Money and payments
Cards and cash
Automatic teller machines (ATM) are available in Paramaribo and in the most larger municipalities in the north.
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Americas · South AmericaUsable guideCountry in South America
Photo: Globe-trotter, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Suriname (pronounced "surinam", or something like "SOOR-ee-nahm" for English speakers) is a small republic on the northeast coast of South America. It prides itself on its thoroughly multi-ethnic culture, a colourful blend of indigenous ("Amerindian") traditions, those of its former Dutch colonisers, and especially those of the African, Javanese, and South Asian ("Hindustani") workers they once invited or trafficked in. It's a country with a fabulous and largely untouched Amazon Rainforest inland, slowly discovering its chances as an ecotourism destination. International visitors are steadily following Dutch travellers who have long been drawn to this friendly, tropical country to explore its spectacular nature, captivating cultural heritage and meet its ever smiling people.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Suriname.
Cards and cash
Automatic teller machines (ATM) are available in Paramaribo and in the most larger municipalities in the north.
Mobile networks
Tap water is drinkable in Paramaribo but not elsewhere.
To enter Suriname there's no need for any special kind of vaccination, though some are recommended (see below).
Be respectful when taking photographs. Like everywhere else, one should respect the environment and the culture.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Paramaribo, often called Par'bo, is the lively capital and only city of the sparsely inhabited country of Suriname. Home to about 240,000 people (2012), or over half of the country's population, this laid-back South American gem lies 15 km from the Atlantic Ocean.
Hub to French Guiana
Indian village in West Suriname
Relaxed place on the Saramacca River
A large area of open water, mudflats and mangrove forest
A nature park close to Paramaribo
Beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs
Places in Suriname on the World Heritage List.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
Listed 2000
Jodensavanne
Listed 2023
Historic Inner City of Paramaribo
Listed 2002
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Home to almost half of the country's population, the capital city Paramaribo and its direct surroundings are as bustling as it gets in Suriname. Listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, it has a delightful historic centre while its many cafés and restaurants cater to every traveller's needs. It's also an excellent starting point for trips to every other part of the country.
The west coast is celebrated for its bird life, and the Bigi Pan Nature Reserve can be an absolute highlight in any Suriname travels. There are a few towns and some choices as far as accommodation goes, but this is a place away from the crowds and often overlooked by visitors.
The eastern region offers some of the best examples of former colonial plantations, some still in use, others deserted and largely ruined. Along the coast you'll find some of the most prominent nesting beaches for sea turtles in all of the West Atlantic.
The inland areas of Suriname are part of the vast Amazon region and almost entirely covered with tropical rainforest. In the southwest is the Sipaliwini savanna area. In the centre and south are mountain ranges, but the highest peak, the Julianatop, is only 1,280 m high. Most Amerindians and Maroons live in this region, many of them in a traditional way. The Brokopondo Reservoir is one of the largest reservoirs in the world.
Public transport and paid services in Suriname.
By bus
Companies that provide long-distance bus services in Suriname:
By boat
At every riverbank you can charter boats at reasonable prices. It is wise to always travel with a tour guide.
By car
If you’re not intending to go deep inland, rent a car but on dirt roads, always rent a four-wheel drive vehicle. The rental company will ask you where you are heading.
By plane
There are two local airlines providing private connections with the innerland: Bluewing Airlines and Gum Air.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Suriname.
Finding apps for Suriname…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Paramaribo · International · PBM
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Paramaribo
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 25° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 25° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 142 | 116 | 111 | 194 | 286 | 251 | 190 | 105 | 53 | 51 | 81 | 165 |
| Humidity | 82% | 81% | 80% | 82% | 87% | 88% | 87% | 83% | 79% | 78% | 81% | 83% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$125
Per person, per day
Luxury
$325
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $70 | $190 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $20 | $50 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Suriname. Suriname is generally a safe destination for travelers Review the Travel Guidance to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Suriname.
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