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.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Suriname is one of the world's most multicultural nations — Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroon, Amerindian, Chinese, and Dutch communities coexist. Showing genuine curiosity about each culture is warmly welcomed.
The side-by-side presence of a synagogue and mosque on Keizerstraat is a source of great national pride — engage respectfully with this symbol of tolerance
Surinamese people are generally reserved at first but become very warm once rapport is established. Greet people you encounter even in passing — it's expected.
Dutch is the official language but Sranan Tongo (Surinamese Creole) is the national lingua franca spoken by almost everyone. A few words of Sranan shows respect and delight locals.
Religion is a serious and important part of daily life across all communities. Major Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian celebrations are national holidays and observed with great ceremony.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people with a friendly 'Hoe gaat het' (Dutch: How are you) or 'Fa waka' (Sranan: How are you walking/going) — acknowledged greetings are expected
- Remove shoes when entering Hindu temples and people's homes, particularly in Hindustani and Javanese households
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites — cover shoulders and knees at temples, mosques, and churches
- Accept offered food or drink when visiting a Surinamese home — refusing is considered impolite; you may take a small amount if not hungry
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially at religious sites, markets, and in Maroon or Amerindian communities
- Show interest in Suriname's diverse cultures and history — locals are proud of their multicultural heritage and appreciate thoughtful questions
Don't
- Don't discuss the military dictatorship era (1980-1988) or Desi Bouterse with strangers — political sensitivities remain strong
- Don't point with your index finger at people or religious objects — use an open hand gesture instead, particularly in Javanese and Hindustani contexts
- Don't photograph military installations, government buildings, or police checkpoints — this can cause serious trouble
- Don't assume everyone speaks English — Dutch is the official language and many older Surinamese are more comfortable in Dutch or Sranan Tongo
- Don't raise your voice or show public anger — Surinamese culture values calm, measured interaction and public confrontations are deeply frowned upon
- Don't treat Maroon and Amerindian communities as tourist attractions — always visit through respectful guided arrangements that benefit the community
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Keti Koti (Emancipation Day)
July 1st is Suriname's most emotionally significant national holiday, commemorating the abolition of slavery in 1863. Ceremonies, music, and gatherings throughout Paramaribo reflect the deep importance of this day to Afro-Surinamese communities. The name means 'chains broken' in Sranan Tongo.
Multi-faith Religious Observance
Suriname celebrates Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian holidays as national public holidays. Businesses close for Holi Phagwah, Eid, Diwali, and Christmas alike. This formal recognition of multiple faiths reflects the constitutional commitment to multicultural equality.
Maroon Wood Carving Tradition
Maroon communities maintain a rich tradition of geometric wood carving representing one of the most distinctive African-derived artistic traditions in the Americas. Designs carry specific cultural meanings related to history, spirituality, and identity.
Javanese Gamelan Music
The Javanese-Surinamese community maintains traditional gamelan orchestras and cultural performances passed down since the indentured labor era. These performances feature at community celebrations and national cultural events.
Surinamese Roti Culture
Roti (Hindustani flatbread with curry) transcends its Indian origins to become a beloved national food eaten by all ethnic groups. Sharing roti is a social act — Surinamese people from all backgrounds bond over roti at food stalls, establishing it as a true national dish.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake is standard for first meetings across most communities. Close friends may exchange cheek kisses (Dutch influence). In Hindustani and Javanese contexts, a slight bow with hands together (namaste) is appreciated at religious settings.
- Dining
- Wait for the eldest or host to begin eating before starting your meal. It is polite to try everything offered. Don't waste food — portions are generous and leftovers are typically taken home.
- Dress
- Smart casual is appropriate for most situations. Lightweight, modest clothing suits the tropical climate. Beachwear is only for beaches — not acceptable on city streets or in restaurants.
- Gifts
- Bring a small gift (sweets, fruit, or flowers) when visiting a Surinamese home. Avoid leather items for Hindu households and alcohol for Muslim homes. Gifts are often set aside to open later rather than immediately.
- Business
- Business culture blends Dutch directness with Caribbean warmth. Punctuality is valued in formal settings. Exchange business cards with both hands and read cards received before putting them away.
- Tipping
- 10-15% tip is appreciated at restaurants but not always expected. Round up taxi fares as a tip. Tour guides appreciate 10-20% of tour cost for good service.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Fa waka? (Sranan Tongo)
Hello / How are you?
fah WAH-kah
Goedemorgen (Dutch) / Moi mamanten (Sranan)
Good morning
HOO-duh-MOR-hen / moy mah-MAN-ten
Dank u wel (Dutch) / Tangi (Sranan)
Thank you
DANK-oo-vel / TANG-ee
Alstublieft (Dutch) / Plie (Sranan)
Please
AHL-stoo-bleeft / PLEE
Ja / Nee (Dutch) / Iya / No (Sranan)
Yes / No
yah / nay / EE-yah / noh
Pe ... de? (Sranan)
Where is...?
peh ... DEH
Opo prijs? (Sranan)
How much does this cost?
OH-poh PREYS
Mi no sabi (Sranan)
I don't understand
mee noh SAH-bee
Pardon (Dutch/Sranan)
Excuse me / Sorry
par-DOHN
Switi! (Sranan)
Delicious!
SWEE-tee
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Suriname.
Main: Suriname has no single majority religion — Christianity (primarily among Creole communities), Hinduism (Hindustani community), Islam (Javanese and some Hindustani), and Judaism all have significant followings. Indigenous spiritual practices continue in Maroon and Amerindian communities.
Sites: Key religious sites: St. Petrus en Paulus Cathedral (largest wooden church in the Americas), Neveh Shalom Synagogue, Arya Dewaker Hindu Mandir, Keizerstraat Mosque (Ashrafoel Mosque), and multiple Javanese mosques throughout Paramaribo.
Holy Days: National public holidays include: Keti Koti (July 1, Emancipation), Holi Phagwah (Hindu spring festival, March), Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Diwali (Hindu festival of lights), Good Friday and Christmas. Most businesses close for all these holidays.
Conversations: Avoid discussing religious superiority or making comparisons between faiths — Surinamese religious coexistence is genuinely valued and any suggestion that one religion is superior will cause offense across all communities.