What's the best way to fly to Suriname?

The primary route is Amsterdam to Paramaribo (PBM) via KLM — a direct 9-hour flight. From the US, connections through Miami or Caribbean hubs are available. Caribbean Airlines operates routes from Trinidad. From South America, connections through Georgetown (Guyana) or Cayenne (French Guiana) are options.

Should I ship my belongings or buy locally?

For most expats, it's cheaper and easier to buy locally or rent a furnished apartment. Import duties of 25–40% make shipping expensive. Bring essentials (electronics, medications, special items) in your luggage and source furniture, kitchenware, and appliances in Paramaribo.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $1,000–$2,000 USD in cash for initial expenses (airport transfer, first week's meals, SIM card, deposits). USD is widely accepted. Set up a Wise account before departure for ongoing international transfers. ATMs in Paramaribo dispense SRD.

What's the best time of year to move to Suriname?

The dry seasons (February–April and August–November) are the most comfortable for settling in. Avoid peak rainy season (May–July) when heavy downpours can make apartment hunting and getting around more challenging.

Do I need to learn Dutch before moving?

It's not strictly necessary for Paramaribo, where some English is spoken, but highly recommended. Basic Dutch will help enormously with bureaucracy, housing negotiations, and daily interactions. Many expats take Dutch classes at the University of Suriname or with private tutors ($10–$20/hour).

Expat Topics

D7, digital nomad, golden visa & more

💰

Cost of Living

Monthly budgets from €1,200 to €4,000+

🏥

Healthcare

Public, private & expat health insurance

🏠

Housing

Rent prices, best areas & lease tips

💼

Work & Business

Permits, remote work & freelancing rules

✈️

Moving Guide

Step-by-step relocation checklist

📚

Education

International schools & universities

🌆

Daily Life

Transport, food & expat communities

🌅

Lifestyle

Climate, culture & quality of living

📈

Investing

Property, stocks, tax & wealth building

View all resources →

Rankings Compare Blog

✈️

🇸🇷 Suriname

Moving Guide

PBM

Main Airport

45 km south of Paramaribo

Amsterdam–PBM

Key Route

KLM direct, ~9 hours

3–5 weeks

Shipping (Sea)

From Europe

High

Import Duties

25–40% on most goods

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Paramaribo 🌾Nieuw Nickerie

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Suriname requires planning around visa logistics, shipping, and adjusting expectations. Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) connects Paramaribo to Amsterdam, Miami, and Caribbean destinations. Most expats arrive with essentials and buy or rent furnished locally. Shipping from Europe takes 3–5 weeks by sea; from the US, 2–4 weeks.

Key Takeaways

Obtain your MKV (Temporary Stay Authorization) if planning to stay beyond 90 days
Airport transfer: pre-arrange with your accommodation — taxis from PBM to Paramaribo cost $25–$40
Sea freight from Europe: 3–5 weeks, $1,500–$3,500 for a shared container

Before You Leave

Preparation is key for a smooth move to Suriname. Unlike moves to more established expat destinations, you'll need to be more self-reliant — fewer English-language relocation services exist, import duties are steep, and some items are hard to find locally. Start planning 2–3 months before your move date.

Obtain your MKV (Temporary Stay Authorization) if planning to stay beyond 90 days
Get vaccinations: yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, typhoid — check CDC recommendations
Arrange international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage
Bring sufficient supply of any prescription medications — not all are available locally
Electronics: bring your laptop, phone, and a portable WiFi router — these are expensive locally
Clothing: pack light, breathable fabrics — you'll live in shorts and cotton year-round
Financial prep: set up a Wise account for international transfers; bring USD cash for initial expenses

Arriving in Suriname

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) is located 45 km south of Paramaribo — about a 45-minute drive. The airport is basic but functional. KLM operates direct flights from Amsterdam (the primary route for European expats), and there are connections to Miami, Caribbean islands, and Guyanese destinations. Plan your first few weeks in temporary accommodation while you search for permanent housing.

Airport transfer: pre-arrange with your accommodation — taxis from PBM to Paramaribo cost $25–$40
Immigration: have your e-visa/tourist card, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready
SIM card: purchase a Telesur or Digicel SIM at the airport or in Paramaribo — from $5 with data
Currency: exchange USD at the airport or withdraw SRD from ATMs in Paramaribo
Temporary accommodation: book 2–4 weeks at Hacienda Apartments or Airbnb ($30–$60/night)
Register at KPS (Aliens Department) within 8 days if entering on a KV visa

Shipping & Import Duties

Most expats ship a small container or bring extra luggage rather than doing a full household move. Suriname's import duties are high (25–40% on most goods), making it expensive to ship furniture and appliances. Electronics, household goods, and personal items can be shipped via sea freight — allow 3–5 weeks from Europe and 2–4 weeks from the US.

Sea freight from Europe: 3–5 weeks, $1,500–$3,500 for a shared container
Sea freight from US: 2–4 weeks, $1,200–$3,000 for a shared container
Import duties: 25–40% on most goods — factor this into your shipping decision
Personal effects: may be eligible for reduced or exempt duties with proper documentation
Vehicles: importing a car is expensive (duties can exceed 50% of the vehicle's value) — buy or lease locally
Recommendation: ship only essential personal items; buy furniture and appliances locally or get a furnished apartment
Customs clearance: hire a local customs broker ($100–$200) to navigate the process

FAQs