General Information

Currency

Suriname uses the Suriname Dollar (SRD). USD and Euro are accepted in many locations. Guyana uses the Guyana Dollar (GYD), with USD widely accepted. French Guiana uses the Euro (EUR).

Major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are accepted at larger hotels, banks and stores throughout the region. Cash is essential for smaller purchases, tips and markets. We recommend bringing newer USD bills (2013 or later) in small denominations, as older bills and large notes are often not accepted.

Languages

Suriname's official language is Dutch, with Sranan Tongo commonly spoken alongside various community languages. English is widely understood. Guyana's official language is English, with English Creole as the local tongue. French Guiana's official language is French, with various Creole languages also spoken.

Electricity & Mobile Network

Suriname typically runs on 110V/60Hz, though most accommodations also offer 220V/60Hz or transformers. Guyana and French Guiana both use 220V/60Hz. In remote areas, power often comes from generators on set schedules or solar energy. Mobile phone coverage is reliable across all three countries. We recommend using eSIM options like Airalo. Wi-Fi is free of charge at hotels and most lodges.

Climate & Seasons

The Guianas have a tropical climate with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and humidity between 80–95%. Temperatures stay consistent year-round, though interior and mountain areas are slightly cooler.

The Guianas have four seasons: the short rainy season (mid-December to end January), the short dry season (February to mid-April), the long rainy season (mid-April to mid-August, with the heaviest rain in May and June) and the long dry season (mid-August to mid-December, with September and October as the driest and warmest months).

The dry seasons are generally the best time to visit, but tours operate year-round. Rain showers in the tropics are typically short and intense rather than all-day events.

Nature & Geography

The Guianas sit on the ancient Guiana Shield, covered primarily by pristine Amazon rainforest. Suriname alone is around 93% forested, making it the world's greenest country. The region features extraordinary biodiversity, with landscapes ranging from dense jungle to coastal wetlands, expansive rivers and granite mountain ranges.

Safety

The Guianas' geographic position shields them from major natural disasters like hurricanes. As with any destination, basic precautions apply: avoid displaying expensive items, carry only necessary cash and use registered taxi services. All three countries are politically stable.

Tap water in major cities meets health standards, but we recommend bottled or filtered water in remote areas.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. As a general guideline for tours: USD 40–50 per group per day for your guide and USD 30–40 per group per day for your driver. For larger groups (15+ people), USD 3–4 per person per day for the guide and USD 2–3 per person per day for the driver is customary. These are guidelines, you are always free to tip based on your experience.