...the ride continues...
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Paramaribo Surfing
I signed up with CoughSurfing.com about 10 days ago. Last night I spent my first night in Paramaribo, Suriname, as a guest with a cool ex-pat from San Francisco named Alex. It's so much better to hang out with a local and get the inside scoop, then to stay in a hotel or hostel. He just got off a 30 day water fast, losing 36 pounds! We've been chatting about diet and technology. Tonight we'll go see the new James Bond movie, Sky Fall. Today I have to find motorcycle insurance for French Guiana...
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Hey there,I am about 2 weeks behind you doing the same road and I am in Merida right now and curious about a few things
ReplyDelete1 Did they ask you when you entered brazil for the yellow fever vac.
2 Any hassle in Bonfim regarding Insurance for British Guayana?
3 Where did you get your Suriname Visa and insurance?
4 The French Guiana, did you get the insurance?
5 Any other hassles?
Ronald
check out http://utilamoto.blogspot.com/
Hi Ronald,
ReplyDelete1 Did they ask you when you entered brazil for the yellow fever vac.
No, they didn't ask and I heard they no long ask. Of course I had mine with me...
2 Any hassle in Bonfim regarding Insurance for British Guayana?
I bought the insurance in Lethem. Go to the GBTI Bank in Lethem, there is an insurance office on the second floor above the bank. They will hook up up. The cost was under $17 USD. Make two copies of the insurance paperwork to complete your importation process, along with two copies of all the usual papers. Say hi to Marvin for me, he will process your papers at the border.
3 Where did you get your Suriname Visa and insurance?
You must get your Suriname visa in Georgetown at the embassy. (Third Street and Peter Rose Street) Get there before 11:00 AM for same day processing. They will return your passport around 2:00 PM. Take one "passport size" color photo, no smile and $45 USD...and you passport. You'll find a good photo shop (Acme) on Regent Street.
If you don't have US Dollars with you, then check with the embassy to learn the exact amount, it might vary depending on the kind of passport you are using. I am traveling with an Irish passport. Find a money exchange / cambio as the banks have HUGE lines. The cambio was not expensive.
4 The French Guiana, did you get the insurance?
I'm working on that right now. Will be calling the French embassy/consulate in Paramaribo, Suriname at 8:00 AM to see where I can get insurance before entering French Guiana (if possible...)
5 Any other hassles?
The road from Lethem to Linden (Linden is one hour south of Georgetown...) is challenging. Highly suggest off-road tires and plenty of water. Fuel up at every opportunity. Expect lots of wash board, erosion ditches, pot holes and funky wood bridges. There are some mean, deep pot holes around some of the bridges, watch out. Hotels are there, but you need to keep your eyes open. Talk to the mini bus drivers for advice. I camped out one night at a police check point. There are at least two large puddles in the jungle that go from edge to edge. I dropped the bike after crossing the second one.
Take plenty of CASH with you into Guyana. The bank in Lethem does not have relations with the international banks...your home country ATM card will not work until you get to Georgetown! Once in Georgetown find the Scotia Bank. Rima Guest House is nice, not the cheapest. Its about 1/2 block east of the Palm Court (bar) on Middle Street.
Have fun!
Peter B
How is surfing in your place?? Do you have cool ones??? Is Paramaribo worthy to visiting? Cheers , Lilian
ReplyDeleteHow is surfing in your place?? Do you have cool ones??? Is Paramaribo worthy to visiting? Cheers , Lilian
ReplyDeleteHi Lillian,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delayed reply. I was Couch Surfing (the traveler <-> host website, www.couchsurfing.com) not surfing in the water.
Frankly, I didn't spend much time in Suriname, so I can't really give you much advice. I understand there aren't many beaches, mostly mangrove forests right up to the water. There are a few sandy beaches, but not many.
Peter