Practical Information: Suriname

Local SIM Cards

Digicel and Telesur are main mobile network operators. Purchase SIMs at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) or in Paramaribo stores. Passport registration is standard. Local plans are cost-effective versus international roaming.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi generally in hotels, guesthouses, cafes in Paramaribo. Speeds vary.
Remote areas have limited or no internet. Satellite options exist, but are slow and expensive.
Airalo offers eSIMs for digital connectivity.

Language & Translation

Dutch is the official language; Sranan Tongo is the lingua franca. English is spoken by many in tourism and by younger generations, making communication easier.

Useful Phrases

Google Translate is a good app. Download Dutch and Sranan Tongo packs for offline use.
Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Learning basic phrases creates good rapport.

Postal Services

Surpost is the national postal service. Post offices are available in Paramaribo and larger towns for sending postcards or packages.

Sending Mail

Post offices are readily available in main areas.
Services may take longer than in some Western countries.
Both postcards and packages can be sent.

Remote Connectivity

For constant internet on the go, a portable Wi-Fi device is an option.

Portable Wi-Fi

Solis Wi-Fi provides portable devices for internet access.
This allows connectivity in various locations.
Portable power solutions may be useful.

Phrases for Interaction

Dutch Basics

Hello: Goedendag (hoo-den-dahg)
Good morning: Goedemorgen (hoo-de-mor-khen)
Good evening: Goedenavond (hoo-den-ah-vond)
Goodbye: Tot ziens (tot zeens)

Sranan Tongo Basics

Thank you: Dank u wel (dahnk oo vel) / Grantangi (gran-tahn-ghee)
Yes: Ja (yah) / Ay (ai)
No: Nee (nay) / No (noh)
Hello (informal): Fa waka? (fah wah-kah?)

Communication Tip

Local SIM cards are economical for data. Be aware of limited internet in remote interior regions. Offline translation apps are very useful.

Business Hours & Schedules

Daily operations vary by business type and location.

Shops

Generally Mon-Fri, 8/9 AM - 4/5 PM. Some open Saturdays until noon.

Supermarkets

Longer hours, often until 8/9 PM. Many open on Sundays.

Banks

Mon-Fri, usually 8/9 AM - 2/3 PM. ATMs are widely available in Paramaribo.

Government & Dining

Government offices typically open Mon-Fri, 7:30/8 AM - 2:30/3 PM. Restaurants vary, open for lunch (noon-2 PM) and dinner (6 PM onwards).

ATM Access

ATMs are in Paramaribo and larger towns.
Most ATMs are accessible 24/7.
Bank branches operate during standard business hours.

Public Holidays

Suriname observes many public holidays, reflecting its diverse population. Services and businesses may close on these days.

Holiday Closures

New Year's Day, Phagwa, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Keti Koti, Independence Day, Christmas, Boxing Day.
Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Chinese New Year, and Divali dates vary.
Rainy seasons may restrict remote lodge access due to road conditions.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

For frequent travelers, Priority Pass offers airport lounge access.
Comfort before flights.
Refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Flight Compensation

If flights are delayed or canceled, Compensair assists with compensation.
Assistance with EU flight regulations.
Simplifies the claim process.

Planning Ahead

Check local public holidays before your trip, as they impact business operations. Always carry cash for smaller purchases.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural awareness enhances your visit.

Greetings & Interaction

A handshake is common upon meeting and departing. Maintaining eye contact is generally appreciated and indicates sincerity.

Common Practice

Handshake upon meeting and departing.
Maintain eye contact for sincerity.
Use formal greetings like "Goedendag" (Good day).

Attire Guidelines

Casual and comfortable clothing is acceptable for most situations due to the warm climate.

Dress Codes

Casual and comfortable for most situations.
Modest attire (shoulders, knees covered) at religious sites.
Smart casual for business meetings or upscale restaurants.

Photography & Privacy

Always ask for permission before photographing people, specifically children. Respect their decision if they decline.

Photo Etiquette

Respect a "no" if they decline.
Ask for permission before photographing inside religious buildings.
Photography may be restricted at government/military sites.

Sensitive Topics

Be sensitive when discussing Surinamese politics, especially historical events or current affairs, as these can be complex and personal.

Discussion Points

Approach political discussions with care.
The "December Murders" topic warrants caution.
Show deference to elders, a common practice across cultures.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Considerations

Gender

Suriname is generally conservative but tolerant.
Public displays of affection are less common.
Solo female travelers are generally safe with standard precautions.

Lgbtq+

Homosexuality is not illegal; public acceptance is evolving.
Paramaribo has a small, discreet LGBTQ+ community.
Public displays of affection for same-sex couples may attract unwanted attention.

Religious Site Etiquette

Entry Protocol

Remove shoes before entering mosques or Hindu temples.
Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
Remain quiet and respectful during prayer times.

Cultural refinements

Patience is ; life often moves at a different pace.
Always greet locals when initiating an interaction.
Simple phrases in Dutch or Sranan Tongo are appreciated.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges face infrastructure limitations in Suriname.

Infrastructure Limitations

Suriname's infrastructure, including sidewalks and public transport, is not widely adapted for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges.

Mobility Challenges

Uneven pavements and numerous stairs are common.
Public buses are not accessible.
Many historic buildings lack ramps.

Accessible Locations

Some newer hotels may have accessible rooms in Paramaribo. Accessibility outside these properties remains low.

Navigating Attractions

Fort Zeelandia and St. Peter and Paul Cathedral often have stairs.
The Palmentuin is relatively flat and more accessible.
Taxis are available, but not specially adapted.

Sensory Impairment Services

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Assistance

Limited dedicated services for visual impairments.
Limited dedicated services for hearing impairments.
Direct contact with tour operators for specific needs is advisable.

Planning Accessible Travel

Contact tour operators directly for their capacity to accommodate specific needs.

Specialized Agencies

Planning with a specialized travel agency focusing on accessible travel is highly recommended.
Such agencies can arrange suitable accommodations.
They can arrange accessible tours.

Important Note on Accessibility

Thorough pre-trip research and communication with service providers are for travelers with accessibility needs. Infrastructure in Suriname may present challenges.

Practical Information