Current Time in Suriname
Time culture in Suriname
Time culture in Suriname
Caribbean "relaxed time" is mainstream
In Suriname, a culture of tolerance towards time is so deeply rooted that it is called "Surinamese time". It is common for meetings and events to start more than 30 minutes late, and strict time management is not emphasized.
Diverse sense of time in a multi-ethnic society
Diverse cultures such as Hindus, Muslims, Afro-Surinamese, and indigenous peoples coexist, each with their own sense of time. For this reason, flexible use of time is accepted throughout society.
Rhythm of living with nature
Except in urban areas, there is still a rhythm of life that is in line with nature, such as starting activities at sunrise and resting at sunset, and the flow of time is more important than the flow of time by the clock.
Values of time in Suriname
Relationships take priority over time
In Suriname, there is a culture that values conversations and relationships with people, and changes and delays in plans are accepted flexibly. Peace of mind in the moment is often prioritized over punctuality.
Emphasis on stability over busyness
The ideal is to live a life that is not rushed by time, and it is common to act within the limits of what does not cause stress. It is socially acceptable to act with a margin of error.
Religious events and flexibility of time
Even if a religious ceremony or gathering has a set start time, it often starts as soon as people gather, and a culture that is not bound by time is naturally accepted.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or moving to Suriname
Act on the assumption that things will not go as planned
Services such as transportation, government offices, and stores often do not start on time, so you need to plan your schedule with plenty of time. It is best not to expect the same level of accuracy as in Japan.
Punctuality may be required in formal situations
International companies and official meetings may have strict rules regarding time. It is important to use flexibility and accuracy appropriately depending on the situation.
Buses and taxis are unlikely to be on time
Even if there is a timetable, it is often not followed, and especially in rural areas, the "take it when it comes" style is common. The time it takes to reach your destination may also take longer than expected.
Interesting trivia about time in Suriname
The whole country uses one time zone
Suriname Standard Time (UTC-3) is used nationwide, and there is no time difference within the country. This time is used stably in daily life.
Daylight saving time is not adopted
Because it is close to the equator, there is little difference in daylight hours between seasons, so daylight saving time is not adopted. The rhythm of living at the same time throughout the year is maintained.
The influence of the colonial period still remains in the "Dutch sense of time"
In public institutions and educational institutions, the Dutch sense of time still remains to some extent, and there are times when punctuality is required. This stems from the fact that Suriname was formerly a Dutch colony.