Money in Suriname: Best Exchange Rate, Cash & Cards

The Surinamese Dollar (SRD)

The official currency of Suriname is the Surinamese dollar (SRD). Prices in shops, markets, taxis, and restaurants are normally listed in SRD.

Some hotels, tour operators, and car rental companies quote prices in US dollars (USD) or euros (EUR), especially for accommodation and organized tours. In many cases you will still pay the equivalent amount in SRD unless the business specifically accepts foreign currency.

Exchange rates change frequently, so it is best to check the current rate before exchanging money.

Banks in Suriname

Suriname has ten licensed banks. The four covered in detail below (Republic Bank, DSB, Hakrinbank, and Finabank) are the ones travelers run into most, since they have the widest ATM networks in Paramaribo. The full list also includes the Surinaamse Postspaarbank (SPSB), the Volkscredietbank (VCB), Surichange Bank, GODO, Trustbank Amanah, and Southern Commercial Bank.

Trustbank Amanah is worth knowing about specifically if you're looking for Sharia-compliant banking, since it's Suriname's only Islamic bank.

Cash Is Widely Used

Cash remains the most reliable way to pay for everyday expenses in Suriname.

Small restaurants, taxis, markets, local buses, and many shops do not accept cards. This is especially true outside Paramaribo and in smaller districts.

It is useful to carry smaller banknotes, since some vendors may not have change for large bills.

If you plan to travel to the interior or remote districts, make sure you withdraw enough cash before leaving the capital.

ATMs in Paramaribo

ATMs are available in Paramaribo and some larger towns. Most machines belong to the main banks in Suriname, including:

• Republic Bank
• DSB Bank (De Surinaamsche Bank)
• Hakrinbank
• Finabank

International debit and credit cards usually work at ATMs that display Visa or Mastercard logos, although compatibility can vary depending on your bank.

Withdrawal limits depend on both the local ATM and your home bank, and foreign withdrawal fees may apply.

Examples of ATM locations in Paramaribo include:

Republic Bank ATMs

• Kerkplein (downtown Paramaribo)
• Maretraite Mall
• Hermitage Mall

DSB Bank ATMs

• Nieuwe Haven area
• Kwattaweg
• Kernkampweg

Hakrinbank ATMs

• Domineestraat
• Waterkant

Finabank ATMs

• Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat
• Tourtonnelaan

Most ATMs dispense SRD only. Withdrawing USD or EUR directly is generally limited to specific bank accounts rather than standard traveler withdrawals.

Currency Exchange (Cambios)

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks or licensed exchange offices, known locally as cambios.

Only banks and cambios licensed by the Central Bank of Suriname may legally exchange money with the public. US dollars and euros are the most commonly exchanged currencies. It is worth comparing a couple of providers before you exchange a large amount, and the Central Bank publishes daily exchange rate notings.

The Central Bank's register of licensed exchange offices was last published for December 2020, so check with the Central Bank for changes. It includes:

• Central Money Exchange (CME)
• Florin Exchange
• International Money Exchange (IMEX)
• Cyrill’s Exchange
• Surifast Money Exchange

Most are in central Paramaribo, and some are along Kwattaweg.

Bring clean, undamaged banknotes, especially when exchanging USD. Torn or heavily marked notes are often refused.

Exchange Options at the Airport

At Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) you will find:

• ATMs • bank counters • currency exchange services

A DSB ATM is available in the arrivals area for withdrawing SRD after landing.

Airport exchange counters can be convenient if you need cash immediately.

Hotels That Accept USD or EUR

Hotels that regularly receive international visitors may accept USD or EUR for bookings or payments, particularly when reservations are made directly.

Examples in Paramaribo include:

Torarica Resort One of the best-known hotels in Suriname. Foreign currency and international cards are commonly accepted.

Royal Torarica Located along the Suriname River. Accepts cards and foreign currency for hotel payments.

Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo An international hotel chain where prices are often quoted in USD.

Eco Resort Inn A mid-range hotel popular with travelers.

Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort Resort-style accommodation where reservations are commonly handled in foreign currency.

Even when prices are quoted in USD or EUR, some hotels convert the amount to SRD using the daily exchange rate.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted at some businesses in Paramaribo, including:

• major hotels
• supermarkets
• some restaurants
• travel agencies and tour operators

Outside these places, card payments are less common.

Some businesses charge a small surcharge for card transactions.

Restaurants in Paramaribo That Accept Credit Cards (Confirmed)

Flavors Restaurant

Location: Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo

Flavors is located inside the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, which processes payments through international hotel POS systems. Guests can pay using Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

This makes it one of the most reliable places in Paramaribo for card payments.

Type of cuisine: International / hotel dining

Restaurant & Terrace at Torarica Resort

Location: Torarica Resort, Mr. L.J. Rietbergplein

Restaurants inside the Torarica Resort accept international credit cards because the hotel processes card payments for accommodation, dining, and bar services.

Visitors can pay restaurant bills with Visa and Mastercard.

Type of cuisine: International / Surinamese

Royal Torarica Restaurant

Location: Royal Torarica Hotel

Royal Torarica is part of the same hotel group and operates with the same payment systems. Guests and visitors can pay restaurant bills using international credit cards.

Type of cuisine: International

Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort

Location: Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort

The resort accepts credit cards for hotel and restaurant payments, including dining at the Flamboyant restaurant.

Type of cuisine: International / Caribbean-inspired

Norrii Zushii

Location: Washingtonstraat, Paramaribo

Norrii Zushii lists credit cards, debit cards, and NFC payments as accepted payment methods.

Type of cuisine Japanese / sushi

Last Resort: Chinese Supermarkets

If you cannot find a bank or cambio, some Chinese-owned supermarkets will change money for customers.

This is an informal practice that locals use.

Keep in mind:

• availability depends on the shop, so ask before you count on it
• it is not a licensed exchange: the Central Bank of Suriname states that only licensed exchange offices and foreign exchange banks are authorized to exchange money with the public, as explained in its FAQ on exchange offices
• use it only when no bank or licensed cambio is within reach

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Suriname, but it is common in certain situations.

Restaurants: Around 10% is typical if service is good.

Tour guides and drivers: Small tips are appreciated, particularly on multi-day trips in the interior.

Paying for Tours and Lodges

Many jungle lodges and tour operators request advance payment before your trip. This is usually done through:

• bank transfer
• online payment
• credit card

Confirm payment methods when booking so you know how much cash to bring.

Typical Travel Costs

Prices vary depending on location and type of activity, but these rough examples give an idea of daily spending. Prices change, so treat them as a guide and confirm current prices locally.

Local meal: 150–300 SRD (checked September 2026)

Mid-range restaurant dinner: 800–1,200 SRD (checked September 2026)

Tours and transport to the interior are usually the largest expenses and are often quoted in USD or EUR.