CURAÇAO

Curaçao, a vibrant Dutch Caribbean island, blends European charm with Caribbean allure, shaped by Arawak, Spanish, and Dutch influences. Its diverse landscape ranges from arid cacti fields to stunning coves. This heritage has created a unique culture, flavorful cuisine, and iconic architecture.

Region: Southern Caribbean

Capital: Willemstad

Official Languages: Papiamentu, Dutch, English. Spanish is also widely spoken.

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise normal safety precautions. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, occurs, especially in crowded areas. Be mindful in isolated spots at night.

A map of the Caribbean with the island of Curaçao highlighted in red.

Why Visit Curaçao?

Colorful Architecture: Explore Willemstad’s UNESCO-listed Punda and Otrobanda, with their iconic pastel Dutch colonial buildings.

Stunning Beaches: Discover hidden coves and pristine sandy stretches like Grote Knip and Cas Abao, perfect for relaxation.

Vibrant Underwater World: Dive or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.

A vibrant sunset over the ocean with a silhouette of a palm tree on the beach.

Rich History & Culture: Delve into a fascinating past at museums like Kura Hulanda, showcasing the island’s role in the slave trade and diverse heritage.

Unique Local Cuisine: Savor a fusion of flavors, from fresh seafood to traditional dishes like keshi yena and stobá.

Adventure and Nature: Hike Christoffel Mountain, explore the Hato Caves, or witness powerful blowholes at Shete Boka National Park.

A lighthouse standing on a coastal plain near the ocean.

Essential Trip Information

Curaçao allows visa-free entry (up to 90 days) for citizens of the U.S., Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and many others.

Visitors must complete a Digital Immigration Card and Passenger Locator Card online before travel.

Check specific requirements at Curaçao’s official portal: 👉 https://www.dicardcuracao.com

Passport must be valid for your entire stay; 6 months recommended.

Proof of return/onward ticket and sufficient funds may be requested.

The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US Dollars (US$) are widely accepted.

Bills: US$1–100 accepted in most shops, but carry small bills for taxis and beach kiosks.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount or bring US dollars—no need to convert to ANG unless staying long-term.

  • During Your Trip: ATMs are widely available and dispense in ANG; credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants.

  • What to Avoid: Avoid exchanging money at the airport (poor rates). Use major banks like MCB or Banco di Caribe.

Papiamentu, Dutch, and English are the official languages. Spanish is also widely spoken.

Helpful phrases in Papiamentu:

  • “Bon Dia” – Good Morning

  • “Bon Tardi” – Good Afternoon

  • “Bon Nochi” – Good Evening

  • “Kon ta bai?” – How are you?

  • “Ayo” – Bye

  • “Danki” – Thank you

  • “Por fabor” – Please

  • “Despensa” – Excuse me

Curaçao is generally considered safe. However, exercise caution in isolated areas, particularly after dark, and on unpatrolled beaches.

Be aware of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded tourist areas and markets.

Emergency numbers:

  • Police & Fire Department: 911;
  • Medical Emergency: 910.

No special vaccines required.

Tap water is safe to drink—some of the best in the Caribbean.

Pharmacies are well-stocked (often called “Botikas”).

Travel insurance is advised, especially for scuba diving or water sports.

Rental Cars: Best way to explore the island. Roads are decent; driving is on the right.

Public Transport: Buses (called konvoi) run major routes but are infrequent.

Taxis: No meters—agree on fare in advance.

Walking/Biking: Ideal in Willemstad, not for long distances.

Ride-sharing: No Uber/Lyft—use local taxi dispatch or hotel shuttles.

Curaçao can range from moderate to expensive, depending on your travel style. All prices are in US$.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses/apartments (US$60–120/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels/resorts (US$150–300/night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels/all-inclusive resorts (US$350+/night)

Food

  • Quick eats/local ‘snèks’: US$8–15

  • Casual dining: US$20–40/person

  • Fine dining: US$60+/person

Drinks

  • Local Beer: US1–3 (supermarkets)

  • Cocktails: US$10–18

Transportation

  • Public bus: US$1–3/ride

  • Taxi: US$15–30 for short trips, more for longer distances.

  • Car rental: US$30–70/day (depending on car type and season)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit local markets and food trucks for authentic and affordable meals.

  • Opt for “snèks” (small local eateries) for traditional and budget-friendly dishes.

  • Travel during the off-season (mid-April to mid-December) for lower accommodation rates.

  • Explore free or low-cost beaches like Playa Jeremi or Playa Lagun.

  • Utilize public buses for economical transportation instead of taxis for every trip.

Explore Curaçao

The vibrant capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture along St. Anna Bay. Divided into Punda and Otrobanda by the iconic Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.

Nicknamed the “Swinging Old Lady,” this floating pedestrian bridge in Willemstad connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts, swinging open to allow ship traffic into the harbor.

The picturesque waterfront in downtown Willemstad, famous for its row of brightly painted Dutch houses, perfect for photos and waterfront dining.

Located on the western side of Willemstad, this historic district is characterized by narrow alleys, vibrant street art, and the Kura Hulanda Museum.

Often considered one of Curaçao’s most beautiful beaches, located on the western side of the island. It boasts pristine white sand and incredibly clear turquoise water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

A stunning beach on the western side of Curaçao known for its soft white sand, calm clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities on its artificial reef.

The largest national park on the island, located in the northwest, offering hiking trails (including to the peak of Christoffel Mountain for panoramic views), diverse flora, and wildlife.

Situated on the rugged northern coast of Curaçao, adjacent to Christoffel Park, this park features dramatic wave-battered inlets and impressive blowholes.

Ancient limestone caves located near Curaçao’s airport, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and historical petroglyphs, once used as a hideout by runaway slaves.

A small, uninhabited island located about an hour southeast of the main island, renowned for its pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters, historic lighthouse, and excellent snorkeling/diving with sea turtles.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices

  • Fewer Crowds

  • Authentic Local Vibe

  • Pleasant Temperatures

  • Lush Landscapes (Spring)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Increased chance of rain (especially September-November)

  • Some businesses may have reduced hours

  • Possibility of hurricanes (September – October, though rare for direct hit)

  • Slightly higher humidity

Key Regions:

  • Willemstad: Enjoy exploring the colorful architecture and museums with fewer tourists.

  • Westpunt: Discover secluded beaches and excellent snorkeling/diving conditions in tranquility.

  • Christoffel Park: Ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing without the peak season heat or crowds.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Warm Weather (average 82ºF/28ºC)

  • Manageable Crowds

  • Reasonable Prices

  • Local Festivals & Cultural Events

  • Vibrant Marine Life for Diving & Snorkeling

Main Drawbacks:

  • Possible Short Rain Showers (Autumn)

  • Rising Temperatures and Humidity (Spring)

  • Some Seasonal Maintenance on Tourist Facilities

Key Regions:

  • Willemstad (Punda & Otrobanda): Perfect for walking tours and local cuisine.

  • Jan Thiel Beach: Popular for water sports and beach clubs with pleasant weather.

  • Hato Caves: Great time to visit with comfortable temperatures.

  • Shete Boka National Park: Explore rugged coastline and turtle nesting spots.

  • Mid-Summer (June – August)

  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period

  • Easter Week & Carnival

Planning Your Trip

Language: Dutch is official, but Papiamentu and English are widely spoken.

Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated but not always included; check your bill.

Dress Code: Casual beachwear is fine, but cover up when not on the beach. Upscale restaurants may expect resort-casual attire.

Social Norms: Curaçaoans are warm but polite—a handshake and friendly greeting go a long way.

Sunday Quiet: Many businesses close or operate on shorter hours—plan accordingly.

Cultural Sensitivity: The island is proud of its Afro-Caribbean heritage; be respectful when discussing colonial history or local traditions.

Accommodation: Budget guesthouses (US$40–70), mid-range hotels (US$120–200), luxury resorts (US$350+).

Food: Local snacks (US$5–10), casual restaurants (US$15–30), upscale dining (US$60+).

Transport: Rental cars (US$35–60/day), taxis (US$20+ per short ride), public buses (US$1–2).

Activities: Beaches are free; snorkeling trips (US$30–60), diving (US$80–100), national park entry (~US$15).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$80–120 (guesthouses, street eats, public transport).

  • Mid-range: US$180–250 (comfortable hotel, excursions, dining).

  • Luxury: US$350+ (seaside villa, private tours, fine dining).

Free Wi-Fi: Common in hotels, cafes, and many public spaces.

SIM Cards: Available from Digicel or Flow kiosks (US$20–40 for prepaid plans).

eSIMs: Supported for travelers using services like Airalo or Nomad.

Recommended for: Water activities (snorkeling, diving), medical emergencies, and trip delays due to tropical storms.

Healthcare: Clinics are available, but serious issues may require evacuation—check coverage.

Adventure Exclusions: Some plans do not include scuba diving or windsurfing unless specified.

Curaçao offers everything from budget-friendly hostels to romantic beachside escapes.

Luxury:

  • Oceanfront retreats: Baoase Luxury Resort, Avila Beach Hotel.
  • Adults-only boutique: Papagayo Beach Hotel (Jan Thiel).

Mid-range:

  • Boutique hotels: Scuba Lodge (Pietermaai), The Ritz Village.
  • Resort-style stays: LionsDive Beach Resort, Acoya Curacao Resort.

Budget:

  • Guesthouses: Bed & Bike Willemstad (~US$40–60/night).
  • Hostels: The Ritz Hostel, First Curacao Hostel.

Unique Stays:

  • Eco-friendly lodges: Mondi Lodge near Blue Bay.
  • Historic houses: Renovated colonial villas in Otrobanda or Pietermaai.

Tip: Book well in advance for Carnival season (February/March) and winter holidays (Dec–Jan).

Curaçao is small but spread out—transport is essential to explore the island beyond Willemstad.

Rental Cars:

  • Best option for flexibility—roads are decent, and signs are mostly in Dutch.
  • Recommended for visiting beaches on the west coast (e.g., Playa Kenepa, Cas Abao).
  • Parking is free in most areas; driving is on the right.

Public Buses:

  • Inexpensive (US$1–2), but schedules are limited and unreliable.
  • Best for short daytime routes around Willemstad.

Taxis:

  • No meters—agree on the fare in advance.
  • Can be expensive for long distances (e.g., US$35+ to remote beaches).

Bike/Scooter Rentals:

  • Available in tourist areas (Jan Thiel, Willemstad), but roads are not always bike-friendly.
  • Great for short distances and coastal rides.

Water Taxis:

  • Popular for reaching beaches or resorts near Willemstad.
  • Prices vary by distance—convenient for avoiding traffic.

Walking:

  • Willemstad is walkable, especially Punda and Otrobanda, connected by the scenic Queen Emma Bridge.
  • Avoid walking at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.

Handy Tips

Curaçao uses the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but U.S. Dollars (US$) are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. You’ll often see prices listed in both.

  • Bills: ANG notes come in 10, 25, 50, and 100 denominations.

  • Coins: Include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, and 1 and 5 guilders.

Exchanging Currency:
Avoid currency exchange booths at the airport—high fees. ATMs are common (especially in Willemstad) and offer better rates.

Using Cards:
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is accepted in fewer places. Always carry some small cash for beach bars, taxis, and local eateries.

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not always expected:

  • Restaurants/Bars: 10–15% (check if service charge is already added).

  • Taxis: Round up the fare or add 10%.

  • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters, US$3–5/day for housekeeping.

  • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person for group tours.

Papiamentu is the local language, but Dutch and English are also official. Spanish is commonly understood.

Useful phrases in Papiamentu:

  • “Bon dia” – Good morning

  • “Por fabor” – Please

  • “Unda ta e playa?” – Where is the beach?

Pro Tip: Locals are multilingual and very friendly. A warm smile goes a long way.

Curaçao is generally safe and laid-back, but take standard precautions:

  • Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach.

  • Avoid isolated areas at night (especially outside Willemstad).

Emergency Numbers:

  • 911: Police

  • 912: Ambulance

  • 911 or 913: Fire Department

  • Your Embassy: Most are in Willemstad; store digital and printed copies of your passport.

Curaçao uses 127/220V at 50Hz. Plug types A, B, and F are all common.

Bring a universal adapter if you’re coming from the U.S. or Europe.

Tap water is safe to drink—it’s distilled from seawater and monitored for quality. Restaurants will serve filtered water if you ask for it.

Some shops and offices may close or shorten hours on:

  • 1 Jan – New Year’s Day

  • 27 Apr – King’s Day (Dutch national holiday)

  • 1 May – Labor Day

  • 2 Jul – Curaçao Day (celebration of autonomy)

  • 25 Dec – Christmas Day

  • 26 Dec – Boxing Day (known locally as Tweede Kerstdag)

Note: Many festivities involve parades and beach parties, especially during Carnival (usually in February/March).

Shops: Typically open Mon–Sat, 9:00–18:00 (closed Sundays).

Supermarkets: Open daily, often until 20:00 or later.

Pharmacies: Weekdays until 17:30; some are open Saturdays.

Floating Market (Willemstad): Mornings only—great for local produce.

Keshi Yena – Stuffed cheese dish with spiced meat or chicken.

Stoba – Stewed meat with vegetables, hearty and flavorful.

Funchi – Polenta-style side dish, often served with fish.

Pastechi – Fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, or fish (perfect snack).

Ayaka – Tamale-like Christmas treat wrapped in banana leaves.

Grilled Lionfish – Invasive species turned delicacy—delicious and eco-friendly.

Red Snapper – Whole fried fish served with plantains and Creole sauce.

Iguana Soup (Yuana) – Adventurous eaters only—tastes like chicken!

Batidos – Tropical fruit milkshakes, thick and sweet.

Tutu – Sweet-savory dish made with black-eyed peas and cornmeal.

Alcoholic:

  • Blue Curaçao Liqueur – Iconic island liqueur with a citrusy kick.

  • Brion Beer – Local pale lager—light, crisp, and refreshing.

  • Amstel Bright – Popular island lager, especially on the beach.

  • Rum Punch – Fruity, boozy, and served cold.

  • Curaçao Punch – Blue Curaçao + fruit juices + rum = beach bliss.

  • Palapa Mojito – Island-style mojito with mint and lime.

  • Ponche Kuba – Creamy Caribbean liqueur, sweet and rich.

  • Dutch G&T – Gin & Tonic made with Dutch gins like Bobby’s.

  • Local Rosé Wines – Especially refreshing in the heat.

  • Awa Lamunchi (Spiked) – Local lime drink sometimes mixed with vodka or rum.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Awa di Lamunchi – Limeade-style drink, very popular and cooling.

  • Tamarind Juice – Sweet, tangy, and tropical.

  • Fresh Coconut Water – Sold right on the beach.

  • Soursop Juice – Creamy fruit drink known for its health benefits.

  • Golden Apple Juice – Sweet-tart island staple.

Willemstad’s UNESCO City Center – Pastel Dutch colonial buildings + Queen Emma floating bridge.

Museum Kura Hulanda – Moving exhibits on African heritage and the transatlantic slave trade.

Landhuizen (Plantation Houses) – Scattered across the island, now museums or restaurants.

Otrobanda District – Colorful art scene and murals.

Carnival Season – Parades, costumes, and non-stop dancing.

Tula Museum – Tribute to Curaçao’s most famous freedom fighter.

Floating Market – Venezuelan boats selling fresh produce in Papiamentu chatter.

Jewish Heritage – Visit Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest in the Americas.

Tambú Drumming & Dance – Traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

Local Handicrafts – Chichi dolls represent strong Caribbean women.

Mambo Beach – Perfect blend of beach, shops, and music.

Klein Curaçao Day Trip – Uninhabited island with unreal white sands and turtles.

Playa Kenepa Grandi – One of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.

Snorkeling at Tugboat Beach – Underwater wrecks with tons of fish.

Shete Boka National Park – Watch waves crash into volcanic rock formations.

Night Dive Tours – Explore coral reefs with UV lights.

Jan Thiel Beach Clubs – Trendy lounges, music, and cocktails.

Sea Aquarium Dolphin Swim – Interactive fun for all ages.

Hato Caves Tour – Stalactites + ancient petroglyphs.

Sunset Catamaran Cruise – Drinks + Caribbean sunset = perfect combo.

Saint Tropez Ocean Club – Trendy poolside cocktails by the sea.

Wet & Wild Beach Club – Sundays are wild with DJs and dancing on the sand.

27 Bar & Terrace – Live rock and jazz in Pietermaai.

Madero Ocean Club – Chic lounging with great food and music.

Pietermaai District – Cocktail bars in historic Dutch buildings.

Blend Beach Bar – Laid-back vibes, great mojitos.

Miles Jazz Café – Named after Miles Davis—intimate and groovy.

Zanzibar (Jan Thiel) – Saturday beach parties till late.

Full Moon Parties (Cabana Beach) – Held monthly, DJs and dancing under the stars.

BijBlauw – Stylish sea-view dining with occasional live acoustic sessions.