Business Customs
Business customs in Suriname do not differ significantly from those in the U.S., although the pace can be more leisurely. Government offices generally are open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Meetings with government officials are best arranged in the morning although many officials are hard to reach before 10 a.m. Government offices close early on Fridays and before holidays. Business entertainment includes dinners and cocktail parties and small lunches. Business suits are worn, but due to the tropical climate, casual clothing is often acceptable at most business meetings (except those with senior government officials). Exchange of business cards is a normal practice during meetings. Presenting gifts is acceptable.
Surinamers prefer establishing a comfortable working relationship first, as opposed to directly tackling business. Given the consensual nature of the Surinamese government, there is often a lengthy consultation process prior to any decision making.
Travel Advisory
Suriname International Travel Information (state.gov)
Visa requirements
https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/index
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s): State Department Visa Website
Currency
The local currency in Suriname is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD); however, The U.S. dollar and the Euro are widely accepted. Use of credit or debit cards is generally limited to hotels and select businesses. DSB and Republic Bank ATM’s also provide access to U.S. ATM networks.
Telecommunications/Electronics
The telecommunication sector is partially deregulated. Telecommunication infrastructure and fixed land line services are state owned, whereas mobile telecoms have been deregulated. Telesur is the state-owned telecom company and has exclusivie rights over fixed land line services. Telecommunication is accessible via landlines, cellular phones, and the internet.
Internet access is possible via DSL, smart phone internet, and Wi-Fi internet connection. Telesur and ParboNet, a private company, provide wireless Wi-Fi connections, but the latter is expensive and can take up to a week to set up. Most hotels provide Wi-Fi connections for their guests.
Cellular networks use GSM technology and offer 3G and 4G services. Cell phones are widely available and often inexpensive compared to U.S. prices. Telecom companies also offer cell phones on a rental basis.
Telesur and Digicel have roaming agreements with major U.S. cell phone service providers. Telephone and fax connections with the United States work well. Suriname is part of AT&T’s World Connect Service and “USA Direct.”
The types of voltage and plugs outlets used in Suriname are 120-volt U.S.-type plugs, duplex 110V, 220V, european110V, and 220V.
Transportation
Several airlines operate in Suriname.
Surinam Airways (SLM), the national airline, flies to Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Aruba, Curacao, Georgetown (Guyana), and Belem (Brazil), where connections can be made with other airlines. SLM also flies to Miami via Aruba or Georgetown, Guyana. Fly Always, a local airline, offers flights to Curacao and the Dominican Republic. Gum Air and Blue Wing Airlines also offer service between Paramaribo and Georgetown; however, private travel on Blue Wing Airlines is discouraged for safety reasons. (Official travel for U.S. Government personnel is prohibited) KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and SLM also provide non-stop service between Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and Paramaribo. American Airlines began direct flights in September 2021, with five flights a week from Miami to Paramaribo. Panamanian COPA offers flights between Paramaribo to Panama City. Caribbean Airlines also services Suriname from the United States via Trinidad and Tobago.
Traffic drives on the left in Suriname. Suriname permits both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive cars. An international driver’s license (obtainable from AAA) may be used to drive a car in Suriname.
Language
Dutch is the official language of Suriname, but almost all business contacts in the capital speak English, as well. Other languages spoken include Sranan Tongo, Hindi, and Javanese.
Health
Medical care is limited and does not fully meet U.S. standards.
Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for access to health services, which are inexpensive when compared to U.S. facilities. Americans visiting Suriname who are injured or become ill during their visit can be admitted to the only hospital with emergency and intensive care facilities, contingent on an advance payment deposit (payable only in U.S. dollars) or proof of adequate insurance coverage provided in a form acceptable to the hospital.
Business travelers should consult their health insurance company for information about reimbursement of medical expenses incurred outside the United States and, if advisable, obtain traveler’s insurance. Airlines may require travelers to prove they have been vaccinated for yellow fever prior to travel. See travel.state.gov for further information.
Mosquitos are a concern. Malaria is not present in Paramaribo but does appear in some parts of the interior. Anti-malarial prophylactics are highly recommended for overnight trips to certain sections of the interior. Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are present in Paramaribo and are especially prevalent during the rainy season.
Local time, business hours, and holidays
The time zone for Suriname is UTC/GTM -3 hours. There is no Daylight Savings Time.
Most businesses are open from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition, some retail businesses have extended Friday business hours until 7 p.m.
Suriname’s holidays in 2022 are as follows:
- February 1: Chinese New Year
- March 18: Holy Phagwa
- April 15: Good Friday
- April 18: Easter Monday
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 3: Eid ul- Fitr (tentative)
- July 1: Emancipation Day
- July 10: Eid al Adha (tentative)
- August 9: Indigenous People’s Day
- October 10: Maroon Day
- October 24: Divali
- November 25: Independence Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: Boxing Day
Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings
Temporary entry of goods in Suriname is permissible. The importer is required to notify customs. For further information about temporary entry of materials and belongings, please contact the customs office.
Customs Office
Telephone: (597) 402-626