Group trips to Suriname

Suriname operates on Suriname Time (SRT), which is 3 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-3). Suriname does not observe daylight saving time. If it's 12 pm in the UK, it will be 8 am in Suriname. If it's 12 pm in New York, USA, it will be 1 pm in Suriname. Keep this in mind when planning calls or activities across time zones.

Suriname uses the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). The exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is approximately 27 SRD
• 1 USD is about 26 SRD
• 1 EUR is around 30 SRD

It's a good idea to exchange currency at local banks or authorized exchange offices for the best rates. Avoid exchanging currency with street vendors to ensure you get legitimate banknotes.

In Suriname, you can pay using credit and debit cards, with Visa and MasterCard being widely accepted. Cash is also commonly used, and you can withdraw Surinamese dollars from ATMs in major cities. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially if you are traveling to more remote areas where card payments might not be available. Keep in mind that smaller establishments may prefer cash payments.

Tipping in Suriname is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a service charge is often included in the bill, but you can add a tip of about 10% if the service was excellent. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Hotel staff, like porters, usually receive a small tip for their services. Keep some small change handy for these situations.

In Suriname, internet access can be a bit limited compared to more developed regions, but it's generally available in urban areas. Wi-Fi is commonly found in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in bigger cities like Paramaribo, but the connection might not always be super fast or stable. For more reliable internet access, especially if you're planning to explore rural areas, we suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan. Providers like Telesur and Digicel offer various options for prepaid data plans that can keep you connected during your travels.

In Suriname, the official language is Dutch. However, you'll also hear Sranan Tongo, a widely spoken Creole language, as well as other languages like Hindi and Javanese due to the country's diverse culture. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Hallo (Dutch)
• Thank you: Dank je (Dutch)
• How are you?: Fa waka? (Sranan Tongo)
• Yes: Ja (Dutch)
• No: Nee (Dutch)

Knowing a few phrases can enhance your experience while exploring Suriname!

In Suriname, they use Type A and Type B plugs, similar to those used in the USA. The voltage is 127 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. If you're coming from a country with different plug types, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any hassle. This is particularly useful if you're traveling with electronics that require plugging in.

The main religion in Suriname is Christianity, with a significant number of the population being Protestant or Roman Catholic. However, Suriname is known for its religious diversity, and you will find Hinduism, Islam, and other faiths practiced as well. The country celebrates a variety of religious holidays, including Christian ones like Christmas and Easter, Hindu festivals such as Diwali, and Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr. This diversity is a unique aspect of Suriname's cultural landscape.

Packing for Suriname involves preparing for a tropical climate. Here's a handy list to help you get started:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight t-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Long-sleeved shirts for mosquito protection
  • Light rain jacket or poncho
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Water shoes for wet adventures
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunhat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Common travel medications like pain relievers, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheal tablets

Suriname's weather can be hot and humid, so breathable clothing is key. Keep in mind that rain showers are possible, especially during the wet seasons.

Suriname has a tropical climate, so expect it to be warm and humid throughout the year. Here's a breakdown:

• Coastal areas: Temperatures hover around 27-32°C (81-90°F) with plenty of humidity. The rainy season is from May to mid-August and again from mid-November to mid-February. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from February to April and August to November.
• Interior regions: Slightly cooler but still warm, with temperatures ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F). More rain can be expected in the interior, especially during the rainy seasons.

We suggest you pack light, breathable clothing and be prepared for occasional showers.