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South America

Tourist scams in Suriname

There is not enough information to judge how common tourist scams are in Suriname or identify specific scam methods. Take care at night, avoid the Palm Garden in Paramaribo after dark, and check currencies and payment charges before agreeing to a price.

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    Where to stay alert

    • Palm Garden, ParamariboKnown for crime and drug trading. Avoid it at night.

    Habits that keep you safe

    Money

    • Confirm whether a price is in Surinamese dollars (SRD), US dollars or euros before paying. The $ symbol can be unclear.
    • For tours, hotels and fancier restaurants, ask which exchange rate will be used to convert the price into SRD.
    • Exchange money at banks or cambios. Count the money before leaving.
    • Plan your cash needs. Surinamese dollars can be difficult to exchange outside the country.

    Cards and ATMs

    • Do not rely on paying by credit card. Card payments in shops, hotels and restaurants are uncommon.
    • Ask about card charges before paying. An extra charge of 2–6% may apply.
    • Cover your PIN and decline help from strangers at an ATM.
    • Keep your card issuer's contact details somewhere you can reach if your card is lost.

    Your belongings

    • Carry only the cash and valuables you need for the outing.
    • Keep your phone, wallet and bag secure and within reach.
    • Store a copy of your passport separately from the original.

    Nights out

    • Avoid going out alone at night.
    • Avoid the Palm Garden in Paramaribo after dark.
    • Plan how you will return to your accommodation before going out.
    • Do not assume downtown areas are free of safety problems.

    Tours and guides

    • Do not travel into the interior, also called the binnenland, alone.
    • Confirm the full tour price, currency and included services before paying.
    • Allow for higher travel costs in the interior, where access is difficult.
    • Ask your guide before photographing places that may be sacred.

    Questions

    Are tourist scams common in Suriname?

    There is not enough information to judge their frequency or identify specific scam methods. Stay alert to prices, payments and your surroundings.

    Where should I take extra care in Paramaribo?

    Avoid the Palm Garden at night because of crime and drug trading. Downtown can also have safety problems.

    Is it safe to go out alone at night?

    Avoid going out alone at night. Plan your return to your accommodation before you leave.

    How can I avoid confusion over prices?

    Ask whether the price is in SRD, US dollars or euros. Tours, hotels and fancier restaurants often quote in euros or US dollars, then convert the amount into SRD. Confirm the exchange rate first.

    Is an extra credit card charge a scam?

    An extra charge of 2–6% may apply to card payments. That charge alone does not show fraud. Ask about it before agreeing to pay.

    Can I rely on cards and ATMs?

    Credit card payments are uncommon. ATMs are available in Paramaribo and larger northern municipalities, but card acceptance varies. Keep a backup way to pay.

    Where can I exchange money?

    You can exchange currency at banks and most cambios. Check the rate and count your money before leaving. Plan ahead because SRD can be difficult to exchange outside Suriname.

    Does an expensive tour mean I am being overcharged?

    A high price alone does not show a scam. Travel into the interior can be costly because access is difficult. Compare offers and confirm what the price includes.

    Can I explore the interior alone?

    Do not go into the interior, or binnenland, alone. Arrange a guide and confirm the route, price and included services before paying.

    What should I do if my wallet or passport is stolen?

    Get to a safe place, freeze missing cards and report the theft to the police. Keep the report details for your insurer. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing.

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