Suriname Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Suriname uses the +597 country code for international calling, with a straightforward domestic format: 6-digit landlines and 7-digit mobile numbers. This guide provides everything you need to call Suriname, format phone numbers correctly, and integrate Suriname telecommunications into your applications – detailed explanations of the country calling code, practical dialing examples, and best practices for phone number validation with E.164 format, regex patterns, and carrier-specific implementations.

Understanding Suriname's Telecommunications Landscape

Suriname operates a modern telecommunications system connecting urban and rural areas. The Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS) oversees regulation and ensures service reliability with international standards. Visit their official website: https://www.tas.sr/. TAS maintains stability and growth in the telecommunications sector, from licensing new operators to setting quality of service standards.

Regulatory Framework: The Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication has administered telephone numbers since 2017, taking over responsibility from the former Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT). TAS handles operator licensing, quality of service standards, and regulatory compliance for all telecommunications providers operating in Suriname. Source: Wikipedia – Telephone numbers in Suriname

Number Format Specifications (ITU): International Telecommunication Union (ITU) documentation confirms Suriname phone numbers (excluding the +597 country code) range from 6 to 7 digits. Fixed landlines use 6 digits, while mobile numbers use 7 digits. The Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication administers telephone numbers since 2017. The international prefix is 00 (+), with no national prefix (trunk code) for domestic calls.

Number Portability: As of 2025, Suriname does not currently offer Mobile Number Portability (MNP). Users cannot retain their phone numbers when switching between Telesur and Digicel. Changing carriers requires obtaining a new phone number from the new provider. Businesses and individuals should plan accordingly when considering carrier changes.

Domestic Calling System Overview

Suriname's phone system employs a unified national dialing plan without traditional area codes, simplifying domestic communication. This streamlined approach creates one of South America's easiest systems to work with. The absence of area codes simplifies number validation and processing considerably.

Landline Communication

The landline network primarily serves urban areas and business districts. Key characteristics include:

• Simple 6-digit format: Use direct dialing without any prefixes (e.g., 231234). This simple structure makes landline numbers easy to identify and validate.

• Geographic distribution (informal): Number ranges provide some geographic indication, though not strictly enforced area codes. All landline services are provided exclusively by Telesur:

  • 21XXXX, 22XXXX, 23XXXX: West Suriname region
  • 30XXXX-37XXXX: Mid and East Suriname regions
  • 4XXXXX, 52XXXX-55XXXX, 58XXXX: Paramaribo (capital city)
  • 56XXXX: VoIP services (Telesur)
  • 68XXXXX: Wireless Local Loop (WLL) CDMA services (Telesur, 7-digit format)

  Source: ITU Telephone Numbering Plan for Suriname and Wikipedia – Telephone numbers in Suriname

• Service reliability: Major urban centers typically experience high uptime (around 99.9%). Expect potential disruptions due to infrastructure limitations or unforeseen events, especially in remote areas.

Mobile Network Coverage

Suriname's mobile network offers comprehensive coverage through two primary carriers:

Note: The 71XXXXX range is used by Digicel, while Telesur uses multiple ranges including 75XXXXX and 85XXXXX-89XXXXX. A third operator (Uniqa/Intelsur) previously used 83XXXXX and 84XXXXX ranges but ceased operations by 2016.

Coverage Notes: Telesur provides superior coverage with speeds more than double Digicel's. Real 4G/LTE service from both carriers is primarily available in population centers. Remote areas (particularly Sipaliwini District) have minimal mobile reception. Telesur's 5G NR service operates on 700 MHz and 1800 MHz bands (3 and 28) in Paramaribo for prepaid customers.

Network Performance Benchmarks (Based on Speedtest Awards Q3-Q4 2021):

• Digicel: Median download 50.48 Mbps, upload 13.46 Mbps, latency 20 ms (awarded Fastest Mobile Network 2021)
• Telesur: Median download 30.23 Mbps, upload 14.16 Mbps

Note: These benchmarks represent nationwide performance. Actual speeds vary by location, with higher speeds in urban centers like Paramaribo and lower speeds in rural areas. Telesur's 4G/LTE and 5G networks in Paramaribo can achieve significantly higher speeds than these national medians. Sources: Speedtest Suriname 2021 Report and SpeedChecker Suriname September 2022

Telesur Mobile provides broader nationwide coverage with true 4G/LTE and 5G capabilities in Paramaribo, while Digicel Suriname focuses on urban and coastal regions with HSPA+ technology (marketed as "4G"). This information matters when developing applications that rely on mobile connectivity. Telesur, the state-owned provider, has expanded internet access throughout the country, as documented on their Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telesur_(Suriname)).

How to Call Suriname: Dialing Instructions with +597 Country Code

Domestic Dialing Procedures

Make domestic calls using these patterns:

1. Landline-to-Landline Calls:

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   Direct dial: 231234 (6 digits)

   No trunk prefix required – connections are typically instant. Service operates 24/7. Implement this direct dialing approach in your systems.

2. Mobile Calling:

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   Landline to Mobile: 7123456
   Mobile to Mobile: 8123456

   Use the full 7-digit number, with the leading digit (7 or 8) indicating the carrier. Design your dialing interface to accommodate both landline and mobile formats.

Emergency and Essential Services

Warning: Store these emergency numbers in your phone's speed dial for rapid access in critical situations.

• Police: 115 (24/7 response)
• Fire: 110 (Integrated with disaster response)
• Ambulance: 113 (Nationwide coverage)

Additional important services:

• Coast Guard: 118
• Anti-Poison Center: 116
• Tourist Police: 150
• SUR-CAD (Suriname Central Ambulance Service): 117 (as per the SUR-CAD website https://sur-cad.com/)

Language Support: The official language in Suriname is Dutch, and emergency services primarily operate in Dutch. English may be available at some emergency call centers, particularly for tourist-related services, but Dutch proficiency is recommended for reliable communication. For critical emergencies, have a Dutch-speaking person assist with the call if you don't speak Dutch.

Emergency Number Notes: Suriname operates multiple valid emergency numbers. The primary general emergency number is 115 (works for all services). Individual service numbers (110 for Fire, 113 for Ambulance, 115 for Police) are all operational. Some sources indicate 112 (European emergency standard) may function for mobile phones. When implementing emergency calling features, prioritize 115 as the universal number, with 110, 113, and 117 as service-specific alternatives.

Implementation Best Practices for Emergency Features:

1. Default to 115: Program 115 as the primary emergency number with fallback to service-specific numbers (110, 113, 117)
2. Location Services: Enable automatic location transmission when emergency numbers are dialed to help responders locate callers quickly
3. No Confirmation Dialogs: Emergency calls should connect immediately without confirmation prompts
4. Bypass Lock Screens: Ensure emergency dialing works even when devices are locked
5. Network Priority: Emergency calls should override normal network traffic and attempt connection even with weak signal
6. Call Logging: Log emergency calls separately for liability and auditing purposes

Include these numbers in your application as a valuable safety feature. Keep this list updated as numbers may change.

Domestic calls in Suriname are straightforward due to the absence of area codes. Ensure your system differentiates between 6-digit landline numbers and 7-digit mobile numbers, using the leading digit of mobile numbers to identify the carrier.

International Calling to and from Suriname

How to Make International Calls from Suriname

Dial international calls using this format:

1. Dial the exit code: 00
2. Country code: (Varies by destination)
3. Area code (if applicable): Some countries require an area code.
4. Local number: The recipient's local phone number.

Common international dialing patterns from Suriname:

USA/Canada: 00 1 XXX XXX XXXX
Netherlands: 00 31 XX XXX XXXX
Brazil: 00 55 XX XXXX XXXX

Handle country codes and area codes correctly when implementing international dialing. Use a reliable database of country and area codes for accurate routing.

How to Call Suriname from Abroad (International Dialing)

When calling Suriname from another country, use this international dialing format:

From most countries:

Exit Code + 597 + Local Number
Example: 00 597 231234 (landline)
Example: 00 597 7123456 (mobile)

From mobile phones (universal):

+597 + Local Number
Example: +597 231234 (landline)
Example: +597 7123456 (mobile)

Common exit codes by country:

• USA/Canada: 011 597 XXXXXXX
• UK/Europe: 00 597 XXXXXXX
• Australia: 0011 597 XXXXXXX
• Mobile phones worldwide: +597 XXXXXXX

The +597 is Suriname's international country code assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). When implementing calling features, ensure your system correctly handles the "+" prefix, potentially converting it to the appropriate exit code (like "00" or "011") for compatibility with certain systems. This is critical for seamless international communication. Suriname has two submarine cable connections (Suriname-Guyana Submarine Cable System and Americas II), which contribute to its international connectivity, as mentioned in the additional context (https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Suriname-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses).

Quick Reference: Calling Suriname

• Suriname country code: +597
• From USA: 011 597 [local number]
• From UK: 00 597 [local number]
• From mobile: +597 [local number]
• Phone number length: 6 digits (landline) or 7 digits (mobile)
• Example landline: +597 231234
• Example mobile: +597 7123456

Troubleshooting Suriname Phone Number Issues

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Connection Problems:

   • Check signal strength: Poor signal strength can lead to dropped calls or connection failures. Check your signal indicators.
   • Verify number format: Incorrectly formatted numbers are a frequent cause of connection problems. Double-check the number entry.
   • Confirm carrier service status: Outages or service disruptions can affect connectivity. Check the carrier's website or social media for updates.

2. International Calling Issues:

   • Activate international calling: Some carriers require specific activation for international calling on accounts.
   • Verify country code accuracy: Using the wrong country code prevents call connection. Double-check the correct code for the destination.
   • Check balance for international rates: Insufficient funds for international calls can cause connection issues.

3. Network Coverage:

   • Use carrier coverage maps: Coverage maps identify areas with limited or no service. Both Telesur and Digicel provide coverage maps on their websites.
   • Try alternative locations: Move to a location with better signal strength to resolve the issue.
   • Contact provider support: For persistent problems, contact the service provider's technical support.

Carrier Contact Information:

Telesur Customer Support:

• Phone: 152 (Customer Care, toll-free from Telesur network)
• Phone: +597 474-242 (Main customer service line)
• Phone: +597 888-5888 (Alternative contact)
• Email: klantenservice@telesur.sr
• Website: https://www.telesur.sr/
• Balance Check: Dial *132#
• Data Balance: Text "NET INFO" to 4040

Digicel Customer Support:

• Phone: 104 (Customer service from any network)
• Business Email: sur_business_sales@digicelgroup.com
• Business Support: sur_business_support@digicelgroup.com
• Address: Henck Arronstraat 27-29, Paramaribo, Suriname
• Business Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Balance Check: Dial *120#
• Data Balance: Dial *120*3#
• Top-up: Dial *121*<voucher code>#

Troubleshooting connection problems involves checking signal strength, verifying number format, confirming carrier service status, ensuring international calling is activated (if applicable), and checking account balance.

Phone Number Validation and Implementation for Developers

Understanding Domestic Calls

Suriname's domestic dialing system is designed for simplicity. All domestic calls follow a direct dialing approach. Integrate this straightforward structure easily into your applications.

Direct Dialing Patterns

• Landline to Landline:

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  Format: XXXXXX (6 digits)
  Example: 231234

• Landline to Mobile:

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  Format: 7XXXXXX or 8XXXXXX (7 digits)
  Example: 7123456

• Mobile to Mobile:

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  Format: 7XXXXXX or 8XXXXXX (7 digits)
  Example: 8123456

Tip: Validate the number format before processing the call. This prevents errors and ensures smooth operation.

International Calling Framework

Outbound International Calls

Use this international dialing format:

00 + Country Code + Area Code (if required) + Local Number

Example Scenarios:

• Calling USA: 00 1 212 555 0123
• Calling Netherlands: 00 31 20 123 4567
• Calling Brazil: 00 55 11 1234 5678

Ensure your system can parse and process this format correctly.

Incoming International Calls

Use this format for calls to Suriname:

+597 + Local Number

Warning: Handle the "+" prefix appropriately in your implementation. Some systems may require converting it to "00" for proper routing. This is critical for ensuring incoming international calls reach their destination.

Implementation Best Practices

Follow these recommendations for building robust and reliable applications.

1. Number Validation: Use regular expressions (regex) to validate number formats before processing. This prevents errors and ensures data integrity.

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   // Landline validation (6 digits, starts with 2-5)
   const landlineRegex = /^([2-5]\d{5})$/;
   
   // Mobile validation (7 digits, starts with 7 or 8)
   const mobileRegex = /^([78]\d{6})$/;
   
   // Special services validation (including emergency numbers)
   const specialServicesRegex = /^(1\d{2,4})$/;

2. Format Standardization: Store numbers in E.164 format (+597XXXXXXX) for consistency and interoperability. This international standard simplifies number management and ensures compatibility with various systems.

   • Strip all formatting characters (spaces, hyphens, parentheses) before validation and storage.
   • Add formatting for display purposes only after retrieving the standardized E.164 format.

3. Error Handling: Implement robust error handling to gracefully manage invalid number formats or other potential issues. This improves user experience and prevents unexpected application behavior.

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   function validateSurinameNumber(number) {
     // Remove all non-digit characters except '+'
     const cleanNumber = number.replace(/[^\d+]/g, '');
   
     // Check if it's an international format
     if (cleanNumber.startsWith('+597')) {
       // Remove country code for local validation
       const localNumber = cleanNumber.substring(4);
       return validateLocalNumber(localNumber);
     }
   
     return validateLocalNumber(cleanNumber);
   }
   
   function validateLocalNumber(number) {
       if (landlineRegex.test(number)) return "landline";
       if (mobileRegex.test(number)) return "mobile";
       if (specialServicesRegex.test(number)) return "special";
       return "invalid"; // Return specific error codes for better debugging
   }

   Adapt this code to your specific needs and integrate it into your validation workflow.

Common Implementation Challenges

Address these common challenges during implementation:

1. Number Format Variations: Users might input numbers with spaces, hyphens, or other formatting characters. Strip non-digit characters before validation.

2. Legacy System Integration: Older systems might not support E.164 format. Implement format conversion utilities to bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern standards.

3. Handling Special Service Numbers: Special service numbers, including emergency numbers, often have different formats. Recognize and handle these numbers correctly. Consider using a separate regex for validating special service numbers.

You now have a clear understanding of how to implement Suriname phone number handling in your applications. Validate number formats, standardize storage using E.164, and implement robust error handling to ensure smooth operation.

VoIP Service Restrictions

Important: Both major carriers in Suriname have implemented VoIP call restrictions:

• Digicel: Has blocked VoIP calling services since 2014, including Skype, Viber, WhatsApp calling, and similar applications. These restrictions primarily affect voice calls made through VoIP protocols over their mobile data network.
• Telesur: May have similar restrictions in place, though less extensively documented.
• Workarounds:
  • Use WiFi networks instead of mobile data for VoIP calls
  • Some VoIP services may work intermittently depending on protocol detection
  • Consider alternative communication methods like SMS or standard voice calls
  • VPN services may help bypass some restrictions, though effectiveness varies

For Developers: If your application relies on VoIP functionality:

1. Test thoroughly on both carrier networks before deployment
2. Implement fallback mechanisms to standard telephony when VoIP is blocked
3. Inform users about potential VoIP limitations on mobile data
4. Consider implementing carrier detection to warn users about restrictions
5. Note that social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook) for messaging typically work, but voice/video calling features may be restricted

Source: Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki – Suriname

Note: For systems handling both domestic and international calls, implement separate validation logic for each case to ensure proper routing. This prevents conflicts and ensures accurate call processing.