Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Suriname
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $31-92 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Suriname
Accommodation
$15-35 per night
Basic guesthouses, hostels, or budget hotels with shared facilities, often family-run establishments
Food & Dining
$8-20 per day
Local street food, market stalls, warung-style eateries, and self-catering from grocery stores
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Public buses, shared minibuses (busjes), walking, and occasional short taxi rides
Activities
$5-25 per day
Free walking tours, public beaches, local markets, occasional museum visits, and self-guided exploration
Currency: SRD Surinamese Dollar (though USD is widely accepted and often preferred for tourism services)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Suriname
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants - typically 60-80% cheaper
Use public buses and shared minibuses (busjes) instead of taxis for 70-85% savings on transportation
Stay in Paramaribo and take day trips rather than staying in remote lodges - can save 40-60% on accommodation
Book tours directly with local operators rather than through hotels - usually 20-40% less expensive
Shop at local supermarkets and prepare some meals yourself - reduces food costs by 50-70%
Travel during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for 25-40% lower accommodation rates
Join group tours instead of private tours - typically 50-75% cheaper per person
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating at hotel restaurants and tourist areas - typically costs 100-200% more than local establishments
Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public transport - can increase daily transport costs by 300-500%
Booking tours last-minute through hotels - usually 30-50% more expensive than advance booking with local operators
Not bringing US dollars - exchanging other currencies typically involves 5-10% additional fees
Staying only in remote jungle lodges without mixing in city accommodation - can double overall lodging costs