Packing list for Suriname, travel insurance for Suriname and packing your belongings

What to take to Suriname: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, but in any case you must pay an Entry Fee and register before departure. Always check the most recent regulations. The Surinamese dollar (SRD) is the official currency. You can withdraw cash reasonably well in Paramaribo, but outside the capital, cash is necessary.
• Clothing: light, airy clothing, such as cotton or linen, for the warm and humid climate. Long, thin clothing is comfortable against mosquitoes, the sun, and during jungle treks or church visits. A good raincoat or poncho is handy, as tropical downpours can break out suddenly.
• Shoes: sturdy but breathable hiking boots or trail shoes are ideal for jungle treks. Flip-flops are comfortable in the city and at lodges.
• Packing and protecting: a waterproof bag or dry bag for boat trips and a rain cover for your backpack. Insects and animals: good mosquito repellent (with DEET), especially if you are heading inland. A tick remover is a good idea, and long trousers are often just as important as mosquito spray.
• Sleeping and sleeping: a mosquito net is available in many jungle lodges, but check this beforehand. If you are venturing out on your own, an impregnated mosquito net provides good protection against mosquitoes.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: a comprehensive first-aid kit with ORS, plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrhea medication, disinfectant, and something for insect bites.
• Outdoors and handy items: reusable water bottle, sunglasses, cap or hat.
• Technology and equipment: Suriname uses type A, B, C, and F sockets. A universal adapter is useful. A power bank and headlamp also come in handy in the jungle.
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high protection factor, lip balm, and hand gel.

To consider

• Quick-drying clothing.
• Binoculars.
• Swimwear for creeks and waterfalls.

Are there mosquitoes in Suriname?

• Suriname consists of more than 90% rainforest, full of rivers and swamps. Perfect conditions for mosquitoes, therefore. They occur all year round, with peaks during the rainy season, along rivers and in the rainforest.
• Dengue is a regular occurrence. Additionally, malaria still occurs in parts of the interior, especially in remote forest areas along the borders with French Guiana and Brazil. In Paramaribo and the coastal strip, malaria plays virtually no role.
• Good protection against mosquitoes is therefore important.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Suriname?

• Sandflies occur in the rainforest, along rivers, and on some sandy banks.
• They are small, quiet, and often only let you know they were there when the itching starts (which can also last for weeks).
• Sandflies can transmit leishmaniasis. Especially during jungle treks, an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridine is recommended.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other insect repellents, in Suriname?

• In Paramaribo, DEET and other insect repellents are readily available at drugstores, pharmacies, and supermarkets.
• If you are heading inland, buy enough beforehand. The supply is limited in smaller villages.
• More about DEET anti-mosquitoe repellent.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Suriname, or bring it to Suriname?

• Cannabis is illegal in Suriname, and although it is sometimes used and offered in some parts of the country, possession, sale, and import remain illegal.
• Fines and penalties can be severe.