Suriname is a hidden gem in South America, offering pristine rainforests, diverse wildlife, and a unique multicultural heritage blending Dutch colonial architecture with Caribbean, Javanese, Hindustani, and indigenous cultures. From the UNESCO-listed capital Paramaribo to untouched jungle adventures, this small nation delivers authentic experiences far from mass tourism.
Local currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Suriname.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $15-25
- Budget
- $35-55
- Midrange
- $70-120
- Luxury
- $150-350+
Food
- Street
- $2-4
- Local
- $7-12
- Midrange
- $15-25
- Fine
- $50-100+
Transport
- Minibus
- $0.15-0.50
- Taxi City
- $2-5
- Airport Taxi
- $25-30
- Daytrip
- $40-80
Activities
- Free Sites
- $0
- Museum
- $3-8
- Day Tour
- $40-80
- Jungle Expedition
- $150-500+
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Suriname costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$280-385/week
Midrange traveller
$700-980/week
Luxury traveller
$1400-2450+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat breakfast and lunch at the Central Market or street food vendors — a filling meal costs $3-6 and represents the most authentic Surinamese culinary experience
Use public minibuses for getting around Paramaribo — they cost $0.15-0.50 compared to $2-5 for taxis
Book day trips directly with Stinasu (government conservation body) for Brownsberg and other nature reserves — they offer lower prices than private tour operators
Stay in guesthouses in the historic district rather than hotels — central location eliminates transport costs for sightseeing
Parbo beer at local bars is $2-3 — significantly cheaper than imported beers or cocktails
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Waterkant Riverside Walk
Stroll along the Suriname River waterfront past colonial wooden buildings, watching river traffic and enjoying sunset views. The most atmospheric evening activity in Paramaribo at no cost.
Independence Square and Presidential Palace
The historic central square with the illuminated presidential palace, cathedral, and surrounding colonial architecture is freely accessible and beautiful at any time of day.
Palmentuin Monkey Park
The Garden of Palms in central Paramaribo is home to free-roaming capuchin monkeys. Bring peanuts and spend an hour watching and interacting with the friendly urban primates.
St. Petrus en Paulus Cathedral Interior
The largest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere is freely open to visitors. The soaring timber interior is extraordinary architecture that can be appreciated without any admission fee.
Central Market Browse
Walking through the bustling multicultural Central Market costs nothing and provides the most vivid sensory introduction to Surinamese life — colorful tropical fruits, spices, fish, and vendors from all ethnic backgrounds.
Neveh Shalom Synagogue Exterior and Area
The historic Jewish quarter around Keizerstraat with the synagogue and adjacent mosque is freely walkable. The juxtaposition of these two religious buildings is extraordinary and costs nothing to appreciate from the street.