Suriname🇸🇷
Suriname, officially known as the Republic of Suriname, is a small country on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is considered part of the Caribbean region due to its strong cultural, historical, and political ties with other Caribbean nations. Its neighboring countries include Guyana to the west, French Guiana to the east, and Brazil to the south. It's famed for its diverse culture, with influences from the native peoples as well as the African, Indian, Chinese, and Dutch immigrants who have made the area their home over the centuries. Suriname’s tropical rainforest and abundant natural reserves make it a paradise for nature lovers. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key attraction. The country’s capital, Paramaribo, features Dutch colonial buildings and a vibrant market. Music plays a big role in Surinamese culture with styles like kaseko and kawina being popular.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid displaying a large amount of cash or other flashy valuables in public places.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics and religion to avoid potential misunderstandings.
- Don't drink tap water without purifying it, especially in rural areas. Bottled water is recommended.
- Avoid self-driving as road conditions and traffic laws can be different from what you're used to.
- Avoid open displays of affection if you belong to the LBGTQ+ community.
- Don't travel alone at night especially in cities and remote areas.
- Avoid secluded areas and places with no cell phone service, especially at night.
- Don't neglect your personal health, specifically regarding malaria and dengue. Use mosquito repellent and consider antimalarial medication.
- Avoid becoming too reliant on public transportation as schedules can often be erratic.
- Avoid crossing borders to neighbouring countries without the correct visas.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Even though the crime rate in Suriname has been on a downward trend in recent years, crimes such as mugging, bag snatching, burglary, and robbery do occur in both urban and rural areas. The capital, Paramaribo, experiences occasional incidents of crime, particularly in the suburbs. Visitors are advised to avoid walking alone at night and to be aware of their surroundings.
Terrorism 💣
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Suriname has a low threat from terrorism which makes it relatively safe from such incidents. All known terrorist activities have been prosecuted and monitored effectively by law enforcement agencies. However, it is always prudent for visitors to be aware of their surroundings and stay updated on news broadcasts.
War ⚔️
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Suriname has not experienced any recent military conflicts or wars and maintains diplomatic ties with its neighbors, Guyana and French Guiana, even amidst border disputes. The country has a stable government with a military that mainly focuses on internal security and defense just like in many peaceful countries.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Suriname is susceptible to natural disasters such as floods during the rainy seasons, primarily in coastal and rural areas. Similarly, due to its geolocation, the country is not on a seismic fault line hence earthquakes are rare but can occur. Famously in 2019, a few lower scale earthquakes were recorded.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The tap water in Suriname, especially in urban areas and some rural areas, is generally safe to drink. However, due to old infrastructure, there can occasionally be issues with water quality, so using bottled water for drinking is advisable especially for visitors.
Medical Care 🏥
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Though Suriname’s healthcare system is developing, it is not at par with Western standards. The country has both public and private hospitals. However, complex medical issues may require evacuation to another country. It's recommended for visitors to have a comprehensive health insurance that covers medical evacuation. The hospital the Ministry of Health Medical Mission operates in Paramaribo is the most equipped medical facility in the country.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Suriname has some health challenges particularly with vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, especially in rural and interior areas. There was an outbreak of H1N1 Swine flu in Suriname in 2009. Visitors are generally advised to take precautions such as taking anti-malaria medication, using insect repellents, and getting vaccinated before traveling.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption in Suriname is a moderate issue. The Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked the country 70 out of 180 countries. However, everyday visitors are unlikely to experience corruption. Notably, in 2020, former president Dési Bouterse was sentenced on corruption charges.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While Suriname is generally safe for women, instances of harassment and assault do occur. Visitors, particularly female ones, are advised to avoid travelling alone at night and to take basic precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas and keeping valuable items out of sight.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While homosexuality is legal in Suriname, the country's society tends to be conservative and instances of discrimination and violence towards members of the LGBTQ+ community have been reported. Caution should be taken when expressing affection in public.
Censorship 📺
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Freedom of speech and press is constitutionally guaranteed in Suriname and is generally respected. However, journalists self-censor, there is limited diversity in News content and independence of media is in question due to government influence.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Suriname's public transportation system consists of buses and taxis. However, schedules can be unreliable. Private cars are the most popular mode of transport. Road traffic can be heavy, particularly in Paramaribo.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Suriname is relatively safe, there exists a moderate level of crime, and vegetables are advised to take sensible precautions to ensure their safety, particularly in cities and remote areas. Aside from that, the country scores well in areas like war and terrorism with no recent history of such incidents. Points of caution are about health care and disease. While basic health care is available, it is advisable to have comprehensive health insurance. It's also recommended to regularly use insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Suriname hosts numerous embassies and consulates, including those of the United States, Brazil, China, the Netherlands, and India. Most of them are located in Suriname's capital, Paramaribo.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccines for travel to Suriname include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Suriname is home to a variety of wildlife, some of which can be dangerous. These include the Brazilian Wandering Spider, Fer de Lance and Bushmaster snakes. In waters, caution should be exercised due to the presence of piranhas and caimans. Visitors are advised to avoid approaching wildlife, no matter how harmless they seem.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visa requirements into Suriname generally require a valid passport. Some countries are exempted from visa requirements, while others can buy a 'tourist card' or apply for a visa online prior to arrival.
💲 Currency
The currency of Suriname is the Surinamese dollar (SRD). Currency can be exchanged at local banks, hotels, and at the airport. It is important to ensure that your currency is exchanged at authorized outlets.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in the main cities of Suriname. However, in smaller establishments and in the countryside, cash is often the preferred mode of payment. It's recommended to have a mix of both.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While it is possible to work and travel in Suriname, opportunities are somewhat limited due to the size of the country and the level of economic development. Teaching English or volunteering with environmental or social programs are some possibilities.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living in Suriname is relatively moderate. Accommodation, eating out, and transportation are reasonably priced, but imported goods can be expensive. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-50 per day, while a more comfortable budget would be around $60-100 per day.