Country guides South & Central America
Electricity
Electrical current ranges between 110 volts and 230 volts, 60Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Language
The official language is Dutch. The local creole language, Sranan Tongo, is also widely spoken.
Money
The official currency is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). Money can be exchanged at banks; the best currencies to change are Euros, US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling. Major international credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in towns and cities throughout the country.
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Health
Malaria medication is recommended for those visiting the provinces of Brokopondo and Sipaliwini, while others planning to eat outside restaurants and hotels may want to consider a vaccination for typhoid. There is a risk of yellow fever in Suriname, with travellers arriving from infected areas requiring proof of a yellow fever vaccination. Tap water shouldn't be drunk unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Medical facilities are extremely limited in Suriname and travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance. All required medications should be taken along in their original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what they are and why they are needed.
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Local customs
Local culture in Suriname is relaxed and friendly, but strictly patriarchal. Women are expected to dress conservatively. It is customary to greet a new acquaintance with a handshake and a good friend with a hug. It is polite to remove your shoes when entering someone's home. Ask permission before photographing government, military buildings or any landmark considered to be holy.
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Duty free
Visitors to Suriname may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine and 8 liters of beer; perfume for personal use; and other goods up to the value of USD 500.
Communications
The international dialling code for Suriname is +597. Mobile coverage is adequate in towns and cities, but is limited in more remote areas of the interior. Internet cafes are available in major towns.
Passport & Visa
Passports must be valid at least six months after travel and passengers must have an onward ticket. Visitors requiring visas but arriving from a country without Suriname representation can also usually obtain a visa on arrival, provided they have pre-approval. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required for stays longer than 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
UK nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. British nationals travelling as tourists are visa exempt for 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. Visa exemptions apply to passengers travelling as tourists for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
Australian nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 2 months. They must have confirmation that the visa has been approved before they travel. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
South African nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
Useful contacts
Surinam Tourism Foundation, Paramaribo, Suriname: +597 42 4878 or info@surinametourism.sr
115 for police and general emergencies, 113 for the ambulance, and 110 for the fire departmentEmbassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, Washington, D.C., United States: + 202 629 4302
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Suriname, London, United Kingdom: +44 7768 196326
Honorary Consulate of Suriname,Toronto, Canada: +1 416 321 9554
Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, Pretoria, South Africa: +021 346 7627
Embassies / consulates in Suriname
United States Embassy, Paramaribo, Suriname: 597 551 524
Canadian Honorary Consulate, Paramaribo, Suriname: +597 424 575