VIP Car Rentz: Your Keys to Suriname's Backroads
Paramaribo's boutique rental desk where the fleet ranges from thrifty runabouts to executive rides.
Why Go
Suriname rewards travelers who wander past the Waterkant, and VIP Car Rentz hands you the keys to do exactly that. Tucked in central Paramaribo, this locally run outfit skips the anonymous airport counter feel and treats every renter like a first-name guest, whether you're picking up a fuel-sipping compact for a week of city exploring or a polished SUV for the long haul south to Brownsberg.
The Experience
Walk into the office and you'll notice it's set up more like a small lounge than a rental counter, part of the 'VIP' promise the owners lean into. Staff talk you through the quirks of Surinamese driving (yes, you'll want to know about the pothole seasons and where the police checkpoints sit on the East-West Link) and the paperwork is refreshingly quick if you arrive with your passport, home license, and a credit card in hand. Cars come clean, fueled, and with a working AC, which is non-negotiable in the equatorial heat. Delivery and pickup at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) or your hotel can usually be arranged with a day's notice.
What to Try
Ask about the mid-range sedans and small SUVs, the sweet spot of their fleet for travelers who want comfort without the luxury markup. If you're planning a run to the interior or the Commewijne plantations, request a higher-clearance vehicle and confirm whether the rate includes travel outside greater Paramaribo. Multi-day rentals typically unlock better daily pricing, so bundle your city days with a weekend upcountry.
Insider Tip
Reserve a few days ahead by WhatsApp rather than showing up cold, especially around Surinamese school holidays and Dutch high season (July, August, December), when the fleet thins fast. Ask them to pre-fill the vehicle and quote you an all-in price including insurance and any airport delivery, so you're not negotiating add-ons at pickup. And carry small SRD cash for parking wardens in the centrum.
The Practical Stuff
Located at RRM9+M9R in central Paramaribo, a short taxi from Waterkant and most downtown hotels. Bring your original driver's license (an International Driving Permit is recommended but many nationalities can drive on a home license for short stays), your passport, and a credit card for the deposit. Drive on the left, Suriname-style, and note that fuel stations outside the capital can be sparse, so top up before heading to Atjoni, Bigi Pan, or the eastern districts.
Pair It With
- 'T Vat Sidewalk Cafe Guide — Grab a Parbo beer and a bite on the Waterkant terrace the evening you pick up the car, then plan tomorrow's route over the river.
- 101 Suites Guide — A convenient central base to stay the night before or after your rental, with easy street parking for your VIP vehicle.
- 597SpeedUp Watertubing Guide — Once you've got wheels, drive out to their launch point for a half-day on the water, the kind of add-on that only works if you're mobile.
- 168 Restaurant Guide — An easy dinner stop within driving distance to test out the car's AC and get comfortable navigating Paramaribo's evening traffic.