If you’re heading to Suriname, you’re going to need a few apps to make your trip smoother. From getting around to breaking language barriers, the right tools can make exploring this rarely-visited country much easier. I’ll run down some of the top travel apps and tools you’ll want for your trip to Suriname. Here’s what to install before you go.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps
Price: Free
Google Maps is a must for navigating Paramaribo, Suriname’s capital, and other towns. It’s reliable for walking directions, and you can download offline maps in case you don’t have mobile data. This is super useful for areas with poor signal. Almost everyone uses Google Maps, so you’ll feel right at home.
MAPS.ME
Price: Free
MAPS.ME is perfect if you’re venturing out into Suriname’s more rural areas like the interior rainforest. This app offers offline maps by default and has a big focus on hiking paths and lesser-known routes. It’s essential if you’re planning on exploring the trails near Brownsberg Nature Park.
Here WeGo
Price: Free
Another offline option, Here WeGo is great if Google Maps doesn’t work well in certain locations. It’s highly accurate when it comes to public transport directions, although the coverage for Suriname is a bit limited outside of Paramaribo. Still, it’s worth having as a backup.
Translation Apps
Google Translate
Price: Free
Dutch is the official language in Suriname, but you’ll hear a lot of Sranan Tongo, an English-based creole, as well. Google Translate works well for translating Dutch, and the app has an offline mode, so you can download Dutch and never get stuck for words when you’re without internet. It even supports voice translations.
SayHi
Price: Free
If you want a dedicated tool for translating speech, SayHi is excellent. You can talk into the app, and it will translate the spoken words into Dutch. The voice recognition is fast, and the translations feel pretty natural. If you’re meeting locals or trying to navigate a market, this app will come in handy.
Duolingo
Price: Free / Paid version available
Planning on learning some basic Dutch before you go? Duolingo is perfect for picking up key phrases. The app is free, but you can also upgrade to Duolingo Plus for an ad-free experience. Although you won’t need to be fluent in Dutch, knowing simple greetings can make interactions friendlier (and maybe earn you a smile from the locals).
Booking Apps
Booking.com
Price: Free
For booking hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in Suriname, Booking.com can be the easiest option. Most travelers book their Paramaribo stays through this site, but you can also find accommodations for places like Galibi Nature Reserve or Brownsweg. The app is simple to use and offers free cancellation on a lot of accommodations.
Airbnb
Price: Free
If you prefer staying somewhere more homey, Airbnb is a great option in Paramaribo. It’s also useful for finding unique accommodations, like cabins or homes near jungle lodges outside the city. You get to connect with locals directly, which can make your trip feel more personal.
Skyscanner
Price: Free
Need to book a cheap flight to Suriname? Skyscanner is a fantastic tool for searching multiple airlines and finding the best deals. It will save you hours looking across different websites. The app is very easy to use, and you can filter flights by number of stops or layover duration.
Local Transportation Apps
99 Taxis
Price: Free
While Suriname doesn’t have Uber yet, you can use 99 Taxis instead. This app is popular in South America and offers rides within Paramaribo. It works similarly to Uber, so you can get a driver quickly without having to deal with taxis. Keep in mind that not all drivers accept card payments, so have some cash on hand.
Moovit
Price: Free
Public transportation in Paramaribo is mostly buses. Moovit helps you navigate bus lines and schedules, and gives real-time updates on arrival or departure times. This app makes it much easier to figure out which route to take and prevents you from wasting time at a stop wondering where the bus is.
EasyTaxi
Price: Free
If you’re sticking to major cities like Paramaribo, EasyTaxi is another local taxi app. It’s similar to 99 Taxis but includes both traditional taxi services and private cars. The fares are affordable, but again, make sure to clarify with your driver how they want to receive payment.
Money and Budget Apps
XE Currency
Price: Free
The currency in Suriname is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD), and having a currency converter like XE Currency is essential. You’ll be able to track conversion rates in real-time and know exactly how much you’re spending while shopping for souvenirs or grabbing a meal. You can also download rates for offline use in case you’re out of data.
Revolut
Price: Free / Paid version available
Revolut is a multi-currency bank account that can be useful if you’re concerned about high currency exchange fees. With the app, you can quickly switch between currencies (like USD to SRD) directly from your phone. It also sends notifications in real-time for transactions, helping you keep track of your spending.
Trail Wallet
Price: Paid ($4.99 one-time fee)
For tracking spending, Trail Wallet is one of the easiest budget apps to use. You can input your daily expenses in Suriname dollars or any currency and keep tabs on your overall budget. It’s ideal if you want to keep an eye on how much you’re spending on food, transport, or activities.
Travel Planning Apps
TripIt
Price: Free / Paid version available
Do you like having your entire travel itinerary in one place? TripIt is perfect for that. You can forward your flight confirmations, hotel bookings, and any other reservations to the app, and it will create a detailed schedule for you. It’s a lifesaver when you want to stay organized and not lose track of your plans.
Packing Pro
Price: Paid ($2.99 one-time fee)
Traveling to a tropical place like Suriname means you need to be smart about packing. Packing Pro is an easy-to-use app where you can create customized packing lists to make sure you’ve got everything you need for your humid jungle treks or city explorations. You can even pre-set lists for different kinds of trips.
Local Guides and Information Apps
MapsWithMe (MAPS.ME) Travel Guides
Price: Free / Paid guides available
If you’re already using MAPS.ME, you can also access their built-in travel guides. These guides go beyond navigation, offering expert tips on key attractions and hidden spots in Suriname. You can pay for additional guides if you want more detailed information on specific regions, but the free content works well for casual travel.
GetYourGuide
Price: Free
Suriname might not be full of tourist-heavy tours, but if you’re looking to book excursions to places like the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, GetYourGuide is a handy service. The app lets you browse and filter local tours, view reviews from other travelers, and make bookings. The ease of use makes it a go-to app for planning day trips and activities.
iOverlander
Price: Free
iOverlander is a great app if you’re traveling off-the-beaten-path. This crowd-sourced app lets you discover camping spots, hostels, and fuel stations in remote areas. Since a lot of Suriname is rural, including the rainforests, this app is perfect for finding safe places to stay or camp during longer journeys.
Final Thoughts
With the right apps, traveling around Suriname can be smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re navigating Paramaribo’s streets, booking a night in a jungle lodge, or just trying to communicate with locals, these tools will make life easier. Download these apps before your trip, and enjoy the journey!
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