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 public healthcare system, but facilities and resources in Paramaribo are often overstretched. Private clinics offer a higher standard of care but are more expensive. For serious medical conditions, medical evacuation to another country (often the Netherlands or Trinidad) is common.
Hospitals
For tourists, the recommended facilities are private clinics like the Sint Vincentius Ziekenhuis or the Diakonessenhuis. In a serious emergency, go directly to the emergency room of 's Lands Hospitaal (the central public hospital) but be prepared for potential waits.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies ('apotheek') are widely available in Paramaribo and are generally well-stocked with common medications. Many drugs available only by prescription elsewhere may be available over the counter. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you require, as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel medical insurance with comprehensive coverage, including medical evacuation, is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and should be considered essential. Proof of insurance is not legally required for entry but is critical for your safety.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a basic first-aid kit including remedies for stomach upset, rehydration salts, and insect repellent.
- Ensure your routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus, etc.) are up to date and get destination-specific vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid) before travel.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The most common issue for tourists. Includes bag-snatching, pickpocketing, and theft from unattended belongings, especially in markets, bus stations, and crowded streets.
Occasional muggings, sometimes involving threats of violence, particularly targeting individuals walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Rental cars and parked vehicles are targets for smash-and-grab thefts if valuables are left in sight.
Risk of Dengue Fever, Chikungunya, and Zika virus, which are endemic to Suriname. Malaria risk is low in Paramaribo but present in rural interior regions.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
An overly friendly individual offers to guide you or help you find a taxi. They lead you to an unregistered taxi whose driver is in on the scam, resulting in a hugely inflated fare or a demand for more money mid-journey.
Individuals on the street offering 'great rates' for exchanging USD or Euros to Surinamese Dollars (SRD). They may use sleight of hand to give you less money, use outdated notes, or counterfeit bills.
Common in markets. One person creates a distraction (bumping into you, spilling something, asking a question) while an accomplice picks your pocket or slashes your bag.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services (if available). Avoid unmarked cars.
- Be cautious when using public minibuses ('bussen'); they are cheap but can be crowded and are hotspots for pickpocketing.
- Renting a car? Be extremely defensive; local driving standards can be erratic. Avoid driving at night outside the city center.
Money & Valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day. Leave passports, extra cash, and expensive jewelry in a hotel safe.
- Use ATMs located inside banks or shopping malls during daylight hours. Shield your PIN.
- Make digital copies of your passport, visa, and insurance documents, and store them securely online.
General Conduct
- Dress modestly to blend in and show respect, especially when visiting religious sites (mosques, temples).
- Be polite but firm if approached by persistent street vendors or 'guides'.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Dutch (the official language) or Sranan Tongo. A friendly 'goede dag' (good day) goes a long way.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Solo women travelers can visit Paramaribo safely but should take standard precautions to avoid unwanted attention and harassment, which, while not pervasive, can occur.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Always take a taxi, even for short distances.
- Dress modestly to minimize catcalling. While Paramaribo is cosmopolitan, conservative dress is respectful.
- Be cautious in bars and clubs; do not accept drinks from strangers and always keep your drink in sight.
- If harassed, a firm and loud 'No' ('Nee') can be effective. Seek help from nearby shopkeepers or police if necessary.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Suriname. However, there is no legal recognition of same-sex marriage or partnerships, and discrimination protections are limited.
- Exercise discretion. Avoid public displays of affection to minimize risk of harassment.
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly venues online or through community forums, as they are not widely advertised.
- Be cautious when using dating apps; arrange to meet in public, populated places.
Travel Insurance
Critical due to the limited local medical facilities. A serious illness or accident will likely require medical evacuation to a country with advanced care, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
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