Suriname Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Suriname.
Healthcare System
Suriname has a mixed public and private healthcare system. The Academic Hospital Paramaribo is the main referral hospital, and there are several private clinics offering better facilities. Healthcare in the capital is adequate for routine issues, but serious medical conditions may require evacuation to Trinidad, Barbados, or Miami.
Hospitals
Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) is the main public hospital. Private options include Diakonessenhuis and 's Lands Hospitaal. Most hospitals require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended as complex procedures may not be available locally.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apotheek) are available in Paramaribo and larger towns, carrying most common medications. Many medications available by prescription only in other countries can be purchased over the counter. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available. Pharmacies typically close early and have limited Sunday hours.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage including medical evacuation is strongly recommended and essentially required. Many healthcare providers require upfront payment, and medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions
- Carry copies of your prescriptions using generic drug names
- Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage to Miami or another major medical center
- Consider visiting a travel medicine clinic before departure for recommended vaccinations
- Water in Paramaribo is generally safe but bottled water is recommended, especially outside the capital
- Private clinics offer better service but are more expensive; confirm your insurance coverage
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles occur regularly, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and tourist sites. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists.
Armed robberies do occur, particularly at night and in isolated areas. Incidents have been reported involving tourists, especially those walking alone after dark or in poorly lit areas.
Theft from parked vehicles is common, with thieves breaking windows to steal visible items, bags, or electronics left inside cars.
Road conditions vary greatly, with many roads poorly maintained and lacking lighting. Driving styles can be aggressive, and accidents are common. Interior roads are often unpaved and difficult to navigate.
Malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus are present in Suriname, particularly in interior rainforest regions. Chikungunya has also been reported.
Strong currents and undertows at beaches can be dangerous. Rivers may have strong currents, and some contain parasites. Drowning incidents occur among tourists unfamiliar with local conditions.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxi drivers or even some licensed ones quote inflated prices to tourists, especially at the airport or hotels. Some drivers claim the meter is broken or refuse to use it.
Individuals approach tourists offering cheap tours to rainforest or interior locations but lack proper credentials, insurance, or safety equipment. Tours may be substandard or dangerous.
Street money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or switch denominations during the transaction.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals your bag, wallet, or phone.
Vendors at markets or tourist areas quote extremely high initial prices, expecting negotiation but still ending well above fair value.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends, especially for interior travel
- Learn basic Dutch or Sranan Tongo phrases, as English is not universally spoken
- Keep emergency numbers and your hotel address written down in case your phone dies
- Be aware that ATMs may be targeted by criminals; use machines inside banks during business hours
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess cash and valuables in hotel safe
- Use ATMs during daylight hours inside banks or shopping centers
- Divide money between different pockets and bags
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and large amounts of cash
- Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels and restaurants; carry sufficient cash
- The local currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD); US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted
Transportation
- Use only licensed taxis with 'TX' license plates; agree on fare before departure
- Avoid public buses after dark as they can be targets for theft
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving in urban areas
- Don't pick up hitchhikers and be cautious of people flagging you down
- For interior travel, hire reputable tour operators with proper vehicles and guides
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security, including safes and secure locks
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- Keep windows and doors locked, especially on ground floors
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Be discreet about your room number in public areas
- Research accommodation locations to ensure they're in safe neighborhoods
Night Safety
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in unfamiliar areas
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas if out at night
- Use registered taxis for nighttime transportation; have your hotel call one
- Be extra vigilant at night markets and evening events
- Limit alcohol consumption to maintain awareness of your surroundings
- Return to your accommodation before late evening, especially outside tourist areas
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; coverage is good in Paramaribo but limited in interior
- Download offline maps before traveling to areas with limited connectivity
- Learn the locations of your country's embassy or consulate
- Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a portable battery pack
- Have important contacts saved in your phone and written down as backup
- WhatsApp is widely used for communication in Suriname
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling safe in Suriname, though the usual precautions apply. Street harassment (catcalling) can occur but is typically not aggressive. Solo women travelers should exercise extra caution, particularly at night. Surinamese society is relatively conservative but diverse, and women are respected in business and social settings.
- Avoid walking alone at night; use registered taxis after dark
- Dress modestly to minimize unwanted attention, though Suriname is relatively relaxed about clothing
- Be firm but polite if experiencing unwanted attention; ignore catcalls and keep walking
- Consider staying in hotels with good security and female-friendly reputations
- Join group tours rather than exploring isolated areas alone
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drinks in bars
- Carry a phone with local SIM card and emergency contacts readily available
- Wedding rings (real or fake) can sometimes deter unwanted attention
- Connect with other travelers or join women's travel groups for shared experiences
- Be aware that some beaches and interior areas are isolated; travel with others
- Hotel staff can provide advice on safe areas and arrange reliable transportation
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Suriname, but there are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. The legal framework provides limited protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; avoid in rural areas and conservative neighborhoods
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and establishments in advance
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities for current advice and safe spaces
- Be aware that some hotels may have policies or attitudes that are not LGBTQ+-friendly
- Paramaribo has a small but growing LGBTQ+ scene; ask locals for recommendations
- Consider your safety when deciding whether to be open about your sexual orientation or gender identity
- Be prepared for curious questions or comments, particularly outside the capital
- Solo LGBTQ+ travelers should take the same precautions as all solo travelers, with added awareness of social attitudes
- Check your country's travel advisories for LGBTQ+ travelers to Suriname
- Transgender travelers may face additional challenges; carry appropriate documentation
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Suriname due to limited medical facilities, high costs of medical evacuation, and the potential for adventure activities in remote areas. Most healthcare providers require upfront payment, and medical evacuation to Miami, Trinidad, or another regional hub can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more. Insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended by all travel advisories.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries