Travel information and tips for visitors to Curacao
Customs & Immigration – Click Here
Phones & Communications – Click Here
Travel Advisory – Click Here
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. Some banks have ATMs that disburse US dollars.
Currency:
There is no restriction on the amount of currency you can enter the country with. US dollars are accepted everywhere as are travelers checks, credit and debit cards. The prices you will see quoted are in the local currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (florin), or ANG. The exchange rate is fixed to the US dollar at US$1 = ANG$1.77. Travelers’ checks get slightly more while exchanges offer slightly less. While US dollars are accepted just about everywhere, keep in mind that large denomination bills of either currency may be difficult to get change for. $50 and $100 bills are especially problematic.
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Departure Tax:
An airport tax of U.S.$ 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.
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.
Health:
Curacao is exceptionally clean and safe so many potential problems common to other tropical areas, such as Malaria and diarrhea are not an issue here. More usual ailments are easily treaterd with common over the counter remedies available at the local “Botica’s” or pharmacies. Probably the most common and serious of health issues you may encounter is that of the common sunstroke. The elderly, young and overweight are especially susceptible and extra care should be taken to afford them protection from the sun. Early warning signs of sunstroke include; dizziness, fever, headaches and nausea.
Religions:
Although over 80% of Curacao is Catholic, many other main stream faiths practice here as well including Protestants, Muslims, Methodists, Jews, Mormons and Baptists, to name a few. With so many faiths sharing an island it is no wonder Curacao has earned a reputation for religious and ethnic harmony.
Taxis & Transportation: Click here for information on Taxis.
Time Zone:
Curacao is on Atlantic Standard Time year round. ATS is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
Tipping:
Tipping is similar to the US and Europe. In most cases 10% will suffice or a bit more if you like. Be aware that many restaurants automatically add 10% gratuity to the bill so check first, then add a bit more if you like. Also, hotels will add a 12% service charge to the bill which means individual tipping of housekeeping is probably not necessary.
Weddings:
1. Applicants must be non-Antillean residents and applications must be in writing. It takes two months to obtain a marriage license after applying so give yourselves plenty of time, mail off the island can be a bit slow at times.
2.You must be on island three days prior to your wedding.
To apply for a special non-resident marriage license, couples must present:
1. Passport.
2. Birth certificate.
3. Proof of a legal divorce decree if divorced or a death certificate if a spouse has died.
4. Return air ticket.
5. Proof both parties are eligible for marriage.
Cost $167.00
What to Bring:
While most of your needs can be fulfilled in shops around the island expect to pay a bit more for everything. Things you may want to bring along would be items that may be more difficult to find such as certain vitamins, extra batteries, medicines and eyeglasses. Mosquito repellant can be a good thing to as it can be in short supply at times.
What to Wear:
It’s the tropics. That means warm weather and sensible dress. Daytime clothing is decidedly casual although ultra casual, revealing wear and swimsuits should be confined to beaches and pools only. There are trade winds much of the time and these can play havoc on loose fitting clothes such as sarongs and dresses, just be aware.
Evening wear is a bit classier with men wearing slacks and at times, better restaurants and casinos, needing to wear a jacket. Women should plan on bringing some nice evening wear, the locals do like to dress up in the evenings and it always helps to fitting in to follow suit.
If you plan on doing some hiking in the interior, remember it is a dry and desert like environment. Good hiking shoes, trousers and a hat are well advised.
Beach wear…..think sun, and lots of it. To avoid serious sunburn you should have with you a hat, sunglasses, a light cover up shirt or shawl, and plenty of sunscreen and water. Sunburns here can come on quickly and be severe. Take the sun seriously or pay the price. |
