Capital city, Suriname
Is Paramaribo safe?
Easygoing and safer than most of the region, but robbery and burglary happen in quiet spots after dark.
Is Paramaribo safe?
Easygoing and safer than most of the region, but robbery and burglary happen in quiet spots after dark. Stay on busy streets at night and use organized operators for the interior.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-09-07.
- Homicide rate in Suriname: 6.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Suriname: 15.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 115 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110 · All emergencies 115.
Safety in Paramaribo at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag and phone snatching, burglary, and robberies at night in the Palmentuin and quiet streets; violent crime against visitors is less common. |
| At night | The center is quiet after 10 pm; use a registered taxi booked through the guesthouse rather than walking late. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women; harassment is low. Use usual care at night and on empty streets or beaches. |
| Other risks | Dengue and mosquito-borne illness; Heat and humidity; Flooding in the rainy season |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unofficial taxis quoting inflated prices from the airport
- Money changers offering odd rates on the street
- Informal 'guides' offering cheap jungle trips
Take care
- Palmentuin and Waterkant after dark: robberies
- Quiet side streets at night: use a taxi
- Independent travel in the interior: robberies reported, use operators
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences bring severe penalties; pack bags personally
- Overstaying or working without a permit is illegal
Quick answers
Is Paramaribo safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women; harassment is low. Use usual care at night and on empty streets or beaches.
Is Paramaribo safe at night?
The center is quiet after 10 pm; use a registered taxi booked through the guesthouse rather than walking late.
What is the crime rate in Paramaribo?
Bag and phone snatching, burglary, and robberies at night in the Palmentuin and quiet streets; violent crime against visitors is less common. Nationally, Suriname records 6.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Paramaribo?
Police 115 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110 · All emergencies 115.
More about Paramaribo
Going to Paramaribo solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.