Capital city, Suriname
Paramaribo
Compact, multicultural capital with a UNESCO-listed wooden old town, Javanese, Indian, Creole and Chinese food, and easy access to rainforest trips. Hot and humid, with thin nightlife and limited public transport.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$662–1,060Comfortable, one person · SRD25,000–40,000Details
- Value for money91/100Better value than 90% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, Aug–OctWarmest: Oct, 30°CDetails
- Internet183 MbpsFixed broadband, Suriname medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilParamaribo's mains water is treated and many locals drink it; bottled or filtered is safer for visitors, and essential in the interior.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–21Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashSRD cash runs daily life; USD and EUR are also accepted by some operators.Details
Where to stay in Paramaribo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Historic Inner City | Walkable UNESCO area: Waterkant, guesthouses and cafés |
| Palm Garden surroundings (Zeelandia) | Quiet streets near the gardens and Fort Zeelandia |
| Wanica / Uitvlugt | Cheaper long stays; need a car or taxi |
Apps that work in Paramaribo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps. Taxis have no meters; agree prices in advance or ask your guesthouse to call a driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Suriname.
- Mostly cash SRD cash runs daily life; USD and EUR are also accepted by some operators. Cards work at hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants.
- Currency: Dollar (SRD). US$1 ≈ SRD37.75 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Some Paramaribo bank ATMs accept foreign cards and dispense SRD; outside the capital, bring cash.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants if service isn't included; small tips for guides, boatmen and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Visitors mostly pay cash; contactless cards work at bigger hotels and supermarkets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors pay an online entry fee (about USD 50) before travel; some nationalities need an e-visa instead.
- Fill in the online Immigration and Customs Form up to three days before arrival and again before departure.
- A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a risk country.
Emergency numbers
Police 115 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110 · All emergencies 115
Plugs
Type A, B, C, F · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telesur and Digicel shops in Paramaribo sell prepaid SIMs with a passport; coverage drops away from the coast.
Going to Paramaribo solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Paramaribo meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.