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