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 through the VFS Global portal in advance, though some go through their nearest Surinamese embassy. Either way, sort it before departure.
VFS Global 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.
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.
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.