PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Suriname has a tropical-rainforest climate. That means warm (between 27 and 35 degrees) and very humid. It can be very hot, especially in the months of October and November.
There are two longer rainy periods: from December to the end of January (small rainy season) and from May to the end of August (large rainy season). That does not mean that it never rains there; in fact, you have not been to Suriname until you have experienced a 'Sibi Busi' (tropical downpour). Conversely, it does not mean that it pours with rain all day during the rainy periods.
You always need an umbrella in Suriname, both as protection against the rain and the sun. A poncho is also not an unnecessary luxury.
Best time to travel
Outside the school holidays, flight tickets to Suriname are a lot cheaper than during the summer and Christmas holidays.
In terms of temperature, the best travel periods are between January and May, and the most pleasant periods are August and September.
It is very pleasant in Suriname around Christmas and New Year's Eve, but it is very busy because many Surinamese Dutch people want to celebrate those holidays there with their family.
Time difference
During summer time it is five hours earlier in Suriname, during the winter months the time difference is four hours. Please take the time difference into account when you return to the Netherlands. Always take a few days of rest to get used to the Dutch time and temperature before you start your daily life again. Even after arriving in Suriname, it is recommended to take a few days to get used to the climate.
Calling and internet
Internet and WiFi are increasingly available in public places in Paramaribo, many hotels and guesthouses offer their guests free WiFi. Local contact with our representative is now possible via What's app. That is why we ask you to provide a mobile number on which you can be reached during your stay in Suriname. Outside of Paramaribo, there is not everywhere access to the internet, especially if there is no WiFi connection available. The costs for using the internet and calling via a Dutch mobile provider from Suriname can be quite high.
E-sim from Firsty
If you plan to use the internet more often outside the WiFi spots at the locations where it is available and you have a device on which an e-sim can be installed, you can use Firsty This is currently the best and cheapest alternative for Suriname to be online without high roaming costs. The Firsty app has been tested on the network (TeleSur and Digicel) over the entire east-west connection and inland up to Anaula & Knini Paati. There was a stable connection to be able to call, app and search for websites. The app is optimized for navigation, social media, calling, video calling and social media. Deeper inland there is not always coverage, it depends on the reception masts. There is a Comfort Class+ package available for € 1,50 per day. Given the high mobile data costs in Suriname, Comfort+ offers access to travel supplies, at a lower speed. For users who need more data, there is an upgrade to First Class for € 7,50 per day.
You can activate the app via the QR code. You can scan the QR code, download, set up and then you are online in 4 steps.
You can also access the Firsty app via this link arrange for.
Electricity
The voltage in Suriname is generally 110 volts. The larger hotels usually have 220 volts, sometimes both voltages. To be on the safe side, take a power plug with you, because the sockets are different everywhere. Most modern appliances and chargers can handle both 110 and 220 volts. Check your equipment before departure.
Electricity is not always available inland, often only between approximately 19.00:23.00 PM and XNUMX:XNUMX PM. The power goes out regularly, also in Paramaribo.
Therefore, always take a good headlamp or flashlight with you and charge your phone and camera at every opportunity.
Currency
The currency of Suriname is the Surinamese dollar (SRD), which is often called 'guilder' by older Surinamese in particular. Check the current one exchange rate. The currency is only available in Suriname. Upon arrival at the international airport you can withdraw SRDs or exchange cash. There is currently a restriction in place at ATMs in Suriname. At the airport you can withdraw a maximum of SRD 400 and in the city a maximum of SRD 1000-2000 per withdrawal or per day (this may differ per bank) and exchange fees are usually charged. There are many banks and ATMs in Paramaribo, but few or none elsewhere.
Don't forget to activate your debit card for use outside Europe!
You can also exchange money at cambio's. The exchange rate there is often cheaper than at the banks, but before you exchange, always ask at the counter what the current rate is, because it may differ from what is indicated outside.
Under no circumstances should you exchange money on the street, no matter how tempting the rate offered is! It is better not to use your ATM card alone on the street, nor in the dark. Hotel Torarica has an ATM in the lobby, if you prefer not to withdraw money on public roads.
You can hardly use your debit card in shops and restaurants anywhere. Payment with a credit card is only possible at the larger/more luxurious hotels and more expensive restaurants. Please note that high costs are often charged. (usually 3-5%).
You can take an amount of cash in euros with you from the Netherlands to have on hand. Please keep in mind that you always run more risk with a lot of cash in your pocket. For trips into the country, we recommend taking cash (SRD) in small denominations for personal expenses.
If you visit French Guiana during your trip, for example during a trip to Galibi, you can withdraw euros there. The country is French territory and the euro is the legal tender.
shooting
In Suriname you continue to take photographs; the country is incredibly photogenic. So make sure you have enough batteries, accumulators and SD cards so that you are never without them. If WiFi is available, you can also upload your photos to 'the cloud' to be on the safe side.
It is inappropriate to simply photograph people, the interiors of houses and the like. You probably don't appreciate that in your own hometown either. Especially inland, people find photography a problem. Religious places (such as places of sacrifice) and rituals are also usually not allowed to be photographed. Always ask permission in advance and, if in doubt, consult your guide or lodge owner.
If you took beautiful photos of local people during your holiday, they would really appreciate it if you sent some prints.