Paramaribo, Suriname Report of what it's like to live there - 02/04/10
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?
3rd tour overseas
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?
Pacific NW, it's a two day trip with an overnight in MiamiThe travel in and out of Paramaribo has been one of the most frustrating aspects. I originally thought it would be nice to be so close to the US but it often takes longer to get home from here than it did from Africa. Flights are fairly expensive also.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 1/2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nice sized houses most with small yards, I don't know anyone in apartments. Commutes are fairly short if you leave at odd times, if you leave around 730 and 1700 you'll be sitting in traffic for awhile. Around holidays the traffic is bad at all times.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Stuff imported from the states is pretty expensive, but there is really nothing you can't buy here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Toys for the kids (imported ones are ridiculously expensive)
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, Burger King (although they often run out of burgers), KFC, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s and several good local roti shops. Prices are the same or cheaper than in the states.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes abound especially in the rainy season. Ants, ants and more ants
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Embassy pouch
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
About $200 a month
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy has a nice gym and there are several gyms and clubs in the city that you can join to gain access to their pools and gyms.
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?
We use RBTT ATM's all the time and have had little to no problems (they do often run out of money and it can be frustrating)
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
yes
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
No on the newspapers. Directv from Venezuela is $50 a month and you get all the networks from the states. AFN is also available through the Embassy.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, although some Dutch is helpful.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No sidewalks, no ramps and very few (terrifying) elevators.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
If you use a reputable taxi company you'll have no problem.
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?
You're going to want high clearance for the flooding that takes place in rainy season.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
DSL is $50 a month. It's reliable but not very fast. Just ran a speed test and the download rate is .11 mbs and upload is .10 mbs. I don't watch a lot of videos on youtube but for regular use it's fine. We've also had no problems playing WII online, it's slow but works.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring an unlocked GSM phone and buy a local sim card either Digicel or Telesur. You'll have no problems. You can buy phone's here, they're just pricier than ebay.
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?
No
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
I've had good experience with the vets. They can do minor surgery (spay & neuter) and are fairly helpful. I wouldn't leave an animal in a kennel here.
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?
Through some NGO's but don't expect much money.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
I've seen people go into the nicest restaurant in town in shorts and a t-shirt. Work is business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just your typical stuff, watch your bag when in the markets, drive with your windows up and doors locked, lock your doors at home. We have embassy provided guards at the residences.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue, malaria (if you leave the city) and various stomach bugs. The local medical care is sub par to say the least. If you have major medical issues than you don't want to come here. And always make sure it really is an emergency before you consider going to the ER. You'll likely leave worse than you went in, otherwise. On a positive note, I hear that the dentists are very clean and do good work.
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?
Healthy except around the holidays when all the fireworks are being lit off.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Tropical, there is a big and little rainy season and a big and little dry season but it rains a little even in the dry season. The roads do tend to flood after some of the longer rains. There is also a pretty consistent breeze making the heat tolerable.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The international school is a Christian school. They seem more interested in spreading the word of God rather than education. If that's your thing you'll be happy, if not than prepare to home school. That being said I have my 4 year old in Pre-K there and he enjoys it. Of course there's not a lot of education in pre-k, it's more about the interaction and there was the one slaughtered lambs coloring sheet, but we managed to laugh that off. There is one other English speaking school in town that a few Americans use.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
none
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?
The international school has a pre-k class. There is also the Rainbow School which is more of a daycare than school but is English speaking.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There is soccer for boys and dance classes for girls.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty small
2. Morale among expats:
It has its ups and downs.
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?
There are a few dance clubs, karaoke, a couple of bars with pool tables, several nice restaurants and a few nice casinos
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There's not a lot of night life. I imagine it would be challenging being single here. It's a good city for families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I haven't heard much but I imagine it would be fine. It's a very tolerant culture.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No, one of the things Surinamers are very proud of is the fact that there is a Mosque and a Synagogue built right next to each other downtown.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to the jungle, boat trips through the swamps and rivers, getting to see leatherback sea turtles nesting and hatching. The fireworks for New Years are incredible.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There several nice beaches on the river a short drive from town. Hiking in the jungle at Brownsburg, boat trips on the river to see dolphins, in the spring the sea turtles come to the coast to nest. There's a nice ocean beach at Matapica. Fishing on the lake for peacock bass and piranha. Day trips to French Guiana for good cheese and wine. The accommodations at 95% of the places out of town are rustic to say the least. There is one really nice resort that has opened in the past year that has very nice accommodations along with zip lines and kayaking. If you stay anywhere else be prepared to bring your own food, bedding or hammocks and mosquito nets. If you're the outdoorsy type you'll love it, if you're looking for museums, concerts or spas you'll be miserable.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
trips to the rain forest
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The Amazon rainforest is in pristine condition here and you should take advantage of it before it's gone.
11. Can you save money?
Yes
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
High expectations and try to adjust to life in the Caribbean
3. But don't forget your:
pool items, sunscreen, camping and fishing gear, bring life jackets for the kids as most stuff out of the city involves a boat ride
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Time is Short and the Water Rises, John Walsh The Riverbones, Andrew Westoll Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice, Mark Plotkin
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Things can be frustrating here like they are in any developing country, but all in all it's a pretty easy tour.
