Suriname Travel Information

Suriname is a country located in the northeastern coast of South America and is known for its rich culture, diverse wildlife and beautiful natural landscapes. From exploring historic sites to enjoying outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in Suriname. Here are the top 10 things to do in Suriname:

1. Visit Paramaribo

Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its colonial architecture, historic sites, and vibrant culture.

2. Explore the Brownsberg Nature Park

The Brownsberg Nature Park offers a unique opportunity to explore the rainforest and spot a wide variety of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of birds, monkeys and other wildlife.

3. Visit the Suriname Museum

The Suriname Museum in Paramaribo is a great place to learn about the country's history and culture. The museum features a wide range of artifacts and exhibits about the country's past.

4. Take a boat trip on the Suriname River

The Suriname River is a major waterway in the country and offers a great way to explore the country's natural beauty. Take a boat trip and spot the local wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

5. Visit the Jodensavanne

The Jodensavanne is an ancient Jewish community that was founded in the 17th century. The site features the remains of a synagogue and other historical buildings.

6. Visit the Central Suriname Nature Reserve

The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a great opportunity to explore the rainforest. The reserve is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

7. Visit the Palmentuin

The Palmentuin is a beautiful botanical garden located in Paramaribo. The garden features a wide variety of tropical plants and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

8. Visit the Fort Zeelandia

Fort Zeelandia is a historic fort located in Paramaribo. The fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century and offers a glimpse into the country's colonial past.

9. Visit the Onafhankelijkheidsplein

The Onafhankelijkheidsplein is a public square located in the center of Paramaribo. The square is home to several historic buildings and monuments, and is a great place to relax and people-watch.

10. Visit the Suriname Hindu Temple

The Suriname Hindu Temple is a beautiful temple located in Paramaribo. The temple is an important religious site for the Hindu community in Suriname and is open to visitors.

Suriname is a country located in the northeastern coast of South America, and it has a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit Suriname depends on what you're looking to do and see during your trip.

Climate

Suriname has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature in Suriname ranges from around 75°F (24°C) in the winter to around 90°F (32°C) in the summer. The rainy season is from April to August, and the dry season is from September to March.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Suriname depends on what you're looking to do and see during your trip. The dry season, from September to March, is the best time to visit if you're looking to explore the country's natural beauty and spot wildlife. The weather is drier and cooler, and it's easier to navigate the country's roads and trails.

If you're more interested in experiencing Suriname's culture and history, then any time of the year is suitable. Paramaribo, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's a great place to explore the country's colonial architecture, historic sites and vibrant culture.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Suriname offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, making it easy to find a place to stay that fits your budget and travel style. Here are some of the most popular accommodation options when visiting Suriname:

Hotels

Suriname offers a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury properties. Hotels are a popular choice for travelers as they offer a range of amenities and services, including room service, gyms, and on-site restaurants.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option for travelers looking for a more personal and intimate experience. They are typically family-owned and operated and offer a more homey and comfortable atmosphere than hotels.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals such as apartments, cottages, and villas are becoming increasingly popular in Suriname. They offer more space and privacy than hotels and are often a more affordable option for families and groups of friends.

Campsites

Suriname has several campsites that are open all year round. It's a great option for nature lovers who want to experience the great outdoors while on vacation. Many campsites offer amenities such as toilets, showers, and kitchens.

Suriname offers a variety of transportation options for visitors, making it easy to get around and explore the country. Here are some of the most popular transportation options when visiting Suriname:

Public Transportation

Suriname's public transportation system includes buses, minibuses and taxis, which are known as "collectivo" and they are the most common and affordable way to get around the cities. There are also taxis and buses that connect the major cities of the country.

Cars

Renting a car is another option for getting around Suriname, especially if you plan to visit more rural areas or want more flexibility. There are several car rental companies located throughout the country, and it's easy to find a car that fits your needs.

Boats

Boats are a popular option for traveling between the various islands and coastal towns in Suriname. They offer a scenic and comfortable way to explore the country's waterways and to access some remote areas.

Flights

Suriname has one international airport, the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, located in Zanderij, around 35 km south of the capital Paramaribo. From there, you can take domestic flights to the other major cities and towns of the country, and also to the neighboring countries.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.