How to Call Suriname
Complete guide to dialing Suriname (country code +597)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in South America? Learning how to call Suriname doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're making your first international call or need a quick refresher, understanding the proper dialing process will save you time and frustration. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Suriname from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions, highlight common mistakes to avoid, share essential phone etiquette tips for communicating with Surinamese contacts, and provide useful numbers you might need during your call. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making international connections to this diverse Dutch-speaking nation on South America's northeastern coast.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
Understanding the International Dialing Format
When calling Suriname, you'll need to follow the international dialing structure: Exit Code + Country Code (597) + Local Number. Suriname doesn't use a leading zero in its phone numbers, so you simply dial the country code followed by the local number.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (North American exit code)
- Dial 597 (Suriname country code)
- Dial the local number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (UK exit code)
- Dial 597 (Suriname country code)
- Dial the local number
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's specific international access code (commonly 00 or 011), followed by 597 and the local number.
Practical Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Paramaribo landline from USA:
To call +597 472345, dial: 011-597-472345
Example 2 - Calling a Suriname mobile from UK:
To call +597 7123456, dial: 00-597-7123456
Example 3 - Calling from Australia (exit code 0011):
To call +597 520789, dial: 0011-597-520789
Mobile vs. Landline Numbers
Suriname mobile numbers typically begin with 6, 7, 8, or 9, while landlines start with other digits. Both follow the same dialing procedure—simply add the country code before the number.
Using the + Symbol
Most smartphones allow you to use the + symbol (press and hold 0) instead of exit codes. This universal format works from any country:
+597-XXX-XXXX for any Suriname number
This method automatically applies the correct exit code based on your location, making international calling simpler and more reliable across different networks.
The Easy Way with ZippCall
Don't want to memorize exit codes, country codes, and dialing formats? With ZippCall, you don't have to.
Simply select "Suriname" from the country list, enter the local phone number exactly as you see it, and ZippCall automatically handles all the international dialing codes for you. No confusion, no mistakes—just easy calling.
Join 7,770 users who choose ZippCall for simple international calling.
Common Mistakes
When calling Suriname, several common dialing errors can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Surinamese local numbers often start with zero when dialed domestically. When calling internationally, you must remove this zero. For example, if the local number is 0123456, dial +597 123456, not +597 0123456.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Each country has a different exit code to dial internationally. Using "00" works in most countries, but the US and Canada require "011". Always verify your country's exit code or simply use the "+" symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing country code with area codes
Suriname doesn't use area codes. After dialing +597, you immediately dial the local number. Don't try adding extra digits expecting an area code.
4. Adding unnecessary spaces or dashes
While formatting like +597-123-4567 helps readability, many phone systems reject spaces or dashes. If your call fails, try entering the complete number without any separators: +597123456.
5. Not accounting for time differences
Suriname uses Suriname Time (SRT), UTC-3. Check the local time before calling to avoid disrupting recipients during odd hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When calling someone in Suriname, it's important to understand the country's multicultural society, which blends Dutch, Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, and indigenous traditions. This diversity influences communication styles and telephone etiquette.
Greetings matter. Start phone calls with a polite greeting like "Goedendag" (Good day) in Dutch, or "Fa waka?" (How are you?) in Sranan Tongo. Taking time to ask about the person's well-being before discussing business shows respect and is culturally expected.
Business calls require formality. Use titles and last names when calling professional contacts unless invited to use first names. Keep business calls structured and purposeful, though some initial small talk is appreciated.
Timing is considerate. Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-1:30 PM) or late evenings after 8:00 PM. Weekends are reserved for family time, so business calls should wait until weekdays.
Personal calls are warmer. With friends and family, conversations can be lengthy and casual. Don't rush—Surinamese culture values relationship-building over efficiency.
Voice messages are acceptable. If someone doesn't answer, leaving a brief, clear message is appropriate. State your name, reason for calling, and when you'll try again.
Cultural sensitivity is essential. Be patient with language switches—many Surinamese are multilingual and may blend languages naturally. Speaking slightly slower helps ensure clear communication, and showing warmth and friendliness reflects the country's welcoming spirit.
Ready to call Suriname?
ZippCall lets you make cheap international calls to Suriname from any device. No contracts, no hidden fees—just simple pay-as-you-go rates.
Join 7,770 users making affordable international calls with ZippCall.
Emergency Numbers
In Suriname, the following emergency numbers are essential to keep on hand:
- Police: 115
- Ambulance: 113
- Fire Department: 110
- General Emergency Number: 911 (redirects to appropriate services)
These numbers are accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Suriname. Calls to emergency services are free of charge and operate 24/7. However, it's important to note that operators primarily speak Dutch, as it's the official language, though some may understand English in tourist areas.
Given Suriname's diverse population, operators may also communicate in Sranan Tongo or other local languages. If you're an international visitor with limited Dutch proficiency, consider having your hotel or accommodation information written down, or ask someone who speaks Dutch to assist with the call if possible.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 118: Directory inquiries for local numbers and addresses
- 1200: Telecommunications company customer service
International Services
- 09: International operator for assisted calls and collect calls
Tourist Information
- Suriname Tourism Foundation: +597 410-357 for travel guidance and visitor support
Important Embassy Contacts
- U.S. Embassy Paramaribo: +597 472-900
- Dutch Embassy: +597 477-211
- Brazilian Embassy: +597 400-200
Additional Helpful Numbers
- Suriname Immigration Service: +597 472-250
- Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport: +597 325-600
- Airport Lost & Found: +597 325-602
- Government Information Line: 1700 for general inquiries about public services
These numbers provide essential support for both residents and visitors needing non-emergency assistance throughout Suriname.
Tips for Calling Suriname
When calling Suriname (UTC-3), time zone coordination is essential for effective communication. The country is three hours behind Coordinated Universal Time and doesn't observe daylight saving time, making scheduling predictable year-round.
For business calls, aim for weekday mornings between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM Surinamese time, when offices are most active. Standard business hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Always schedule important business calls in advance to ensure availability and demonstrate professionalism.
Avoid calling during lunch hours (12:00-1:00 PM) and late afternoons when people are wrapping up their day. Peak calling rates typically apply during business hours, so consider off-peak times for personal calls to reduce costs.
Be mindful of national holidays including Independence Day (November 25), New Year's Day, and various religious celebrations reflecting Suriname's diverse population. Check the local calendar before scheduling important calls.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and confirm details in writing afterward. Mobile networks generally provide good coverage in urban areas. If calling from abroad, test your connection quality beforehand and have a backup communication method ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Suriname is +597. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Suriname from anywhere in the world.
To call Suriname from your cell phone, dial your country's exit code (like 011 from the US), then 597 (Suriname's country code), followed by the 6 or 7-digit local phone number. For example: 011-597-XXXXXXX.
Suriname phone numbers typically don't have a leading zero. Simply dial +597 followed by the 6 or 7-digit local number. If you encounter a zero, it's generally not needed for international calls.
The cheapest way to call Suriname is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Suriname.
In Suriname, dial 115 for police emergencies and 113 for fire and medical emergencies. These numbers can be called free of charge from any phone within Suriname. Save these numbers if traveling to the country.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Suriname directly from your web browser. No downloads or special equipment needed—just visit ZippCall, add credit, and start calling Suriname at low rates instantly.
Start Calling Suriname Today
Now that you know how to dial, make cheap calls to Suriname with ZippCall's crystal-clear connections and unbeatable rates.
Join7,770users who have made12,123minutes of calls in the last 7 days.
View rates for calling Suriname