Bodo is the Javanese term for Suriname’s Eid al-Fitr (Sugar Feast) celebration.
  • Divali – This Hindu festival of illumination has been declared a national holiday in Suriname since 2010.
  • Jaran Kepang – Jaran Kepang is a traditional Javanese dance performed to the accompaniment of gamelan music. Suriname is well-known for its beautiful folk dance.
  • On July 1, Keti Koti (Sranantongo creole meaning “the shackles are cut”) is observed. This day is also known as (Prisiri) Maspasi, which translates as “Emancipation (Festival).” (Despite the fact that the British had abolished slavery during their re-occupation in the early 1800s, the Netherlands re-introduced it to Suriname in 1817, only to “abolish” it 46 years later in 1863.) Slaves were not become completely free until 1873, after a mandated 10-year transition period during which slaves were obliged to labor on plantations for little compensation and without state-sanctioned torture.)
  • Winti Pré – A dancing rite for gods and spirits in Creole religion.

Stay Safe & Healthy in Suriname

Stay Safe in Suriname

If you are worried about your safety, avoid going out at night alone. When feasible, ride your bike. Avoid the Palm Garden at night in Paramaribo since it is a well-known crime hotspot where considerable drug trafficking occurs. Because the police force is limited in size, it can only protect you to a certain degree. As a result, remain where you know police protection is available. Please exercise common judgment while going outside of downtown, which may be problematic in and of itself. Do not go into the bush (binnenland) by yourself.

Stay Healthy in Suriname

There are no specific vaccinations required to enter Suriname, but some are suggested (see below). If you are planning a jungle vacation, which is highly encouraged, it is likely that you may need to take malaria prophylaxis, depending on the region you will be visiting (although since 2005 there have not been any cases of malaria reported in Suriname).

Check with BOG, your local pharmacy, or a health center to determine which prophylactics you should take. Dengue fever, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and for which there is no vaccine or treatment, has become a greater concern in recent years. Travellers’ diarrhoea may be an issue as well.

Vaccination against yellow fever is advised. (This is required in order to enter Brazil!) Vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria is advised. Vaccination against hepatitis A is advised.

Adult HIV/AIDS prevalence is at 2%, or one in every 50 adults, which is three times higher than in the United States and nine times higher than in the Netherlands. Make sure you’re having safe sex.

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Paramaribo

Suriname’s capital and biggest city, Paramaribo (nickname: Par′bo), is situated on the banks of the Suriname River in the Paramaribo District. According to the...