|
|
|
|
In the past, Suriname was South America's best-kept secret. It seemed that only a handful of South Americans knew about the pristine beaches, atmospheric cities and huge steaks. But, when visiting the country became more affordable, visitors began flocking to Suriname. They came, loved it and went back home to tell their friends and then everyone started putting this tiny country on their vacation list. Suriname may be small, it's certainly big-hearted where attractions are concerned. It boasts one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns, the hilly interior - true gaucho (cowboy) country - and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts. So, the next time you are looking for someplace different to visit for a holiday or vacation, think about Suriname.
History |
|
History
Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a
military stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an
important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821,
Suriname declared its independence four years later and secured its freedom in
1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose Batlle
in the early 20th century established widespread political, social, and economic
reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla
movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Suriname's
president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By yearend,
the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over
the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. In 2004, the
left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively
ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and Blanco
parties. Suriname's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the
continent.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Learn the
Language
The official language is Spanish. However, you will find English
pretty well spoken in the larger cities and resort areas.
| Learn Spanish Today! Isn't it time you learned another language? Spanish is fast becoming one of the most popular language in the world. Countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, North America and Africa have countries where Spanish is the local language. These countries include Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cube, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Suriname, Chile, Argentina, Suriname, Equatorial Guinea and Mexico. If you plan to visit any of these countries, why not learn the language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Click on Learn Spanish Today to see how you can get FREE SPANISH LESSONS! |
|
| You will enjoy your visit to Argentina if you know the language - or at least, some of the language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center to find out how you can make your visit more meaningful. The Getting Away Language Learning Center will give you all of the information you will need to begin learning today! |
|
Best Time to Go
As the beaches are the main attraction, most visitors come in the summer.
Along the Río Suriname the summer temperatures can be very hot, but it is
much cooler in the hilly interior, especially at night. Between late April and
November, strong winds sometimes combine with rain and cool temperatures.
There is a pronounced seasonal change during the year with the
winter months (June to August) being fairly mild. Average temperatures
then
range between 6°C (43°F) and 15°C (59°F). At this latitude, the summer is comparatively cool with average highs peaking around a pleasantly warm 28°C
(83°F). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed over the year and tends to
fall quite moderately in just a few days.
Money and Costs
The main currency is the
Peso Surinameo with banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos.
Coin denominations are 50 centavos; 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos.
Casas de Cambio (currency-exchange houses) in Montevideo, Colonia and Atlantic beach resorts change cash and travelers checks (the latter at slightly lower rates or modest commissions). You may want to change some of your money before you arrive. In the interior, you will quite probably need to find a bank. Passports are needed for cashing travelers checks.
Costs are equal to what you will find in Argentina, especially with respect to accommodation and transportation. Budget travelers can get by on US$20.00 a day. However, for a good time, better comfort and nutrition, visitors should expect to spend closer to US$30.00 to $40 a day. Better hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards, and increasingly more Surinamean ATMs accept North American or European credit cards
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Getting To and Around in
Suriname
Passport Information
Visa Information
Getting To
Suriname
Getting
Around in Suriname
Passports
Check this chart to see what you need for
entry into Suriname
|
Country of Citizenship |
Passport? |
Visa? | Return Ticket Required? |
|
Australian |
Yes |
Yes | Yes |
|
British |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
Canadian |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
Japanese |
Yes | No | Yes |
|
United States |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
|
Other EU |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passport valid for at least six
months after arrival required by all.
Visa Information
Required by all except the
following:
►nationals of Antigua & Barbuda,
Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, The Gambia,
Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep), Malaysia,
Netherlands Antilles (holding valid Netherlands passports), The Philippines, St
Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Switzerland and
Trinidad & Tobago;
►transit passengers continuing their
journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, provided
holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
►Nationals staying for more than 24
hours need to get a transit visa on arrival at the airport.
Further, more detailed information can be found
on the
E-World Guide.
|
|
Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
|
|
|
At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Cities, Towns and Areas of Suriname
Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
| Book Hostels in Suriname Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
|
Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
When it comes to travel guides and other travel resource information, I personally prefer the travel guides and books put out by Fodor.
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
If you have something you believe should be added to this
page of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away.
mailto:
jimbruner@gettingaway.com
