Welcome to Suriname

Suriname may be South America’s smallest country, but this tiny treasure packs a big punch when it comes to nature and culture. You’ll get a break from the typical tourist crowds here, giving you room to breathe and enjoy the untamed jungle, effervescent Paramaribo (the Dutch-colonial capital city) and the beautiful white-sand beaches.

Hike to the peak of Mount Julianatop, take a dip in Lake Brokopondo and visit manatees in the Coppename Nature Reserve. Meet the local Paramakan tribe and learn about their woodcrafting traditions. Meet howler monkeys in Brownsberg Nature Park. Learn about Commewijne’s colonial houses and the history of the sugar plantations at a museum in Marienburg.

With its melting pot of cultures, from Creole and Indonesian to Amerindian and Chinese, Suriname has a tremendous diversity, as evidenced in the languages you’ll hear and the food you’ll taste. While you’re here, take a moment, whether it’s deep in the jungle or atop Voltzberg Mountain, to listen for the sound of nature in harmony.

Unique Facts

• The historic center of Paramaribo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the region’s most cultural interesting areas. Look for original Dutch architecture from the 17^th and 18^th
• Pom is one of the most popular dishes in Suriname and is reflective of the country’s blend of cultures. Jewish and Creole influences help form this special-occasion entrée, in which the local tayer plant sandwiches pieces of chicken and is smothered in a sauce of tomatoes, onion and nutmeg.
• The national sport is football (American soccer). Reflective of its historic Netherlands ties, several famous Dutch football players are of Surinamese descent, including Ruud Gullit and Nigel de Jong.
• The largest ethnic group in Suriname is Hindustani, established after a massive immigration from Asia in the 19^th There are also significant populations of Creole, Javanese and Maroon peoples.
• Thanks to its ethnic diversity, Suriname celebrates many festivals, including Holi, Christmas, Javanese Arrival Day, Indian Arrival Day, Day of the Maroons, Diwali and more.

Language

Suriname’s official language is Dutch.

When To Go

The best time to go to Suriname is between February and mid-April or mid-August to mid-November. These are the periods with the least rainfall.

Airports

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, Zanderij

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Suriname: Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Malaria and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, B, C and F. Standard voltage: 127V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Surinamese dollar

Getting Around

Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Be aware of excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, poorly maintain roads and few traffic lights.

If using a taxi, verify the price or a meter before entering. If possible, use hotel concierge taxi service. Avoid public minibuses.

Driver’s License

Valid US driver’s license and international driving permit required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Paramaribo
Kristalstaat 165
Paramaribo, Suriname
Telephone:(597) 556-700
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (597) 710-1112
Fax: 597-551-524
caparamar@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
Kernkampweg 37
Paramaribo
Tel: 532-373

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112
Ambulance: 113
Police: 111
Fire: 110

Safety and Security

Pickpocketing and robbery are common in Paramaribo’s business and shopping districts. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and don’t display large amounts of money in public. Don’t walk alone at night, particularly near major tourist hotels. Avoid the Palm Garden area (“Palmentuin” in Dutch) after dark.