Do they drive on the left or right in Suriname?

Suriname drives on the left, a holdover from Dutch colonial rule, and it is one of the only countries in mainland South America to do so. Cars sold and rented there are right-hand drive.

If you are used to driving on the right, take extra care on your first day, especially at roundabouts and when turning at intersections, where instinct can pull you toward the wrong side.

Renting a car:

• License: your home country driving license is the main document rental companies want to see.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): whether you need one depends on the company and on whether your license is printed in Latin characters. If it is not, an IDP or a notarized translation is generally required. Sort this out before you travel, not at the counter.
• Age: the minimum rental age is usually 21, and drivers under 25 can expect a young-driver surcharge at some companies.
• Deposit: a credit card is typically required.

Road conditions:

• Paramaribo and around: mostly paved and manageable for a self-drive trip.
• The interior: unpaved roads, limited signage and river crossings are common. A 4x4 and local knowledge, or a hired driver, make more sense than a standard rental.
• Fuel: stations are reliable in the city but sparse outside it, so fill up before longer drives.