Paramaribo Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Paramaribo.
Healthcare System
Suriname has a mixed public-private healthcare system with Dutch colonial influences. Paramaribo has the country's best medical facilities, but they may not match standards in North America or Western Europe.
Hospitals
Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) is the main public hospital. Private facilities like Diakonessenhuis offer better standards for tourists. The 's Lands Hospitaal provides emergency services. Most doctors have been trained in the Netherlands or elsewhere internationally.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apotheken) are widely available in Paramaribo and well-stocked with common medications. Many medications available by prescription only in other countries can be purchased over the counter. Pharmacies typically open Monday-Saturday; some have Sunday hours. Bring prescriptions for specific medications.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and should include medical evacuation coverage. Suriname does not require proof of insurance for entry, but medical facilities often require payment upfront or proof of insurance before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records in English or Dutch
- Ensure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage to at least $100,000
- Private clinics provide faster, higher-quality care than public facilities
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; consider Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and tourist spots. Thieves often work in pairs or groups and target distracted tourists.
Armed robberies do occur, particularly at night and in certain neighborhoods. Incidents involving tourists are less common but do happen, especially when walking alone after dark or in isolated areas.
ATM skimming devices have been reported, and robberies sometimes occur near ATMs, particularly after dark when victims withdraw cash.
Road conditions vary widely, traffic rules are inconsistently followed, and pedestrian infrastructure is poor. Motorcyclists often drive recklessly, and street lighting is limited in many areas.
Dengue fever, malaria (in interior regions), Zika virus, and chikungunya are present in Suriname. Paramaribo has lower malaria risk than rural areas but dengue is a concern, especially during rainy season.
Tap water in Paramaribo is generally treated but may cause stomach upset for visitors. Street food hygiene standards vary considerably.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers quote inflated prices to tourists, especially at the airport or near hotels. Some refuse to use meters or claim meters are broken.
Street money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand, counterfeit bills, or quick counting tricks to shortchange tourists. The Surinamese dollar has experienced significant devaluation, making exchange calculations confusing.
Individuals approach tourists offering unofficial tours at low prices but provide poor service, take tourists to overpriced shops where they receive commissions, or abandon tourists mid-tour.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, or creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Budget accommodations advertise attractive rooms online but provide inferior rooms upon arrival, claiming the advertised room is unavailable, or add unexpected fees.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep a low profile and avoid displaying wealth, expensive jewelry, or large amounts of cash
- Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) and store separately
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself
- Learn basic Dutch or Sranan Tongo phrases for emergencies
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down
- Avoid discussing travel plans or accommodation details with strangers
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day in multiple locations
- Use credit cards where possible for better fraud protection
- Keep a small amount of cash separate as 'mugger money' to hand over if threatened
- Photograph your credit cards and important documents for easy cancellation/reporting
- Be discreet when accessing money or valuables in public
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Transportation
- Use only licensed taxis with official markings and identification
- Avoid motorcycle taxis unless absolutely necessary
- Don't travel alone in taxis late at night if possible
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving
- Park in well-lit, secure areas and never leave valuables visible in vehicles
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets - look both ways multiple times
- Avoid walking alone after dark; take taxis even for short distances at night
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations in safer neighborhoods like the historic center or near Waterkant
- Ensure your room has working locks and use them, including chain locks
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors without verifying identity
- Keep ground-floor windows closed and locked
- Get recommendations from your hotel for safe restaurants and attractions
- Use hotel transportation services when available, especially at night
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Apply insect repellent regularly, especially at dawn and dusk
- Avoid swimming in freshwater rivers or ponds due to parasites
- Seek medical attention promptly for fever, persistent diarrhea, or unusual symptoms
- Bring a basic first aid kit with any personal medications
- Consider travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
Cultural Awareness
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Ask permission before photographing people or their property
- Be patient with service - the pace of life is slower than in Western countries
- Avoid discussing politics or making negative comments about the country
- Learn about and respect Suriname's diverse ethnic communities
- Be aware that some areas may be sensitive due to past conflicts or current issues
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling relatively safe in Paramaribo compared to some other South American destinations, though street harassment (catcalling, comments) is common and can be persistent. Serious incidents are less frequent, but women should take standard precautions and be prepared for unwanted attention. Solo female travelers should exercise additional caution, particularly at night.
- Dress modestly to reduce unwanted attention - avoid revealing clothing, especially outside tourist areas
- Ignore catcalls and comments; engaging often encourages more attention
- Use registered taxis rather than walking, especially after dark
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in safer neighborhoods
- Avoid isolated beaches, trails, or areas without other people present
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Consider joining group tours rather than exploring alone in unfamiliar areas
- Keep your phone charged and accessible for emergencies
- Trust your instincts - remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Be aware that some men may be persistent; firm, clear refusals are necessary
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter some unwanted attention
- Connect with other travelers or local women through hostels or tour groups
- Be especially cautious at nightlife venues and when leaving bars or clubs
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Suriname (decriminalized in 1869), but same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. There are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. The age of consent is equal for all sexual orientations (16 years).
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection between same-sex partners
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with strangers or in public
- Be cautious about LGBTQ+ visibility on social media while in Suriname
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some guesthouses are quietly welcoming
- The small LGBTQ+ scene exists primarily through private networks and social media
- Be aware that some religious communities may be particularly conservative
- Consider booking private accommodations rather than requesting double beds in hotels
- Transgender travelers may face additional challenges with documentation and social acceptance
- Be prepared for potential discrimination or uncomfortable situations
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations discreetly for current safety information
- Exercise increased caution in rural areas and smaller towns outside Paramaribo
- Some international hotel chains may be more understanding and professional
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Paramaribo and Suriname. Medical facilities are limited for serious conditions, and medical evacuation to Trinidad, Barbados, or Miami can cost $20,000-$100,000+. Most hospitals require upfront payment or proof of insurance. Additionally, trip disruptions are common due to limited flight options and infrastructure challenges.
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