Moving to Vanuatu from Suriname

moving to

What to Expect

Considering a move from Suriname to Vanuatu? Here's how the two compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Suriname to Vanuatu, and you’d need to navigate life in Bislama, English and French. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right. Expect a noticeable climate shift — Port Vila averages 83°F vs 92°F in Paramaribo, making it significantly cooler.

Planning this move? Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from vetted international movers. Get free quotes ↓

Get free moving quotes to Vanuatu

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Vanuatu compared to Suriname.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

SR
7.3
VU
0.3
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

SR
16.2
VU
12.5

Vanuatu performs significantly better than Suriname across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

SR
$1,143
VU
$141
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

SR
14.8
VU
1.6

Vanuatu generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Suriname leads in doctors per 10,000 people.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

SR
39.0
VU
57.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

SR
4.1t
VU
0.9t

Suriname generally does better on environment, though Vanuatu leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

SR
20.2
VU
1.1
Internet access The World Factbook, 2021

share of households with internet

SR
66.0%
VU
66.0%

Suriname performs better than Vanuatu across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

SR
7.7%
VU
5.1%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

SR
$19,000
VU
$3,000

Vanuatu generally does better on employment & economy, though Suriname leads in gdp per capita.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

SR
72.4 yrs
VU
75.1 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

SR
30.2
VU
14.3

Suriname generally does better on family life, though Vanuatu leads in life expectancy.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

What's the Climate Like?

Monthly averages — select a city to compare.

Paramaribo Rain: 84.6 in/yr (2148 mm)
92° / 72°F

Avg. annual high / low

Port Vila Rain: 87.5 in/yr (2222 mm)
83° / 71°F

Avg. annual high / low

Months Paramaribo Port Vila
Jan–Mar 89°/71°F (32°/22°C) 86°/74°F (30°/23°C)
Apr–Jun 91°/73°F (33°/23°C) 82°/70°F (28°/21°C)
Jul–Sep 93°/73°F (34°/23°C) 79°/67°F (26°/19°C)
Oct–Dec 94°/73°F (34°/23°C) 84°/71°F (29°/22°C)
View all months
Month Paramaribo Port Vila
Jan 89°/71°F (31.8°/21.6°C) 87°/74°F (30.3°/23.4°C)
Feb 88°/71°F (31.3°/21.6°C) 86°/74°F (30.2°/23.6°C)
Mar 90°/71°F (32.1°/21.8°C) 86°/74°F (29.9°/23.4°C)
Apr 91°/73°F (32.6°/22.6°C) 84°/72°F (28.9°/22.5°C)
May 91°/73°F (32.9°/22.7°C) 82°/70°F (27.7°/21.3°C)
Jun 92°/72°F (33.2°/22.5°C) 80°/69°F (26.7°/20.5°C)
Jul 92°/72°F (33.5°/22.5°C) 79°/67°F (25.9°/19.5°C)
Aug 93°/73°F (34.1°/22.7°C) 79°/67°F (26.1°/19.3°C)
Sep 94°/73°F (34.7°/22.9°C) 80°/67°F (26.7°/19.6°C)
Oct 95°/73°F (35.1°/22.9°C) 82°/69°F (27.8°/20.6°C)
Nov 94°/73°F (34.3°/22.6°C) 84°/71°F (28.9°/21.7°C)
Dec 92°/72°F (33.4°/22.5°C) 85°/72°F (29.7°/22.4°C)

Data: Meteorological Service Meteorological Service, Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Suriname and Vanuatu. To live, work, or study long-term in Vanuatu, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Vanuatu's immigration authority.

Suriname passport

Suriname passport holder visiting Vanuatu

Visa Required
Suriname passport holders need a visa to enter Vanuatu.
Vanuatu passport

Vanuatu passport holder visiting Suriname

Visa Free
Vanuatu passport holders can enter Suriname without a visa.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Vanuatu?

Connectivity is usually fine (Vanuatu: 1.1 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Vanuatu offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Vanuatu safe for expats?

Vanuatu performs significantly better than Suriname across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Vanuatu is 0.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 7.3 in Suriname.

How is healthcare in Vanuatu compared to Suriname?

Vanuatu generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Suriname leads in doctors per 10,000 people. There are 1.6 doctors per 10,000 people in Vanuatu, compared to 14.8 in Suriname. Vanuatu scores 47 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Suriname: 63).

What's the weather like in Vanuatu compared to Suriname?

The average high temperature in Port Vila is 83°F, compared to 92°F in Paramaribo. Port Vila receives around 87.5 in of rainfall per year, while Paramaribo gets 84.6 in.

What language do they speak in Vanuatu?

The official languages in Vanuatu are Bislama, English and French. In Suriname, the official language is Dutch.

Share this

At a Glance

SR VU
Population 632,638 308,043
Currency Surinamese Dollar (SRD) Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Languages Dutch Bislama, English, French
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +597 +678
Time zones 1 1