GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Suriname.
Capital
Paramaribo.
Geography
As a country located in South America according to eningbo, Suriname is bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean, to the east by the Marowijne River, which forms the border with French Guiana, to the west by the Corantijn River on the border with Guyana and to the south by forests, savannahs and mountains, which form a natural border with Form Brazil. The north consists of coastal plains with mangrove swamps. A narrow savanna belt stretches further inland. In the south the hilly landscape turns into mountains, is covered with dense tropical forest and is crossed by numerous rivers.
Government
Presidential republic since 1987. According to the 1987 constitution, unicameral parliament (national assembly) with 51 members. Independent since 1975 (former colony of Dutch Guiana).
Head of state
Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan, since 2000 (re-elected in August 2005).
Head of government
Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan, since 2000 (re-elected in August 2005).
Electricity
110/220 V, 60 Hz.
Time zone
Suriname Time: CET -4
MONEY
Currency
1 Suriname dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: S $, SRD (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Sf; Coins are in circulation with denominations of 250, 100, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
Credit cards
Above all, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in Paramaribo in larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted in Europe and worldwide. ATMs are available, and signs at the machines indicate whether the card is accepted.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is limited to S $ 100 (children under 12: S $ 50). The import of foreign currencies is unlimited; Declaration of light. Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Money can be exchanged in banks and exchange offices in Paramaribo and other cities. Due to the risk of fraud, it is not advisable to switch to the open road.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Dutch. English is widely spoken. The Creole dialect Sranan Tongo is used as the colloquial language. Much of the population speaks Hindi and Javanese.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Annotation
(a) Chinese, Jewish and Hindu shops are also closed on their own holidays.
(b) The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes the festival day Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is only possible to a limited extent or Some even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be expected that meals and drinks may only be consumed in the hotel restaurant or in the room during Ramadan.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in questions of respecting Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions can also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like the Eid al-Adha, has no specific duration and can last 2-10 days depending on the region.
(c) Hindu holidays are based on local astrological observations and can therefore only be given as an approximate date.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Suriname duty-free:
400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 200 cigarillos or 500 g tobacco;
2 l spirits;
4 l of wine;
50 grams of perfume;
1 liter eau de toilette;
other merchandise and gifts up to a value of S $ 40.
Prohibited imports
The import of vegetables, meat and meat products, coffee, plants, tubers, onions, roots, fish, rice, cocoa, pineapple fruits, bananas, citrus fruits and coconuts is prohibited.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Suit or costume is expected. Business hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sat 7 a.m.-2.30 p.m.
Economy
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Surinam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
PO Box 149, Dr JC de Mirandastraat 10, Paramaribo
Tel: 47 45 36.
Business contacts
Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
c / o DPS Communications, Gessnerallee 28, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel: (044) 699 54 47.
Internet: www.latcam.ch
Surinam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
PO Box 149, Dr JC de Mirandastraat 10, Paramaribo
Tel: 47 45 36.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service.
Cellphone
GSM 900/1800 cellular network operated by NV ICMS (Internet: www.icms.parbo.net) and Telesur.GSM. Reception / transmission area is limited to Paramaribo and the surrounding area. Roaming contracts exist with a mobile phone company in Switzerland, among others.
Internet
Main providers: SRNet (Internet: www.sr.net) and NV ICMS (Internet: www.icms.parbo.net).
Post Office
Airmail takes up to a month to Europe and about a week to the Netherlands.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Wood carvings, trays, bottle gourds, bows and arrows, hammocks, wickerwork, ceramics and jewelry. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 7.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m., Sat 7.30 a.m.-1 p.m.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
In Paramaribo, some hotels have nightclubs where you can dance. Some nightclubs and several cinemas, including a drive-in theater, provide further evening entertainment. The Local Events Bulletin, available at most hotels, includes a calendar of events.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are modern, air-conditioned hotels in Paramaribo. Advance booking is recommended due to limited room capacity. A 10% service charge is added to bills. There are also several guest houses and guest houses available, the tourist office can provide further information. There are few hotels and restaurants outside the capital and Nieuw Nickerie, 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 areas.
Other accommodation options
In Paramaribo, on Heerenstraat, there is a YWCA / YMCA hostel.
CULTURE
Religion
47% Christians, 27% Hindus, 20% Muslims, 5% followers of natural religions.
Social rules of conduct
Casual clothing is appropriate in most cases. Women should wear long trousers on trips inland. Swimwear belongs on the beach or swimming pool. Photographing: Public buildings, military installations, or police stations should not be photographed. It is best to always ask permission before taking a picture. Tip: Hotels charge 10-15% for service, and some restaurants charge 10% as well. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical climate tempered by trade winds. Rainy seasons from December to January and April to July. The best time to travel is the dry season from February to April.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +597 Area (square km) 163 265 Population 579633 Population density (per square km) 4 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 113