Top5 Amazing Facts About Suriname That Will Shock You

In this article we will explore amazing facts about Suriname. It may seem like a peaceful place, but becoming a US citizen means losing Surinamese citizenship. At night, the city becomes quiet, and driving requires a unique understanding of directions. In some areas, men can have multiple wives if they all agree. Travelers should be cautious and curious, and avoid speaking too much English. So let’s know about Suriname.

5) English Speaking

One of the amazing facts about Suriname is that Surinam is a multilingual country with Dutch as its official language. People speak various languages such as Surran, Tongo, Javanese, Hindi, and Chinese, but most Surinamese do not speak all of them fluently. Only about 15-20% of the population can speak English well, mainly younger city residents and those in tourism.

Forcing locals to speak English can make them uncomfortable. A fabric seller even noted that excessive English use can lead him to smile and walk away. A 2022 survey revealed that over 65% of Surinamese felt annoyed or distanced by tourists speaking only English. Learning basic phrases in Dutch or Tongo can foster a warm welcome.

4) Driving

One of the amazing facts about Suriname is that Surinam and Guyana are the only countries in South America that prohibit driving on the right side of the road. Surinam, which was once a Dutch colony, chose to drive on the left. Upon arriving at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, visitors may be surprised to find taxis with right-hand steering wheels driving on the left.

This setup can be confusing, especially for those from countries that drive on the right. The high percentage of right-hand drive cars in Surinam comes from importing vehicles from Japan and regional influences. Travelers are advised to hire a local driver if they are unfamiliar with driving in Surinam.

3) Don’t Carry Sharp Things

One of the amazing facts about Suriname is that in Surinam, carrying small knives, scissors, or sports sticks can lead to serious legal trouble. The law states that any sharp object is seen as a weapon if carried in public without a valid reason or permit. Just having these items can result in accusations of illegal possession. For instance, a Dutch tourist was fined and banned from carrying weapons for having a small camping knife, despite saying he meant no harm.

2) Noise

One of the amazing facts about Suriname is that in Suriname, a strict rule called “Hinderwet” enforces quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., requiring silence in all areas, including busy towns. No loud activities like parties or barking dogs are allowed, and violations can result in police citations, with fines ranging from 500 to 5,000 SRD (about $25 to $250). This reflects the Surinamese value of peace and respect for the community. In 2022, over 200 noise violations were recorded, indicating that both locals and tourists are still adjusting to these quiet hours.

1) Pay Cash

One of the amazing facts about Suriname is that in Suriname, cash remains the primary form of payment, unlike in the US or Europe where digital payments are common. From cities to rural villages, people use cash for all transactions, viewing reliance on cards as a sign of being overly dependent on technology. Many locals prefer cash to manage spending better and avoid banking issues, especially after a currency crisis in 2021 led to distrust in banks.

Even though the government promotes digital payments, over 75% of transactions are still made in cash, and e-wallets are rarely used in rural areas. Do you prefer the feel of real money or are you used to digital payments? What would you do in Suriname if you ran out of cash? Share your thoughts in the comments.