Services 633

Banks and licensed exchange offices, known as cambios, change US dollars and euros into Surinamese dollars in Paramaribo. Rates vary, so it is worth comparing, and it is best to avoid changing money on the street.

The main commercial banks include De Surinaamsche Bank, Hakrinbank, Republic Bank and Finabank. They have branches and ATMs across Paramaribo and the larger towns.

Telesur and Digicel are the two main operators. Prepaid SIM cards are sold at the airport and at shops around the city, and Telesur has the widest coverage outside Paramaribo.

Yes. Pharmacies are common across the city, and a rota of on call pharmacies covers nights and weekends. Bring enough of any prescription medicine you depend on.

Many agencies handle rentals, real estate and insurance for both locals and visitors. For a longer stay it helps to have a local address and to check which documents each provider needs.