On a budget and looking for free ATMs in Suriname - Any top banks?
Suriname’s ATM network is fairly limited to Paramaribo and a few coastal towns. Republic Bank offers decent ATM coverage and reliable service for foreign cards. Fees are low if you use proper cards, but smaller or independent ATMs often charge more or don’t work with international cards. I found daily withdrawal limits around SRD 20,000 in most major ATMs, which was enough for my needs. Always get cash early when you arrive to avoid running out later.
Budget tip for Suriname: Use a travel card like Wise to dodge fees at Republic Bank ATMs. I stayed at Rainbow Lodge in Paramaribo, and staff recommended sticking to blue Republic Bank machines for lower fees and better availability. Some ATMs run out of cash on weekends, so plan withdrawals accordingly. Note: many local shops only take cash, so keep a balance of Surinamese dollars on hand.
Using my Visa card at Republic Bank ATMs in Paramaribo was straightforward and pretty inexpensive. The max withdrawal per transaction was around SRD 10,000 (about $200) with daily limits close to 20,000 SRD. For budget travelers, taking out enough cash at once saves a lot on small ATM fees. Smaller ATMs like Cashpnt can be unreliable or refuse foreign cards, so stick to major bank machines.
In Suriname, Republic Bank is the go-to for international travelers looking for free or low-cost ATM withdrawals. Their blue ATMs in Paramaribo accept Visa and Mastercard with minimal fees. Most travelers I know use travel cards like Revolut or Wise which cover the first few monthly withdrawals fee-free. Cash is still king in local markets though, so don’t rely solely on cards if you’re exploring inland or smaller towns.