Suriname at a Glance
Suriname travel facts
Suriname is a tropical country on the northeast coast of South America. The capital is Paramaribo, the currency is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD) and the official language is Dutch. Most visitors need a tourist visa or tourist card arranged before arrival. The quick reference below covers the essentials.
| Capital | Paramaribo |
|---|---|
| Currency | Surinamese Dollar (SRD). USD and EUR are taken at some hotels and larger shops, but SRD is needed for everyday spending. |
| Official language | Dutch. Sranan Tongo is the common lingua franca, and English is widely understood in Paramaribo. |
| Population | About 620,000, most living in and around the capital. |
| Time zone | Atlantic Standard Time (UTC -3), no daylight saving. |
| Calling code | +597 |
| Power | European-style plugs (types C and F), 127 V, 60 Hz. |
| Visa | Most nationalities need a tourist visa or tourist card, arranged through the official VFS Global e-Visa portal (suriname.vfsevisa.com) before departure. The Entry Fee is paid on the same portal. |
| Health | A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country. Malaria precautions are advised for the interior rainforest. |
| Land borders | Daily Canawaima ferry from Guyana (South Drain) and river taxis from French Guiana (Albina). The same visa and ICF rules apply as arriving by air. |
| Best time to visit | The drier seasons, roughly February to April and August to November. |
| Getting around | Registered taxis and local ride-hailing apps (Kura, TaxiSR) in Paramaribo. A licensed guide is needed for interior travel. |
| Safety | Paramaribo is generally safe with standard precautions. Explore the interior rainforest with a licensed guide. |
Sources: Central Bank of Suriname, VFS Global and the Explore Suriname guides. Always confirm visa and health requirements for your nationality before travel.
Before You Board
Arrival & Visa
Check the entry requirements for your passport before you book. Most nationalities need a tourist visa or tourist card arranged in advance through the official VFS Global e-Visa portal, which is also where the Entry Fee is paid. Some travellers go through their nearest Surinamese embassy instead. Either way, sort it before departure. Since 10 August 2026 suriname.vfsevisa.com is the only valid portal; the older VFS Global page is no longer active.
Suriname e-Visa Portal ↗Yellow Fever Certificate
Arriving from sub-Saharan Africa or parts of South America? A valid vaccination certificate is checked at the border. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure. No certificate, no entry.
At the Border
Customs Declaration
Every visitor fills out a customs and immigration declaration form from the ICF before clearing the border. It covers what you are bringing into the country. Cash over US $10,000 must be declared. The form is handed out on the plane or available at the airport, and you can also fill it in through the ICF portal before you travel.
ICF Suriname ↗Maritime Entry
Arriving by Boat or Yacht
Before entering Surinamese territorial waters, file a Notice of Arrival with the Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS). This covers private yachts, charter boats and any non-commercial vessel. File through the MAS portal and keep a printed copy of the confirmation on board for inspection.
Overland Entry
Arriving by Land
Suriname has two overland gateways: the ferry from Guyana in the west and the Marowijne River crossing from French Guiana in the east. The same entry rules apply as flying in, so arrange your visa or tourist card and the ICF form before you reach the border.
From Guyana: the Canawaima ferry
The Canawaima ferry crosses the Corentyne River from Moleson Creek (Guyana) to South Drain (Suriname) once a day, departing around 10:30. Be at the terminal by 08:00 for tickets and immigration. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and costs roughly US $20 return, cash only. From South Drain, shared minibuses run to Paramaribo via Nickerie, another 3 to 4 hours.
Skip the backtrack boats. Informal crossings bypass immigration, which means no entry stamp and an illegal entry. Use the official ferry.
From French Guiana: the Albina crossing
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and Albina sit 15 minutes apart across the Marowijne River. A vehicle ferry runs a few times a day and river taxis cross all day for a few euros. Get stamped out and in at the immigration posts on both banks, which keep daytime hours. Minibuses cover Albina to Paramaribo in about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Heading east instead? French Guiana is EU territory, so Schengen entry rules apply on the other side.
The Canawaima ferry is occasionally suspended for maintenance. Confirm sailings with Canawaima Management (+592 339-2744) or your hotel before travelling.
Connectivity
Getting a SIM Card
Two carriers operate in Suriname: Telesur and Digicel. Both have counters in the arrivals hall at Johan Adolf Pengel airport. Bring your passport, as registration is mandatory. Coverage is solid across Paramaribo and the coastal belt; the interior is a different story on either network.
Money
Cash & ATMs
The currency is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). For ATM withdrawals, DSB Bank and Republic Bank are the most reliable with international Visa and Mastercard. For card payments at shops and restaurants, Southern Commercial Bank (SCom Bank) leads card acceptance across Paramaribo. Outside the city centre, most smaller vendors still work in cash. Since 1 August 2026 each ATM withdrawal carries an SRD 17.60 network fee and a balance check costs SRD 1.10, so take out larger amounts less often. See the ATM finder for live machine status and which cards work.
Getting Around
Taxis & Transport
Johan Adolf Pengel airport is about 45 km south of Paramaribo, a 45 to 60 minute ride depending on traffic. Taxis at the airport do not use meters, so agree on a price before you get in. Suriname drives on the left.
The main ride app in Paramaribo is 1690 Tourtonne. Prices are shown upfront before you confirm, which takes the guesswork out of getting around. Download it before you land.
1690 Tourtonne
Taxi app for Paramaribo
Food Delivery
Ride Eats
Ride Eats is the main delivery app in Paramaribo. The selection covers local Surinamese, Chinese, Indian and fast food, with decent coverage across the city. Download it on your first day.
Mobile Payments
Uni5Pay
Uni5Pay is Suriname's mobile wallet, accepted at a growing number of shops, restaurants and vendors across Paramaribo. If you are staying more than a few days, it is worth setting up. Registration is quick and you can top up directly in the app.
Good to Know
Language
Dutch is the official language. Sranan Tongo is the everyday street tongue. English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas across Paramaribo.
Power & Plugs
127V / 60Hz, Type A sockets (US-style flat-pin). Some hotels also have 220V outlets. A universal adapter will cover all cases.
Drinking Water
Stick to bottled water throughout your stay. Tap water quality varies by area and most locals do the same. Bottles are cheap and available everywhere.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 115 · Ambulance: 113 · Fire: 110. Save them before you need them.