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
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
(597) 556-700; EMER: (597) 710-1112; US Embassy Paramaribo, Kristalstaat 165, Paramaribo, Suriname; caparamar@state.gov; https://sr.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
597
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
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
When invited to a household the guest is usually expected to partake in a meal.
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: Wednesday, October 05, 2022