Curacao Travel Guide

Part of the Netherlands Antilles group along with St Maarten, Curaçao is the largest island in the archipelago, an arid and largely flat island stretching about 40 miles (64km) in length. The southern coastline is scattered with spectacular bays, beaches and secluded coves and is more inhabited than the rough northern shore where the weather-beaten terrain takes the brunt of the wind, and cliffs are pounded by the rough surf. The best beaches are scattered along the southwest coast where the calm, crystal clear water also makes it a tropical paradise for divers, snorkellers and swimmers; towards the east are the largest bays, where the main port and historic capital city Willemstad is situated.Curaçao is an ideal holiday destination for underwater lovers, as the excellent visibility, warm water, active reef conservation and variety of dive and snorkelling sites ranks the island among the most popular dive locations in the Caribbean. On land there are also several interesting sites to visit, including the 'living' Hato Caves where centuries-old stalagmites and stalactites are still being formed; the protected wildlife preserve of Christoffel Park encompassing Mt Christoffel, the highest point on the island, with fantastic views over the island from among the park's exotic flowers, bent divi divi trees and blue iguanas; and the dramatic caverns carved out of the limestone cliffs by the crashing waves within Shete Boka National Park.The capital city and seat of government for the Netherlands Antilles, Willemstad has been a major international trading centre for centuries, its society a mixture of different nationalities, races and cultures and its shops filled with goods from around the world. Old Willemstad dates from the 18th and 19th centuries and is one of the most remarkable historic areas in the Caribbean with charming alleys and superb Dutch colonial architecture housing restaurants, museums, shops and hotels. Many of the beautiful Dutch buildings have been adapted to life in a hot and breezy climate and sport Caribbean-style shutters, porches and verandas, lending further charm to the cheerfully painted historic structures.Whether the days are spent in sun-soaked relaxation or by taking advantage of the endless activities on offer, on land or in the water, when the sun begins to set the trend is to slip into one of the bars, where happy hour is just the beginning of the night to come.

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Curacao Climate and Weather

Curaçao experiences a warm and sunny climate throughout the year with average temperatures of 81°F (27°C), which are tempered by the constant trade winds from the east. It is located in the tropics and although outside of the hurricane zone tropical storms can cause uncharacteristically bad weather at any time of year. The rainy season is from October to February, but what little rain it receives usually falls at night.

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Curacao Currency

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
ANG 1 =	US$ 0.56	£ 0.27	C$ 0.53	A$ 0.60	R 3.64	EUR 0.38	NZ$ 0.72

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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Curacao Health Overview

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.

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Curacao Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US passport holders require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:UK passport holders must hold a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadian nationals must have a valid passport, certificate of proof of citizenship, birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. No visa is required for a stay of up to 14 days. For stays of more than 14 days, but less than a month, a temporary Certificate of admission will be issued on arrival.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australian passport holders require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 14 days. For stays of more than 14 days, but less than a month, a temporary Certificate of admission will be issued on arrival.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans require a valid passport, and a visa is necessary prior to arrival in Curacao.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 14 days. For stays of more than 14 days, but less than a month, a temporary Certificate of admission will be issued on arrival.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 14 days. For stays of more than 14 days, but less than a month, a temporary Certificate of admission will be issued on arrival.
Passport/Visa Note:Travellers are required to have a return or onward ticket, documents necessary for next destination and sufficient funds. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. Since January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Curaçao by air require a valid passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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Curacao Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 to 130 volts, 50 Hz.
Language: Dutch is the official language, but English and Spanish are also spoken, as well as the local language known as Papiamento, which is a mixture of African, Spanish, Dutch and English.
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: 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.
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, English and Spanish 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 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.

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Curacao Airports

Curaçao Airport

Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Willemstad.
Time: Local time is GMT –4.
Contacts: Tel: +599 (0)9 839 1000.
Transfer to the city: Taxis and buses run between the airport and Willemstad.
Car rental: Avis, Budget and Hertz are among the car rental agencies on site at the airport.
Facilities: The airport has a 24-hour automatic currency exchange machine, banks and ATMs. There is also duty-free shopping, bars and restaurants, a post office and a business centre.
Departure tax: US$23 (International), US$6.95 (domestic).

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