Garage D.A. Ashruf Car Rental & Airport Service
Family-run wheels and airport pickups in Blauwgrond
Why Go
Suriname isn't a place you tour by taxi ΓÇö the good stuff (Commewijne plantations, Brownsberg, empty Atlantic beaches) is all outside Paramaribo, and it's all easier with your own car. Ashruf is the small, family-style garage locals point visitors to when they want a straightforward rental and a reliable driver waiting at Johan Adolf Pengel International at 2 a.m., without the corporate-counter runaround.
The Experience
Tucked on Aidastraat in the residential Blauwgrond neighborhood on Paramaribo's north side, this is a working garage first and a rental desk second ΓÇö meaning the same mechanics who maintain the fleet are the ones handing you the keys. Expect a modest but well-kept mix of compact sedans and SUVs suited to Suriname's mix of city streets and pot-holed interior roads. Bookings are handled personally (email, phone, or in person), paperwork is quick, and the airport transfer service runs around the clock, which matters because most international flights land late at night and JAP is a solid 45 minutes from central Paramaribo.
What to Try
For a first-timer, book the airport pickup on arrival and pick up your rental in town the next morning once you've slept ΓÇö driving JAP-to-Paramaribo jet-lagged in the dark isn't the memory you want. If you're heading toward Brownsberg, Bergendal, or the Commewijne east bank, ask specifically for an SUV or higher-clearance vehicle; the compacts are fine for city and coastal roads but not for washed-out interior tracks in the rainy season.
Insider Tip
Confirm your booking twice ΓÇö once by email (booking@garageashruf.com) and once by WhatsApp to +597 450-102 the day before, especially for airport pickups on Sunday when the office is closed. Suriname runs on personal contact more than online systems, and a quick voice-message confirmation is what actually guarantees the driver shows up with the right sign at arrivals.
The Practical Stuff
Aidastraat 19, Blauwgrond, Paramaribo. Office hours roughly MonΓÇôFri 8:00ΓÇô17:00, Sat 8:00ΓÇô13:00, closed Sunday (airport transfers still run 24/7 by prior arrangement). Phone/WhatsApp +597 450-102. Bring your passport, home country driver's license (an IDP is smart but not always requested), and a credit card for the deposit ΓÇö cash SRD or USD is fine for the rental itself. Fuel up before heading south of Paranam; stations get sparse fast.
Pair It With
- 'T Vat Sidewalk Cafe Guide — Classic Paramaribo terrace on the Waterkant ΓÇö an easy 10-minute drive from the garage and the natural first stop with your new rental car for a Parbo beer and people-watching.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Adventure operator on the Suriname River you'll actually need a car to reach ΓÇö exactly the kind of out-of-town day trip that justifies renting rather than taxiing.
- 168 Restaurant Guide — Well-known Chinese-Surinamese spot locals drive to; pairs naturally with an Ashruf rental for an easy first-night dinner after picking up the keys.