Public transport in Paramaribo is not extensive. Buses and taxis are available, and car hire companies are present in the city. Most of the main attractions in Paramaribo can easily be explored on foot, while hiring a bicycle is a pleasant way of exploring the city. Buses are privately operated and travel along set routes but don't have predetermined schedules; buses will often only leave the station once they are full. Taxis are reasonably priced but unmetered, so it's best to negotiate a fare before getting in. Water taxis also ply their trade across the Suriname River to the Commewijne District. Driving in Suriname follows the British system, so cars drive on the left side of the road. There are a number of car hire companies at the airport and in the city. Rental cars are expensive and not always in the best condition. There are few good roads outside of Paramaribo so travelling outside of the city will most likely require a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Local time is GMT -3 hours.
Electrical current ranges between 110 volts and 230 volts, 60Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
The official currency is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). Money can be exchanged at banks; the best currencies to change are Euros, US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling. Major international credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in towns and cities throughout the country.
The international dialling code for Suriname is +597. Mobile coverage is adequate in towns and cities, but is limited in more remote areas of the interior. Internet cafes are available in major towns.
115 for police and general emergencies, 113 for the ambulance, and 110 for the fire department
2019 | 2020 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Good Friday | 30 Mar | 19 Apr |
Easter Monday | 22 Apr | 13 Apr |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
Abolition of Slavery Day | 1 Jul | 1 Jul |
Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) | 4 Jun | 24 May |
Indigenous Persons Day | 9 Aug | 9 Aug |
Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) | 11 Aug | 31 Jul |
Day of the Maroons | 10 Oct | 10 Oct |
Diwali (Hindu Festival of Light) | 27 Oct | 14 Nov - 14 Oct |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Boxing Day | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
Paramaribo has a hot and humid tropical climate. Rainfall is common all year round, with June being the wettest month. Temperatures are consistently high throughout the year; daytime temperatures rarely fall below 77°F (25°C), with highs averaging around 88°F (31°C), although continuous trade winds do bring some cooling relief. The best times to visit Suriname are between February and April and from August to November. Fortunately, Suriname lies outside the Atlantic Hurricane Zone, so it is not prone to these tropical storms.
Buses run from the airport into Paramaribo and take about an hour. Minibuses are also available but can be hot and crowded with luggage.
Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Ross Rental Cars, among others, operate booths at the airport.
Taxis can be found outside the terminal. The experience of hiring one can be a bit chaotic as the drivers compete for fares.
Facilities are limited at this airport but travellers will find a few shops and eateries, a bank, and tourist information services.
Limited undercover parking is available for hourly, daily, and monthly rates.
Free wifi is available at the airport.