Suriname is located on the Guiana shield in northeastern of South America.
Capital:
Paramaribo
Airports:
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport and a smaller airport Zorg & Hoop airport
Climate:
Suriname has a tropical climate. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celcius and the humidity lies between 80-95%.
Nature:
Suriname is covered with tropical rain forest. A great diversity in flora and fauna can be found.
Culture:
Because of the history of the three Guianas, the three countries (Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana) have different ethnic groups, each with their own culture.
Suriname is a former Dutch colony and is strongly influenced by Asian, African, and European cultures. Suriname’s population includes Hindustanis, Creoles, Javanese, Maroons, and Amerindians.
Religion:
Christianity is the dominant religion in Suriname. Other religions are Hinduism, Islam, Roman Catholic
Must see places:
Paramaribo the UNESCO heritage site
The inner city of Paramaribo has several UNESCO heritage site. There are several historical buildings such as the tallest wooden Basilica in South America, The St. Peter and Paul Basilica, independence square, the presidential palace, the palm garden, Fort Zeelandia Museum, the central and maroon market, a Mosque beside a Synagogue
Historical sugar plantation and open-air museum at New Amsterdam
One of the highlights of Suriname are the historical sugar plantations in the Commewijne district, which can be visited by boat. A visit to the fort open-air museum New Amsterdam is also recommended. Fort new Amsterdam was built at the confluence of the Suriname and Commewijne rivers to protect nearby plantations and also served as a prison.
Maroon culture at Upper Suriname
The traditional maroon culture can be fully experienced during a visit to the Suriname’s interior, the upper Suriname in the Sipaliwini district. This is located on the south side of Suriname and is accessible through a 4-hour ride to Atjoni, the end of the road, and a dugout canoe. The history of the local community, the impressive flora and fauna of the rainforest and the rapids is a fascinating adventure.
Language:
Dutch is the official language and Surinamese the local language. Also, most population groups have their own languages. English is widely understood and spoken.
Suriname is the only Dutch speaking country of South America
Electricity and mobile network:
Suriname has 110V/60Hz electricity, but most hotels or apartments also have 220V/60Hz or transformers. Suriname has mainly American outlets. Some places also have European sockets.
In the interior, people usually use generators that work during certain hours of the day or solar energy.
There is an excellent mobile phone network.
Currency and credit cards:
The national currency of Suriname is Surinamese Dollar (SRD). Payments with USD or Euro is possible. Credit cards such as Visa card, Mastercard and American Express are also accepted at some places.
Vaccinations:
To enter Suriname you need to be fully vaccinated (atleast 2 shots). Antigen test is not needed anymore.
Yellow fever vaccination is a must.
These vaccination cards you need to have with you when traveling (digital or hard copy)
Vaccinations against DTP and hepatitis A are recommended.
Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended with stays for over three months.
Malaria medication is not needed on most of our tours.
Visa requirements:
Each country has their own visa requirements. For detailed information about visa requirements visit the following website:
http://www.gov.sr/ministerie-van-buza/consulaire-diensten.aspx
Safety:
Because of the way Suriname is positioned, it is shielded from large natural disasters, like hurricanes.
Crime levels are low, but serious crime does occur. Avoid isolated areas, particularly after dark. Do not carry large amounts of money and expensive jewelry. The tap water is up to standard and clean enough for you to drink.
Suriname: Country Code +597 |
Police: 115. Medical assistance: 113. Firefighters and Helicopter medical emergency service: 110. Assistance during a natural disaster: 115. |
Guyana: Country Code +592 |
Police: 911 or +592-225-8196. Medical assistance: 913. Firefighters: 912 or +592-226-2411. |
French Guiana: Country Code +594 |
Dial 112 for emergency assistance. You’ll be connected to the nearest call center and then the operator will direct you to the appropriate services after explaining your situation. Emergency Assistance Police: 17. Firefighters: 18. Ambulance: 15. |
National Holidays
Suriname |
1 Jan – New Years Eve |
22 Jan – Chinese New Year |
8 Mar – Holi |
7 Apr – Good Friday |
10 Apr – Easter Monday |
22 Apr – Idul Fitr |
1 May – Labour Day |
29 Jun- Eid-Ul-Adha |
1 Jul – Emancipation Day |
9 Aug – Indigenous People Day |
10 Oct – Maroons Day |
12 Nov – Diwali |
25 Nov – Independence Day |
25 Dec – 1st Christmas Day |
26 Dec – 2nd Christmas Day |
Guyana |
1 Jan – New Years Eve |
23 Feb – Republic Day |
8 Mar – Holi |
7 Apr – Good Friday |
10 Apr – Easter Monday |
1 May – Labour Day |
5 May – Arrival Day |
26 May – Independence Day |
29 Jun – Eid-Ul-Adha |
3 Jul – Caricom Day |
1 Aug – Emancipation Day |
27 Sep- Youman-Nabi |
12 Nov – Diwali |
25 Dec – 1st Christmas Day |
26 Dec – 2nd Christmas Day |
French Guiana |
1 Jan – New Years Eve |
20 Feb – Carnival Monday |
21 Feb – Mardi Gras |
22 Feb – AshWednesday |
7 Apr – Good Friday |
10 Apr – Easter Monday |
1 May – Labour Day |
8 May – Victory Day |
18 May – Ascension Day |
29 May – Whit Monday |
10 Jun – Abolition Day |
14 Jul- French National Day |
15 Aug – Assumption Day |
1 Nov – All Saints Day |
11 Nov – Armistice Day |
25 Dec – 1st Christmas Day |
26 Dec – 2nd Christmas Day |