Just landed - wondering what gives the better rate in Suriname: ATM withdrawal or airport exchange counter?
Been through Suriname lately and stuck to using ATMs downtown whenever possible. The airport money changer was convenient for a quick fix, but I always got a better exchange using my debit card at a Republic Bank ATM in town. Bring a backup card just in case - sometimes the network can be glitchy.
In Paramaribo, airport exchange rates were just okay but came with extra commission. The local ATMs - especially the blue Republic Bank ones - gave me a more favorable rate, even if you do get dinged a couple of bucks in fees. If you have a card with free foreign withdrawals, ATMs are definitely your best bet.
My advice: skip the airport exchange in Suriname. The counter’s rate is usually not great. I used my Wise card at Republic Bank and got a much closer-to-market rate, even after the small ATM fee. Make sure you withdraw enough to cover your trip since bank machines can sometimes run out of cash.
Just arrived in Paramaribo and went straight for an ATM (Republic Bank or De Surinaamsche Bank). The rates at the ATMs were way better than what was posted at the airport exchange counter. The only downside was a small withdrawal fee, but it was outbalanced by the better exchange rate.