Shopping
Overview
Wood carvings, trays, gourds, bows and arrows, hammocks, wickerwork, pottery and jewelry. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 7.30am-4.30pm, Sat 7.30am-1pm.
Nightlife
Introduction
In Paramaribo, some hotels have nightclubs where you can dance. A few nightclubs and several cinemas, including a drive-in cinema, offer further evening entertainment. The Local Events Bulletin, available at most hotels, contains a calendar of events.
- Usprivateschoolsfinder: Offers description downloadable image of national flag for the country of Suriname. Also includes prehistory and history of this nation.
Culinary
Overview
Local specialties include Indonesian rijstafel with rice (boiled or fried), well seasoned meat and vegetable side dishes, nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and bami goreng (Indonesian fried noodles). Creole dishes such as pom (mashed tayer root and poultry), pastei (chicken pie with vegetables) and peanut soup are also tasty. Indian dishes like roti (a type of flatbread) served with chicken curry and potatoes, and Chinese dishes like chow mein and chop suey are also available. Moksi Meti (mixed meats on rice) is a local specialty. Drinks: Dawet (coconut milk drink), Gember beer (Creole ginger drink) and Pilsner Parbo beer are local specialties.
Accommodation
Hotels
In Paramaribo there are modern, air-conditioned hotels. Advance booking is recommended due to limited room capacity. 10% is added to bills for service. There are also several inns and guesthouses available, the Tourist Office can provide more information. Outside the capital and Nieuw Nickerie there are only a few hotels and restaurants and you should bring your own hammock and groceries.
Camping
The inland resorts of Cola Kreek, Blaka Watra, Zandery 1 and Republiek offer picnic areas and camping/swimming spots.
Other accommodation options
In Paramaribo, on Heerenstraat, there is a YWCA/YMCA hostel.
Culture
Religion
47% Christian, 27% Hindu, 20% Muslim, 5% followers of indigenous religions.
Social Rules of Conduct
Casual attire is appropriate in most cases. Women should wear long pants on trips inland. Swimwear belongs on the beach or swimming pool. Photography: Public buildings, military installations or police stations should not be photographed. It is always best to ask permission before photographing people. Tipping: Hotels charge 10-15% for service, and some restaurants also charge 10%. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Climate
Best travel time
Tropical climate moderated by trade winds. Rainy seasons from December to January and April to July. The best travel time is the dry season from February to April.
Country data
Phone prefix
+597
Area (sq km)
163265
Population
584,659 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
4
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
113