Suriname by region: where to go

Coastal zone

Paramaribo

Paramaribo is a pleasant, vibrant city facing the Atlantic Ocean with the Saramacca river winding through it. The architecture, from Buddhist temples to Dutch colonial wooden clapboard houses, reflects a melting-pot of cultures and influences. Half of the population of Suriname (about 250,000) live in Paramaribo.

Central Suriname Reserve

Bordering the forests of Guyana, French Guiana and Brazil, the southern and central section of Suriname is similarly forest-covered. The few tourist lodges are in isolated and remote spots.

Southern mountains

This remote area stretches across the whole of Suriname's southern border with Brazil, the contested south-western border with Guyana and south-eastern edge of French Guiana. Various small tribes including the Trio and Waro have united to form the larger community at Kwamalasamutu, close to the Kuruni river.

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Travel information

Practical facts and figures on Suriname

Capital

Paramaribo

Area

163,270 sq km

Population

470,000

Time zone

GMT-3

Voltage

110/127 volts AC

Language

Dutch, although English is widely spoken in Paramaribo, and also a local dialect, Sranan-Tonga.

Health

Yellow fever, tetanus and polio advisable. If you are travelling into the interior, a course of anti-malarial tablets should be taken.

Visas

UK nationals, most EU and US citizens will require a visa which can be obtained from the Surinamese Embassy or Consulate.

Money

The Suriname Dollar (SRD), is divided into 100 cents to 1 dollar with notes to the value of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2.50 and 1. All major credit cards are accepted and ATM (hole in the wall) machines are commonplace in Paramaribo, though will only dispense SRD, US$ or Euros and should not be relied upon. Small denomination SRD should be taken into the interior.

Telephones

Private telephone offices can be found in Paramaribo and are often the best place to go for international or local calls. Dial 00 for international and then the country code (e.g. 44 for the UK), leave off the zero of the town code. You pay when you have completed the call.

Driving

Driving is on the left. Only 25% of roads are paved. All driving licences are accepted but a stamp from the local police with deposit is needed.