Expatriate Forums in Suriname

SHOPPING IN SURINAME / SURINAME SHOPPING GUIDE

Suriname Info — Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:15 am

Author: Suriname Info

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:15 am

SHOPPING IN SURINAME

Popular items include Maroon tribal woodcarvings, hand-carved and hand-painted trays and gourds, Amerindian bows and arrows, cotton hammocks, wicker and ceramic objects, gold and silver jewellery, Javanese bamboo and batik, as well as tobacco and liquor products. Chinese shops sell imported jade, silks, glass, dolls, needlework and wall decorations.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0730-1630, Sat 0730-1300.

Currency exchange

Surinam Dollars are the only legal tender; since the introduction of the new monetary system from the former gulden system, gulden coins are still in circulation, however they have been re-valued to a ratio of 1000 guldens per 1 Surinam Dollar. The Central Bank is authorized to exchange money.

Credit & debit cards

American Express and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards; Diners Club has limited acceptance. Check with your credit or debit card company for merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travellers cheques

Must be changed at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travelers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions

The import of foreign and local currency is unlimited, provided amounts in excess of US$10,000 are declared on arrival. On departure, the imported foreign currency can be exported again, up to the amount declared on arrival. The export of local currency is limited to SRD$1000.

NIGHTLIFE IN SURINAME / SURINAME NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

Suriname Info — Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:57 am

Author: Suriname Info

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:57 am

NIGHTLIFE IN SURINAME

There are several nightclubs in Paramaribo, often attached to a hotel, with live music and dancing. There are also a number of discos and several cinemas, including a drive-in. In general, it is best to stick to the hotels unless accompanied by locals who know the reputations of other nightspots, in particular those out of the town centre. The Local Events Bulletin lists all current activities and is usually available in hotels.

FOOD & DINING IN SURINAME / SURINAME DINING GUIDE

Suriname Info — Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:29 am

Author: Suriname Info

Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 5:29 am

FOOD & DINING IN SURINAME

Owing to the diverse ethnic mixture of the population, Suriname offers a good variety of dishes including American, Chinese, Creole, European, Indian and Indonesian. Indonesian dishes are recommended, usually rijsttafel with rice (boiled or fried) and a number of spicy meat and vegetable side dishes, nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and bami goreng (Indonesian fried noodles). Creole dishes include pom (ground tayer roots and poultry), pastei (chicken pie with various vegetables) and peanut soup. Indian dishes, such as roti (dough pancake) served with curried chicken and potatoes, and Chinese dishes, such as chow-mein and chop suey, are excellent. Moksi meti (various meats served on rice) is a local favourite.

Local drinks include the Indonesian Dawet (a coconut drink), Gemberbier (Creole ginger drink) and Pilsener Parbo Bier. There are some restaurants in Niew-Nickerie and Paramaribo, but they tend to be scarce outside the capital.