Organize your stay Suriname
Money Suriname
The Surinamese dollar has been the country's official currency since the early 2000s, replacing the Surinamese guilder (SRG). Surinamese dollar banknotes are issued in various denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 SRD, while coins are issued in smaller units, such as 1, 5 and 25 cents.
The exchange rate is quite variable from month to month, mainly due to the country's inflation. In July 2024, 10 SRD = 0.31 euro. Or simply the other way round: €1 = 32.5 SRD.
It'simportant to note that the Surinamese dollar is the only legal currency in Suriname, and it's best to exchange foreign currency at the country's banks or official exchange offices to obtain Surinamese dollars before making purchases or transactions. International credit cards are also accepted in many establishments in Paramaribo, the capital, and in tourist areas.
Budget & Tips Suriname
Let's faceit: plane tickets to Suriname can get pretty expensive... It all depends on the dates and city of departure, but in any case there are no direct flights from France: you'll have to go via Amsterdam and rely solely on KLM! Overall, prices range from €1,000 to €1,500.
Once you're here, on the other hand, life will be a lot cheaper. If you're on a budget, you can easily get by for around €30 a day, sleeping in dormitories in youth hostels and eating at the market or in a boui-boui. If you're traveling with a group or would like a little more privacy, you can take advantage of private rooms for your group and eat in good small local restaurants, with an average budget of around €80. For big budgets, this can quickly rise to several hundred euros, and there's almost no limit to the amount of luxury on offer in Suriname, with all the big resorts and casino hotels and restaurants.
Beware, however, of group excursions, which are not included in these budgets, and which, even though they generally include everything (transport, food and accommodation) can quickly cost around a hundred euros a day, or more depending on the desired standard.
Passport and visas Suriname
We can't stress this enough: if you're crossing the river from one of the two bordering countries, don't forget to get your passport stamped!
But first , you need to apply online for an e-VISA (at a cost of around US$30) via the VFS Global website: https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/index
Make sure you use this site to pay only around US$30 for the visa. Other agency websites offer to apply for a visa on your behalf, but they charge a processing fee of several dozen dollars, which you don't need to pay, as the visa application procedure is straightforward and easy to do online (the site is even translated into French).
Driver's license Suriname
A French driver's license can be used to rent a car in Suriname. Make sure you always have it with you, as police checks are frequent.
And remember, driving here is left-handed!
Health Suriname
In addition to personal safety, it's important to take health precautions. Mosquitoes carrying diseases such as malaria may be present in some areas, so it's advisable to take protective measures, such as using repellents and mosquito nets.
Mandatory vaccination Suriname
In the Amazon, the yellow fever vaccine is compulsory for all visitors to the country. It's especially important if you're coming by plane, so be sure to get vaccinated beforehand and carry the certificate with you.
Security Suriname
The level of insecurity in Suriname can vary depending on a number of factors, including the region you are visiting, your personal behavior and your safety precautions. Overall, Suriname is not considered one of the most dangerous countries in South America, but it's always important to take precautions to ensure your safety during your stay.
For the latest information on safety in Suriname, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Suriname
Suriname is located in the UTC-3 time zone all year round. This means that Suriname is generally on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year round, without switching to daylight saving time.
Spoken languages Suriname
Surinamese(sranan tongo) is the lingua franca and mother tongue of many Surinamese. The country also recognizes Dutch as an official language, but many other languages are spoken due to ethnic diversity. Don't expect to find many French speakers, and it's best to have some knowledge of English if you don't speak either of the above languages.
Communication Suriname
Telephone network coverage is not excellent, due to the heavy presence of forests throughout the country. Nonetheless, there's a good chance that your phone plan won't cover Surinamese 4G: so remember to deactivate your data abroad before arriving in the country, or even put yourself in airplane mode. And beware of those coming from French Guiana: do the same before arriving in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, as your phone will sometimes be able to pick up the Surinamese network, and beware of surprises with an overage charge that will very quickly amount to several tens of euros, even for a few megabytes.
The best way to communicate in Suriname is by wifi via WhatsApp: there are no restrictions on this application, and most establishments use it to take reservations. Wifi in bars, hotels or restaurants won't always have a huge bandwidth, but it does exist and will be more than enough to send a few messages or even make calls in the best of cases!
Electricity and measurements Suriname
Suriname uses an electrical system with a voltage of 127 volts at 60 Hertz (different from French current, which is generally 230 volts at 50 Hertz). The plugs are not exactly the same, but Surinamese plugs also have round pins, so your French appliances should fit. Their charging time may simply be longer than you're used to. To make sure you don't find yourself short-changed, don't hesitate to bring along alternatives for lighting and charging your electronic devices if necessary, especially if you're traveling in less urbanized areas.
Luggage Suriname
Hammock, mosquito repellent, band-aids for minor cuts or blisters, light, loose-fitting clothing... And why not an external battery and headlamp, to compensate for occasional power failures in the most remote regions? As for the rest, there's nothing very special to note, but adapt your luggage to your level of adventure, and opt for a backpack rather than a suitcase if you're moving around a lot.
Oh, and one last point: the Amazon is very humid, so you'll certainly want to have waterproof protection for your backpack and your sensitive belongings!
