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SURINAME
EVENT INFORMATION SHEET
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Congratulations! You have been selected as a participant in a Rotary Exchange between the Crstal
City Pentagon Club and the 3 clubs in the country of Suriname. This is a unique opportunity to share
your expertise and knowledge with the citizens of a foreign nation. Thank you for your participation.
Please read this packet in its entirety.
Prior to visiting Suriname, all civilian personnel must complete three (3) basic requirements:
1) Tourist Passport Application
2) Suriname Visa Application
3) Immunizations
1) Official Passport Application
a. Coordinate to take FOUR (4) passport photos through any department store or photo
processing center. Each participant is individually responsible for photo processing
fees.
b. Complete the passport book application online at https://pptform.state.gov/.
i. Fill out all information in accordance with the instructions, including any
information about other issued passports.
ii. Each participant is individually responsible for passport processing fees.
iii. Print the form and ensure there is a bar code. DO NOT SIGN IT!
c. Take the passport application, two (2) passport photos, and a certified birth certificate
to your local US Post Office. After passport is received, SIGN IT and proceed to step
2.
2) Suriname Visa Application
a. Print out, complete, and sign the Visa application at
http://www.scgmia.com/about.html. This form can be confusing. Please fill in all
blocks except #17 and #18. There may be a $100 fee for this visa, but your trip
coordinator will try and have it waived as a participant in the partnership program.
Deliver the completed form, two (2) passport photos, a copy of your flight itinerary,
and your SIGNED passport to the Trip Coordinator Tracy Settle.
b. A Visa is required prior to traveling to Suriname. Upon receipt of all participant
passports and applications, the Trip Coordinator will submit a Visa application packet
to the Suriname Consulate in Miami, FL. Passports must accompany this packet.
This process takes approximately 15-20 days.
3) Immunizations
The following immunizations are RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED for travel to
Suriname:
a. Hepatitis A
b. Hepatitis B
c. Yellow Fever
d. Typhoid
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These immunizations can be very expensive. Many past participants have chosen not to obtain
the immunizations and have not had any issues. Immunizations can be coordinated through any
local health-care provider.
YOUR ROLE AS AN AMBASSADOR
Remember you are in a foreign country. You are a representative of the US. As a foreigner, you will
draw attention and be easily noticed by the people of Suriname. Be cognizant of who and where you
are at all times. Report all suspected people or activities to your Trip Coordinator immediately.
WEATHER
Suriname is located on the northern-most tip of South America, just 6 degrees off of the Equator.
The climate is tropical and moist. Daytime temperatures range from 28° to 32°C (82–90°F). At night
the temperature drops as low as 21°C (70°F) because of the moderating influence of the northeast
trade winds, which blow in from the sea all year. The annual rainfall in Paramaribo is about 230 cm
(90 in). May to August is the main rainy season, with a lesser rainy season from November to
February. It is VERY humid year round.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Dutch, but English is widely spoken in urban areas.
LOCAL PURCHASES
The Suriname Dollar (SRD) is the official currency. 1 USD = 2.8 SRD. US dollars and credit cards
ARE NOT widely accepted, but are becoming so each month. The RBT&T Bank is the only bank
which provides reliable ATMs for SRD and is widely used by Americans in the country. Hotels in
Suriname will take credit cards, but many other establishments will not.
CLOTHING/UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
Travel comfortably in casual attire. It is a LONG trip. Work meetings usually require shirt and tie,
but no sport jacket for males and similar business attire for females. Suit Jackets are worn only for
official office calls with the Ambassador or Surinamese dignitaries and activities planned with the
Suriname Armed Forces. Loose, tropical attire is the norm. Cultural activities can include hiking and
other outdoor activities where hiking attire may be required. Bring casual business attire for social
events and free time. Special attire requirements for the trip will be coordinated separately by the
Trip Coordinator.
FLIGHTS
Travel to Suriname requires several connections that sometimes change daily. Departure from the US
is in Miami. The Trip Coordinator will assist with coordination of hotel accommodations if required,
host lodging and flight arrangements. A sample itinerary for the group to follow will be provided
closer the date of departure. You may use any airline to reach Miami, but the airline of choice to
Suriname, via Trinidad and Tobago, will be Caribbean Airways.
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OTHER TIPS
a. US-based cell phones will not work in Suriname unless they are equipped with global
capabilities or a SIM card. Cell phones will be available to the group with pre-paid
calling cards that may be purchased in Suriname.
b. Bring a Camera/Journal. Documenting your experiences is important. Please record your
thoughts and pictures as you deem necessary for a trip report. Disposable cameras are
recommended in case of theft or other loss.
c. It is recommended, but not required to bring small gifts for exchange. Items that display
your company logo or Rotary products are recommended.
d. Electricity is 110V same as US. However, some plugs may require a 2-prong European
style adapter. Most hotels have adapters in the rooms. Ensure to have battery packs fully
charged and extra batteries with you.
e. Ensure that all prescribed medication has your name on the bottle per airport security
requirements. Take some aspirin/ibuprofen, antacid, Imodium, band-aids, etc. for your
use. Hand wipes or hand sanitizers are also recommended. Remember that all liquids
must be in checked luggage.
f. Be flexible, courteous, friendly, and enthusiastic at all times. Your professionalism sets
the standard for the United States of America and our club.
WEBSITES
http://web.archive.org/web/20010409045226/www.caribbean-beat.com/archive/suriname.html
http://www.suriname-tourism.org/cms/
http://www.surinam.net/
http://www.stinasu.sr/
http://www.angelfire.com/in/siap/
http://www1.sr.net/~t100779/
Trip Coordinator:
Tracy Settle
2356 S. Queen St.
Arlington, VA 22202
703-553-0351 h
703-607-5645 w
605-391-0122 c