Paramaribo, Suriname Report of what it's like to live there - 09/03/13
Personal Experiences from Paramaribo, Suriname
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Several places previously.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA (about 15 hours from DC with stops in Miami and Trinidad).
3. How long have you lived here?
2010 - 2012.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Great housing. I loved our house. Most houses were great. Some were bigger than others. My son and I really loved it. We had a great time there and I often think fondly about that place.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
A bit more than in the U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing. I had everything I needed.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Foreign: McDonald's, Subway, Pizza places; all at regular prices or a bit more.
Great local places too. Definitely don't just go to the fast food places. So much variety and great food. Lots of Indonesian-type cuisine.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes. There is Dengue feaver in Suriname. It was never a huge problem while we were there, although you need to take some precautions. No malaria in Paramaribo, although there are pockets of it in the country. Ask the local nurse at the Embassy for medicine if you're heading out into the interior.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch for U.S. Embassy personnel.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
US$150-200 per month for part-time help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. One place called the Torarrica has a very nice club and i think it's about US$75 per month for membership for 2. Also the Golf club and several other places.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
There are some, but safer to use Embassy casheering, if that's an option.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, I think. I know they had some stuff going on at the Internatioal school, but i never went to any religious services so I am not really sure.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
TV was dish. i think it was about US$40 per month, and included internet too which was good enough for me, but I didn't ever try to download movies. Busy enough with parties.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not much. I don't really know much and I got along fine.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Some. The city really isn't designed for persons with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are not exactly what I would call safe, but not really awful either. We used them a bit and got along ok. However, most of the time I would drive myself and it was better. I wouldn't use public transport very much if at all.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
SUV. Lots of flooding at certain times in the year.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, see above.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring an unlocked phone with you to post .
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I think so.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work - business casual.
Public - casual.
Suriname is the largest Muslim country in South America. Having said that, again, the country only has a total population of 500,000 people or so. The people of Suriname are incredibly tolerant, and they get along with one another quite well, as well as with foreigners.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. Crimes of opportunity here and there. Best to read about crime issues on google for the most up to date issues.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue is in the city of Paramaribo; Malaria in the interior.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Pretty decent.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Wet and muggy during some months and then sunny and hot during others.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The main largest school is good, albeit a Christian school. It's called International American School - Paramaribo. It was ok for me, though. I am not a huge Christian guy or anything, but I think they set a good tone for most of their instructions and were not too pushy with their ideologies. My boy really loved the school and he and I both found the teaching to be more about kindness and caring than about the regimented ideals of religious teachings.
There is also (at least there was when I was there) an alternate school called the Suriname International School. From all accounts it was also a very good school, but I would check into it a bit more because my boy didn't attend that one, so I don't really know too much about it. It was newly formed when we got there and so it was going through the regular growing pains that a new school goes through. However, I think it was generally considered to be a good school and wasn't a religious school. So, for those not wanting a religious school, it's a good alternative. I may have gotten more on its feet since we left, so check on that as well.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not sure. I don't think there is much if anything.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There was one place called the Rainbow school where some people brought their kids. Otherwise, International American School had a preschool that was good. I think Suriname International School also had a pre-K program but i'm not sure.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, soccer in school, volleyball, and some other stuff.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty decent. Former Dutch colony and so there are Dutch tourists around. It's a small place (500,000 people in total in the country) so pretty big of course is relative, but I never had any problems finding people to hang out with and have fun with.
2. Morale among expats:
Pretty decent among some and not good at all among others (generally singles didn't like it as much, vs. families who tended to get along in Suriname much better).
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Parties at houses; Movies at the newer movie theater (very nice theater by the way). We saw some first run movies there, although a few weeks later than in the U.S.; Some nightclubs, but watch out for some because some were dangerous with some thugs in them.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think so (for families anyway). I loved it there. We had a great group of friends and were always having parties with them. I think if you're going to enjoy it it's all dependent upon that. I knew several people who absolutely hated it, but i loved it.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
No, from what I've heard it's not good.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No, not that I ever noticed.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Spending time with friends and having parties at our houses. We also did a lot of touring in the area, including boat trips to see the dolphins in the rivers, where we would also bring picknic baskets, wine, and all the fun stuff to make trips awesome.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Go to the beaches along the coast and seeing the Leatherback turtles; Going into the interior and seeing the people of Suriname (very varied groups throughout the country); Going on dolphin cruises; bicycling in the country; parties at friends' homes; sports for the kids; health clubs; golf club.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Arts and crafts.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Touring all over the country is available. Also, French Guyana and British Guyana are a few hours away by car (in opposite directions). You can take small planes into the interior, although it can get a bit dangerous sometimes. They are small planes and they are sometimes not very well maintained. Some have crashed and killed passengers. The main international flights into Suriname are reliable.
Also, we played Golf, tennis, and had a lot of fun there with friends.
11. Can you save money?
Yeah, for sure. It's not really that expensive there and more home parties than anything else.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, absolutely. I really enjoyed our time there. If we didn't meet the right people there, though, i think we would've had a much worse time there. I know several singles who really didn't like it there at all, and a few families who weren't that pleased with it as well. Overall, though, I thought it was fantastic. I would say, "Paramaribo??? I call that Paramaribo-tastic." - a la Conan O' Brien.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Skis; winter jackets; igloos; sled dogs; ice fishing gear.
3. But don't forget your:
Sense of adventure.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Riverbones.
