Going to au Suriname: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay au Suriname
Money au Suriname
The Surinamese dollar has been the country's official currency since the early 2000s, replacing the Surinamese guilder (SRG). Surinamese dollar banknotes are issued in various denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 SRD, while coins are issued in smaller units, such as 1, 5 and 25 cents.
The exchange rate is quite variable from month to month, mainly due to the country's inflation. In July 2024, 10 SRD = 0.31 euro. Or simply the other way round: €1 = 32.5 SRD.
It'simportant to note that the Surinamese dollar is the only legal currency in Suriname, and it's best to exchange foreign currency at the country's banks or official exchange offices to obtain Surinamese dollars before making purchases or transactions. International credit cards are also accepted in many establishments in Paramaribo, the capital, and in tourist areas.
Budget & Tips au Suriname
Let's faceit: plane tickets to Suriname can get pretty expensive... It all depends on the dates and city of departure, but in any case there are no direct flights from France: you'll have to go via Amsterdam and rely solely on KLM! Overall, prices range from €1,000 to €1,500.
Once you're here, on the other hand, life will be a lot cheaper. If you're on a budget, you can easily get by for around €30 a day, sleeping in dormitories in youth hostels and eating at the market or in a boui-boui. If you're traveling with a group or would like a little more privacy, you can take advantage of private rooms for your group and eat in good small local restaurants, with an average budget of around €80. For big budgets, this can quickly rise to several hundred euros, and there's almost no limit to the amount of luxury on offer in Suriname, with all the big resorts and casino hotels and restaurants.
Beware, however, of group excursions, which are not included in these budgets, and which, even though they generally include everything (transport, food and accommodation) can quickly cost around a hundred euros a day, or more depending on the desired standard.
Passport and visas au Suriname
We can't stress this enough: if you're crossing the river from one of the two bordering countries, don't forget to get your passport stamped!
But first , you need to apply online for an e-VISA (at a cost of around US$30) via the VFS Global website: https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/index
Make sure you use this site to pay only around US$30 for the visa. Other agency websites offer to apply for a visa on your behalf, but they charge a processing fee of several dozen dollars, which you don't need to pay, as the visa application procedure is straightforward and easy to do online (the site is even translated into French).
Driver's license au Suriname
A French driver's license can be used to rent a car in Suriname. Make sure you always have it with you, as police checks are frequent.
And remember, driving here is left-handed!
Health au Suriname
In addition to personal safety, it's important to take health precautions. Mosquitoes carrying diseases such as malaria may be present in some areas, so it's advisable to take protective measures, such as using repellents and mosquito nets.
Mandatory vaccination au Suriname
In the Amazon, the yellow fever vaccine is compulsory for all visitors to the country. It's especially important if you're coming by plane, so be sure to get vaccinated beforehand and carry the certificate with you.
Security au Suriname
The level of insecurity in Suriname can vary depending on a number of factors, including the region you are visiting, your personal behavior and your safety precautions. Overall, Suriname is not considered one of the most dangerous countries in South America, but it's always important to take precautions to ensure your safety during your stay.
For the latest information on safety in Suriname, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference au Suriname
Suriname is located in the UTC-3 time zone all year round. This means that Suriname is generally on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) all year round, without switching to daylight saving time.
Spoken languages au Suriname
Surinamese(sranan tongo) is the lingua franca and mother tongue of many Surinamese. The country also recognizes Dutch as an official language, but many other languages are spoken due to ethnic diversity. Don't expect to find many French speakers, and it's best to have some knowledge of English if you don't speak either of the above languages.
Communication au Suriname
Telephone network coverage is not excellent, due to the heavy presence of forests throughout the country. Nonetheless, there's a good chance that your phone plan won't cover Surinamese 4G: so remember to deactivate your data abroad before arriving in the country, or even put yourself in airplane mode. And beware of those coming from French Guiana: do the same before arriving in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, as your phone will sometimes be able to pick up the Surinamese network, and beware of surprises with an overage charge that will very quickly amount to several tens of euros, even for a few megabytes.
The best way to communicate in Suriname is by wifi via WhatsApp: there are no restrictions on this application, and most establishments use it to take reservations. Wifi in bars, hotels or restaurants won't always have a huge bandwidth, but it does exist and will be more than enough to send a few messages or even make calls in the best of cases!
Electricity and measurements au Suriname
Suriname uses an electrical system with a voltage of 127 volts at 60 Hertz (different from French current, which is generally 230 volts at 50 Hertz). The plugs are not exactly the same, but Surinamese plugs also have round pins, so your French appliances should fit. Their charging time may simply be longer than you're used to. To make sure you don't find yourself short-changed, don't hesitate to bring along alternatives for lighting and charging your electronic devices if necessary, especially if you're traveling in less urbanized areas.
Luggage au Suriname
Hammock, mosquito repellent, band-aids for minor cuts or blisters, light, loose-fitting clothing... And why not an external battery and headlamp, to compensate for occasional power failures in the most remote regions? As for the rest, there's nothing very special to note, but adapt your luggage to your level of adventure, and opt for a backpack rather than a suitcase if you're moving around a lot.
Oh, and one last point: the Amazon is very humid, so you'll certainly want to have waterproof protection for your backpack and your sensitive belongings!
Daily life au Suriname
Hello? au Suriname
Most people and establishments communicate via WhatsApp-style internet messaging, and many places offer wifi. Unless you've got lots of people to contact in the country, don't bother picking up a local card.
But even so, although most operators always send a message to explain everything, we'd like to remind you of the telephone codes: to call France, use +33 instead of 0. And conversely, Suriname's international telephone code is +597: when calling from abroad to Suriname, you must therefore dial this code followed by the area code and the local telephone number you wish to reach.
Accessibility au Suriname
Accessibility for disabled travellers in Suriname can be a challenge, as infrastructure and services for people with reduced mobility are not as widespread as they are close to home (sidewalks come to mind, which are often damaged or non-existent). However, mutual aid is a value deeply rooted in the Surinamese people, whether it's towards the disabled, parents with baby carriages or the elderly.
What's more, certain measures are being taken to improve accessibility, and it is possible to find adapted facilities and services in certain regions and for certain activities. Even if public transport is clearly not adapted, there are some private cabs equipped for people with disabilities in towns like Paramaribo. Some hotels and accommodation establishments in Suriname offer rooms and facilities adapted for people with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible rooms and bathrooms equipped with assistive devices. This will mainly concern the more luxurious establishments, but don't hesitate to ask when booking.
Finally, travelers are advised to plan their trip carefully and contact service providers in advance to ensure they can meet their specific needs. Travel agencies specializing in accessible travel may also be able to provide further assistance and advice.
Health au Suriname
Travelers to Suriname are encouraged to take out travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation. Private health establishments often offer superior medical services, but they can be expensive. It is advisable to consult a doctor before traveling for advice on necessary vaccinations and health precautions.
Once you're there, don't drink tap water (always use bottled water) and avoid raw food or undercooked meat to limit health risks.
Emergency numbers au Suriname
Suriname's healthcare system is made up of hospitals, clinics and health centers throughout the country. Primary health care is often available in local health centers, while hospitals offer specialized medical services. The government-run healthcare system covers a large proportion of the population, although challenges remain in terms of accessibility and quality of care, particularly in rural areas.
We hope you won't have to use it, but in the event of an emergency anywhere in the country, the number for calling the fire department and medical emergencies is 115.
Securty au Suriname
Rest assured, Suriname is not a dangerous country. Nevertheless, ostentatious displays of wealth are obviously not a good idea. Neither is going out alone at night to wander through the alleys of the capital. Pickpocketing and muggings can still occur, especially in less-frequented or poorly-lit areas. It's advisable to be vigilant, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid neighborhoods with a reputation for insecurity, especially at night. But by following a few basic rules of common sense, and taking official cabs, you shouldn't have any worries.
Other potential hazards include Suriname's variable road conditions, especially on secondary roads and in rural areas. There may be roads in poor condition, potholes, obstacles on the road and reckless driving on the part of some road users. We strongly recommend that you drive carefully, respect traffic regulations and avoid driving at night whenever possible.
Finally, when traveling in forests or remote areas, it's important to take precautions against potential wildlife hazards, such as mosquitoes, venomous snakes, dangerous insects and poisonous plants. Staying on marked trails, wearing loose-fitting clothing and walking shoes is already the first step in protecting yourself. Surrounding yourself with local guides, or at least asking them about potential dangers, is another that will guarantee your safety.
LGBTQ au Suriname
Suriname is often regarded as a tolerant country towards the LGBT community in South America. But, although homosexuality is not illegal and progress has been made on LGBT rights, there are still stigmas and discriminatory attitudes in some parts of society. However, larger cities like Paramaribo generally offer a more open and welcoming environment for LGBT people.
Embassies and consulates au Suriname
The French embassy in Suriname is logically located in the capital, Paramaribo. Contact details are as follows Dr. J.F. Nassylaan 23, Paramaribo - +597 47 52 22.
France has no consulates in Suriname. If you are a French national in need of consular assistance in Suriname, you can therefore contact the French embassy directly for help and advice.
You can consult the website of the French Embassy in Suriname for up-to-date information on available consular services and opening hours (sr.ambafrance.org).
Mail au Suriname
As for the delivery time of a postcard from Suriname to France, this also depends on the shipping service used, but standard mail services can take between 1 and 2 weeks to reach their destination, while express mail services can deliver faster in a few days (at much higher rates). So think about it right from the start if you want to send a postcard to your loved ones!
Local media au Suriname
These main media play a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion in Suriname. They are available online for those wishing to follow Surinamese news from abroad:
De Ware Tijd (DWT): one of Suriname's oldest and most respected daily newspapers. De Ware Tijd covers a wide range of topics, including national and international news, politics, economics, culture and sports. It is published in Dutch.
Starnieuws: an online news site offering frequent updates on local and international events. It also covers politics, economics, justice and news. The site is in Dutch.
Times of Suriname: this newspaper is published in Dutch and English, and offers extensive coverage of local and international news. It includes sections on politics, economics, sports and culture.
Dagblad Suriname: another influential daily, published in Dutch, Dagblad Suriname provides news on current affairs, politics, economics and culture. It is known for its opinion pieces and in-depth analysis.
Radio 10 Magic FM: a popular radio station broadcasting music, news and talk shows. It targets a wide audience with varied programming ranging from current hits to classics.
Apintie TV: a local TV station that broadcasts in Dutch and offers a variety of programs, including news, political debates, cultural programs and entertainment. It has a strong following for its news bulletins.
ABC Suriname: Finally, we'd like to mention ABC (Algemene Boodschap Centrale), a radio and TV station offering news, talk shows, music and entertainment programs. It is popular for its live reports and interviews with political and public figures.
