Social ConventionsInformal dress is suitable for most occasions. Guayabera or safari outfits are increasingly worn in place of jackets and ties. Women should wear long trousers on trips to the interior. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside.
Photography: It is inadvisable to photograph public places, particularly of a political or military nature (including police stations). There is a general sensitivity about the taking of photographs – it is advisable to seek prior permission.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline
is
Surinam Airways (PY) (website:
www.slm.firm.fr).
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsJohan Adolf Pengel (PBM) (Paramaribo) is 45km (28 miles) south of the city.
To/from the airport: A coach meets all arrivals. There are also buses or taxis to the city (journey time – 45 minutes).
Facilities: Duty-free shop, bank, bar/restaurant and post office.
Getting There by WaterMain port: Paramaribo.
Surinam Shipping Line sails from Mexico and New Orleans monthly. There are coastal services between ports and services to Germany and The Netherlands. The
Royal Netherlands Steamship Company provides a service from Amsterdam to Surinam with limited passenger accommodation.
There are regular
car ferry services across the Surinam River and Marowijne River from Albina to St Laurent de Maroni (French Guiana), from Southdrain (Surinam) to Moleson Creek (Guyana), and across the Corantijn River from Nieuw Nickerie to Springlands (Guyana).
Getting There by RoadThe coastal road from Paramaribo leads to the borders of French Guiana and Guyana.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Surinam without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 200 cigarillos or 20 cigars or 500g of tobacco;
1l of spirits, 4l of wine and 8l of beer;
50g of perfume and 1l eau de toilette, lotions and eau-de-cologne;
other goods for personal use up to the value of US$500.
Fruit (except a reasonable quantity from The Netherlands), vegetables, coffee, plants, roots, bulbs, cocoa, rice, fish, meat and meat products (unless a valid health certificate is shown).
Internal Travel:IntroductionNoteIt is advisable to check the weather conditions before setting out for the interior, as heavy rains can cause delays.
Getting Around By AirDomestic flights to towns in the interior are operated from Paramaribo (Zorg en Hoop airfield) by
Surinam Airways (PY). They also provide services from Paramaribo to the Nieuw Nickerie district, and maintain a charter service.
Getting Around by WaterTo visit the interior and some coastal areas, river transport is the least expensive and often most efficient option.
Getting Around by RailThere are currently no services in operation.
Getting Around by RoadTraffic drives on the left. There is a reasonable, largely paved, road network with some potholes. Drivers using their own cars should make sure they carry a full set of spares.
Bus: There are services from the capital to most villages, with fixed routes at low prices. Buses tend to be very crowded and chaotic with loud music.
Taxi: These are not metered, prices should be agreed before departure and tipping is not necessary. They can be hard to find after 2200 and on Sundays or holidays.
Car hire: Available at the airport and in Paramaribo through main hotels.
Documentation: International Driving Permit required.
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