Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Suriname. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
(597) 556-700; EMER: (597) 710-1112; US Embassy Paramaribo, Kristalstaat 165, Paramaribo, Suriname; caparamar@state.gov; https://sr.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
597
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Suriname: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; moderated by trade winds
Currency (Code)
Surinamese dollars (SRD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
127 V, 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, F
Major Languages
Dutch, English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
Major Religions
Protestant 23.6% (includes Evangelical, Moravian, Reformed, Lutheran), Hindu 22.3%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Muslim 13.8%, other Christian 3.2%, Winti 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%
Time Difference
UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Presidential Palace; Galibi Nature Reserve; Central Suriname Nature Reserve; Commewijne River; Brownsberg Nature Park
Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, basketball, table tennis, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Surinamese people are generally warm and friendly, and it is customary to greet others with a handshake.
Tipping Guidelines
Customers are expected to leave a 10% tip at restaurants, if a service charge has not already been added. Rounding up cab fare is appropriate.
Souvenirs
Woven baskets and wicker items, batik cloth, tribal woodcarvings, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, hand-rolled cigars, cotton hammocks, bamboo items
Traditional Cuisine
Pom — a casserole made with chicken pieces, chicken sausages, tomatoes, onions, celery, garlic, hot peppers, salt, pepper, sugar, nutmeg, orange and lemon juice, and pomtajer (a root vegetable)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
