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Curacao - Vacation & Travel Information
Electricity:
Electricity is 110 - 130 volts/50 cycles, similar but not identical to the US standard. Most 60 cycle
electrical appliances from the United States will function properly, although appliances that have internal
time mechanisms will not keep the correct time and hairdryers and curling irons may overheat if used for too
long. Dual voltage appliances from Europe and South America will need an adapter plug, readily available on
the island. Although electrical current is generally reliable, consider using a surge regulator for sensitive
electronic devices and computers. It's a good idea to charge underwater strobes and videos on the regulated
systems at dive shops and photo centers.
Money Matters:
U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, as are Travelers Checks and most major Credit Cards. Debit Cards are
accepted at large shops and supermarkets. Prices are quoted in the national currency, the Netherlands Antillean
guilder (also called the florin), abbreviated NAFl. or ANG. It is pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate
of US$ 1 = NAFl. 1.77 for cash, 1.78 for traveler's checks. Exchange rates may vary slightly at stores and
hotels. Bills of US$50 and US$100 can be hard to cash. The larger denominations of guilder bills
(100 and 250) are hard to cash for small purchases. There are currently two versions of guilder coins in
circulation. The old square nickel and the newer square fifty cent piece are among the few square coins in
the world; along with the 21/2 guilder coin they are popular souvenirs, particularly for children. There is
no black market and there are no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country.
Banking Hours:
Banks are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The airport bank is open Monday through Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Selected banks branches have ATMs that
disburse US dollars.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, traveler's checks less so. Bills of US$ 50 and 100 can be hard to
cash. International credit cards are accepted at most major commercial establishments. Debit Cards are accepted
at large shops and supermarkets. The larger denominations of guilder bills (100 and 250) are hard to cash
for small purchases. There are currently two versions of guilder coins in circulation.
Location:
Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. The largest of the Netherlands Antilles, it is 38 miles
long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide. It is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles east of Aruba and
only 2 1/2 hours by air from Miami. Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, making it a sure holiday destination
for good weather. See also "About Curacao" and "Map of Curacao & the Caribbean".
Population:
The population of 150,000 is made up of 55 nationalities. Willemstad is the island's capital and only city.
See also our page "Curacao's Culture"
Language:
Dutch is the official language, but multi-racial Curaçaoans also speak English, Spanish and their own unique
blend, Papiamento. See also our page "Curacao's Culture"
Cruise Lines:
Air Tours/Sun Cruise, Deutsche Sectouristik, Carnaval Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Norwegian
Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Royal Cruise Line.
Departure Tax:
An airport tax of U.S.$ 22.00 per person for international (including Aruba) flights and flights to Curacao,
or U.S. $10.00 per personal for inter-island flights is payable when leaving the island.
Taxi hints:
Taxi's are easy to recognize by their signs and the TX on their registration plates. The prices are based for
1-4 people from 6 am-11pm. A fifth person costs 25% more. After 11pm there is 25% surcharge. Passengers
should agree a price for the journey with the driver first. There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels
and Sha Caprileskade in punda. Taxi Company: Main Office: tel: 869-0747 Complaints: 869-0747
Religions:
Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims all have their own houses of worship and practice their religions
freely. Over 80% of the population is Catholic, largely people of African descent. Curaçao has a well earned
reputation for religious and ethnic harmony. Adventists, Anglican/Episcopal, Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's
Witnesses, and Methodists are all represented and practice their religions freely.
See also our page: "Curacao's Churches"
Time:
Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time: one hour later than US Eastern Standard Time (the same time as
Eastern Daylight Savings Time) and four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time.
What to Wear:
Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect
yourself from the sun. Most indoor establishments are air conditioned; you may need a lightweight jacket or
long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals
is decidedly casual. The strong trade winds may make wraparound and billowing skirts a problem. Some
restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals; some casinos also require jackets for men. Overly revealing clothes
and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach. If you plan to walk in the countryside, wear
sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your legs from the cacti.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add a
10% service charge to the bill; you can leave a couple more guilders change if you like. Most hotels add a
12% service charge to the bill. All this beside the 5% Government sales tax.
What to Bring:
Film and video cassettes, batteries, sunscreen, disposable diapers, sporting goods and books are all generally
more expensive in Curaçao. Local stores carry a good selection of most items. It is advisable to bring
mosquito repellent as this is often in short supply, especially during the rainy season.
Health:
Take sensible precautions against the tropical sun, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM. Sun screen, sunglasses
and a hat are recommended, as well as a light beach cover-up. Neither the trade winds nor clouds will protect
you from sunburn. In case of serious sunburn, drink plenty of fluids, take cool baths, use a body lotion
containing Aloe Vera, and take it easy for a day or two. Sunstroke can be dangerous, especially for children,
people who are overweight and the elderly; watch for dizziness, fever, headaches and nausea. Although Curaçao
is less humid than many Caribbean islands, mosquitoes can occasionally be a problem in the rainy season and
at night. Repellent can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. Curaçao has no malaria or similar tropical
diseases, and no vaccinations are needed to visit. Due to the high level of overall hygiene and cleanliness,
gastro-intestinal complaints ("travelers' tummy") are very uncommon. Eat and drink freely. For minor ailments,
standard US and European over-the-counter medicines are available at the local pharmacies, called "Botica's".
There are a number of medical of medical centers on the island. the St. Elisabeth Hospital is the most modern
and well equipped in the region.
See also our page "Medical Facilities".
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