Travel information

The following might come in handy before your adventure starts:

Language
Dutch is the official language but the native tongue is Papiamentu. Most of the residents also speak English as well as Spanish.

To get used to some words Papiamentu:
Kon ta bai : Hello, how are you
Bon dia : good day
Bon tarde : good afternoon
Bon nochi : good evening
Danki : thank you
Masha danki : much obliged

Customs Regulations
A valid passport is needed for a three months' touristic stay. (max.)
Persons over 18 are allowed to import free of import duties:
2 lt of liquor
2 lt of wine
200 cigarettes
50 cigars
250 grs of tabacco

Money
The official currency is NAFL (Netherlands Antillian Guilder). The NAFL is pegged to the US$ at a fixed rate of 1.77
US Dollars are widely accepted as well as Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards.

Banks
Curaçao has a number of Banks, mainly located in Willemstad. Each Bank has an ATM machine.
Banking hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am until 3.30 or 4.00 pm
Some banks are closed during the lunch hour.

Store Hours
The main shopping centres of Curaçao are located in Punda and Otrobanda (Willemstad). everything is for sale.
Most stores are opened Monday to Friday from 8.00 or 9.00 am until noon and from 2.00 until 6.00 pm
Some stores are open on Sundays from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm

A Tip for Divers
If you have a DIN configurated regulator, it is a good idea to take an adapter with you. The tanks are almost always fitted with non adaptable INT valves. There are a few adapters available for rent, but the number is limited.

Internet
Willemstad has some Internet Café's:
-Café Internet, Handelskade
-Keizershof Internetcafé
-Public Library

Taxi
Taxi's are easy to recognize. There are taxi stands at the airport, some hotels and Sha Caprileskade in Punda. From any other location please call the Taxi Company, Tel:869-0747

Tipping
In some restaurants the service charge is included in the bill. If not, generally a 10% tip is common as is customary in bars, taxi's etc. Your tip is greatly appreciated!

Time Zone
Curaçao follows the Atlantic Standard Time and has no daylight saving time.
The difference with the Central European Time is 5 hours during the winter and 6 hours during the summer.

Drinking Water
Drinking water is produced by desalination of seawater. The water is of a high quality and perfectly safe to drink.

Electricity
120-130 Volt. European electric equipment may only be used with the help of an adaptor.

Tourism Seasons and Climate
High season : December 15-April 14
Low Season : April 15-December 14
Windy Season :May- August
Moderate wind:January-April
Weak wind :September-January
Average temp. :29 degrees Celcius
Average temp. of the seawater: 28 degrees
Celcius
The sun is shining every day, throughout the year!

Clothing
Since your are going to stay in the Tropics with warm temperatures throughout the year, light, informal, casual wear is in order.
Bathing suits are only acceptable on the beach and not on the streets, in bars, restaurants, stores etc.
On the public beaches "nude" is forbidden. Topless is tolerated.

Health
Curaçao has no tropical diseases: no vaccinations are needed!
There are a number of medical centres, among which the St. Elisabeth Hospital. This hospital is the most modern and well equipped hospital in the region.

Departure Tax
A tax of US$20,-- is due for International Flights and NAFL10,-- for Domestic Flights (The Netherlands Antilles)
The tax is payable at any moment after your arrival on Curaçao. The booth is located at the airport. For most KLM tickets the tax is already included.