Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) Suriname
Timetable
Shopping hours in Suriname are often similar to those in other parts of the world, although they may close a little early. They generally open in the early morning, around 9 or 10 am, and close in the early evening, around 6 or 7 pm. However, some stores may have extended opening hours, particularly in urban or tourist areas.
As for markets, they start earlier in the day, as they aim to attract customers looking for fresh produce. Markets can open as early as 6 or 7 a.m. and stay open until midday or early afternoon. However, this can vary depending on the specific market and the day of the week.
What's very local
Suriname has a thriving arts scene, with local artists creating contemporary works of art as well as a rich variety of local handicrafts perfectly reflecting the different cultures present in the country. You can find traditional handicrafts such as gold and silver jewelry, wood carvings, pottery, batik fabrics, woven baskets and much more. You can discover this in the stores, or visit the markets that play a central role in local daily life, such as the Paramaribo market or the Marowijne market to discover an extensive selection of local crafts.
And don't miss the chance to sample Suriname's local culinary specialities, and take some home with you! You can buy local food products such as coffee, cocoa, spices, sauces and condiments at local markets and grocery stores. These products can be great souvenirs to take home and extend your culinary experience in Suriname.
Tourist traps
Let's face it, Suriname has a reputation for selling a lot of counterfeit goods..
So avoid buying or bringing back counterfeit items such as clothing, handbags, watches or even counterfeit electronics. Not only can it be illegal, but it can also help support shady or even downright criminal activities.
Be aware of local culture and traditions when buying souvenirs and handicrafts: avoid buying or bringing back items that could be considered culturally or religiously offensive or inappropriate, such as Christian crosses or Buddhas used as decorative objects in inappropriate places, Native American costumes worn outside the context of the specific event that could be perceived as a trivialization of their culture, or exaggerated or caricatured representations of Hindu, Buddhist or other religious deities..
And finally, one very important point for the preservation of this magnificent biodiversity: make sure you don't bring back items made from protected or endangered animal or plant species, such as ivory jewelry, reptile skin objects or products derived from rare plants.