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Curacao Basics |
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The Basics
Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 to 130 volts, 50 Hz. Two-pronged flat plugs are used.
Money: The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or
Florin (ANG or NAFl), which is divided into 100 cents. US currency
is accepted everywhere and the guilder is tied to the US dollar.
Large notes in US dollars and guilders may be hard to cash or find
change for. Most major credit cards are widely accepted and
travellers cheques in US Dollars is advised to avoid additional
charges. Banks and exchange bureaux will change foreign currency
and ATMs are available.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| ANG1.00 = | US$ 0.55 | £ 0.36 | C$ 0.56 | A$ 0.53 | R 4.65 | € 0.43 | NZ$ 0.69 |
Language: Dutch is the official language, but English and Spanish are widely spoken. The majority of islanders speak Papiamentu, a Creole language.
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must hold a valid passport, or Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant documents. No visa is required for stays of up to three months. Passports no more than five years expired are recognised.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status, must hold a passport valid for the duration of intented stay in Curaçao. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Curaçao. Passport exemptions are made for holders of a birth certificate issued to nationals of Canada, when accompanied by a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's licence); and holders of a Certificate of Proof of Canadian Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalisation. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Curaçao. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Curaçao, and must obtain a visa prior to entry.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Curaçao. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport valid for the duration of intended stay in Curaçao. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: For travel within the Netherlands Antilles, all passengers of 14 years and older must hold proof of identity, if possible with photo. All visitors must demonstrate, on arrival, sufficient means of support while in Curaçao (US$500 a week, or equivalent in convertible currency). Travellers are required to have a return or onward ticket to a destination outside the Netherlands Antilles, and all the documentation required for that journey. Visa extensions are possible. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region, are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health: Curaçao has no tropical diseases like malaria (although mosquitoes can be a problem), and no vaccinations are necessary. Sunburn is common. A high standard of cleanliness means that gastro-intestinal complaints are rare; tap water is distilled from the sea and is safe to drink. There are a number of medical centres on the island and a modern and well-equipped hospital, but medical insurance is recommended.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but a few extra guilders as change is appreciated. Most hotels add a 12% service charge, and porters are usually tipped one or two guilders. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10%.
Safety Information: Most visits are trouble free, but petty crime is on the increase and although tourist areas are generally safe it is advisable to take sensible precautions like not taking valuables to the beach or wandering alone off the main roads at night. The islands are used to smuggle drugs from South America to Europe and North America and visitors should not leave bags unattended or agree to carry packages for anyone.
Local Customs: Topless sunbathing and nudity is illegal on the island, and beachwear is inappropriate away from the beach. The island is a self-proclaimed 'gay friendly' destination.
Business: Curacao is an important centre of business in the Caribbean. Business tends to be conducted formally; punctuality is important and dress is smart and conservative. Greetings are usually accompanied by a handshake and business cards are exchanged. Although Dutch is the official language, Spanish and English are also widely spoken. Business hours are usually 7.30am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international dialling code for Curaçao is +599. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). There are no internal area codes. All local telephone numbers begin with 9 and are typically seven digits. Telephone cards for use at public phones can be purchased at post offices, roadside snack bars and petrol stations. The island is covered by a GSM 900/1800 network. Internet cafes are available.
Duty Free: Travellers to Curaçao may import 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; two litres of alcohol; perfume; and gifts valued up to 100 florin without paying customs duty.