When is the best weather in Curacao?

Average temperature is 80-82 degrees. Annual rainfall is about 20” Curacao is
a dry, windy island. Cactus and parrots are a common site. Water temperature
is around 80-84 degrees. Curacao, like Bonaire is south of the Hurricane belt
and is therefore a good destination for late summer/Fall travel.

Do I need a passport to visit Curacao?

US and Canadian citizens must have a valid Passport and a return or ongoing ticket.
A Birth Certificate with a picture ID is also acceptable.

Is the water safe to drink?

Tap water is distilled directly from the sea, tastes good, and is safe to drink.

Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc?

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.

Should I exchange my money for local currency?

Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (NAG) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations
of NAG250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10, 5,
2.5 and 1 cents. US Dollars are accepted everywhere. However, it is best to take
notes in small denominations; US$50 and US$100 notes are not always easy to change.
Note: The Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin is tied to the US Dollar.

Currency exchange:
Available in banks and bureaux de change. There are some ATMs.

Currency restrictions:
The import and export of local and foreign currency is unlimited. The import of
Dutch or Surinam silver coins is forbidden.

Are there any airport fees?

An airport tax of U.S.$ 20.00 per person for international flights and flights to
Curacao, or U.S. $10.00 per personal for inter-island flights is payable when leaving
the island.

What is the legal drinking/gambling age?

The legal age for both drinking and gambling is 18 years. It is not, however,
widely enforced. You will not usually be “carded”.

Can I get married in Curacao?

Couples must be on island 3 days before applying for a marriage license, for which
there is a 14-day waiting period. Passport, birth certificate, return ticket, and,
if applicable, proof of divorce or the death certificate of a deceased spouse are
required. The $216 fee is subject to change, so check in advance. For further
information, call the Curacao Tourist Board, 7951 SW 6th St., Suite 216,
Plantation, FL 33324; (tel. 800/328-7222; fax 954/723-7949;

Wedding Services Curacao: Mrs. Violet Nicholas & Mr. Rob Spek
tel. (5999) 463 6207
fax (5999) 463 6684
E-mail: ido@wsc.an

Can I bring my pet to Curacao?

You can temporarily import animals with a health certificate (dated within 10
days of your visit) and a record of inoculations, which must include a rabies
shot received no more than 30 days prior to your visit. Parrots and pets from
South and Central America are prohibited.

What about fishing?

Miss Ann Boat trips offers day or moonlight trips, deep sea and other fishing
trips, diving and party trips. Even spending a night on Klein Curacao is a
possibility. Tel: 7671579

Deep Sea Fishing on the Seascape: The Delta captain will take you to rich
waters for the most challenging deep sea fishing. The boat is equipped with
every facility for the watersport enthusiast. For more information call
(599-9) 462-5000

Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?

There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors.

Where are the “clothing optional” beaches?

Public nudity of any kind is illegal and insulting to the Curacao’s people.
Topless sunbathing and swimming is tolerated on most beaches in the resort
areas, but not on resort grounds.

What is there to see or do in Curacao?

Club Facade, Lindbergh 32 (tel. 599/9-461-4640), in the Salinja district, is one
of the most popular discos on the island. Spread over several different levels of
a modern building, it has a huge bar, three dance floors, and live music nightly.
It’s open Thursday and Friday from 8pm to 3am. The cover is $5 to $10.

Museum Kurá Hulanda, Kipstraat 9 (tel. 599/9-434-7765), is one of the most unusual-
and one of the largest-museums in the Caribbean, housed in once-dilapidated 1800s
buildings rescued from oblivion.

Curacao is a great place, can I move there?

You will need to apply for a resident permit if you plan to stay for longer
than three months. You are not allowed to work or live on Curacao without a
work permit.

What about island hopping?

Sailing Ship Bounty is an traditional gaff rigged schooner. The bounty is well
equipped for divers. Three times a week trips are made to the most beautiful
bays on the island. Most trips last the whole day and an excellent salad lunch
is served at midday. Tel: 5601887

Sailing Ship Insulinde can take you on a number of different trips. Day trips
are organized to the East Point of the island, and to Porto Marie Bay. At the
weekends, trips are possible to Bonaire and little Curacao. Insulinde also makes
trips to Venezuela. For more information call 5601340 or 8688710

Waterworld Curacao organizes various boat trips. A boat trip to Klein Curacao
is possible for as little as Nafl. 30,= . Snorkel, Banda Abao and sunset trips
are also available. Tel: 4560292 or 5601490.

Emergencies Contact Information?

Emergencies– For police, call tel. 911. For ambulance, call tel. 912. For fire,
call tel. 115.

Hospital– The St. Elisabeth Hospital, Breedestraat 193 (tel. 599/9-462-4900),
near Otrabanda in Willemstad, is one of the most up-to-date facilities in the
Caribbean.

What are the entry requirements in Curacao?

US passport holders require either a passport or an original birth certificate
accompanied by an official photo ID such as a driver’s licence. No visa is required
for stays of up to three months.

What is the lanquage in Curacao?

Dutch is the official language. Papiamento (a mixture of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese,
English, Arawak Indian and several African languages) is the lingua franca; English
and Spanish are also widely spoken.

What are the store hours in Curacao?

Curacao Dutch Antillies. … Store hours are 8:00 AM 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM 6:00 PM.

What about tipping?

It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10% of the fare.
Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill; you can leave a couple
more guilders change if you like. Most hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill.
All this beside the 5% Government sales tax.

Can you use credit cards?

Credit cards are accepted in large establishments. US dollar travellers cheques
are the most welcomed.

Is there a best time to visit the island?

Temperature is not an issue when planning a trip to sunny, dry Curacao, since
the average year-round daily high is 82°F (28°C) and constant trade winds keep
humidity low. If rain falls, it’s usually in November or December. The island
lies below the hurricane belt, so there’s usually no need to worry about being
blown away while on vacation. If you’re planning on diving, the most popular
sites are at their calmest between September and December. If partying is more
your scene, Carnival (February) is a great time to visit, but book early and
expect higher prices.

Is there an airport?

Hato International Airport is 12km (7mi) northwest of Willemstad. There are
rental car agencies at the airport and taxis and buses waiting to take you
into the city; several hotels provide their guests with free transport from
the airport.

Flights will either be from Miami, Atlanta or from nearby islands. There are
also charter flights offered out of New York

What about Taxes?

Curacao levies a room tax of 12% on accommodations and a $3 daily (per room)
energy tax on all hotels. There’s a departure tax of $22 for international
flights, or $7 for flights to other islands in the Netherlands Antilles. You
can pay it in U.S. dollars.

What about Banks?

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. Selected banks branches have ATMs that disburse
US dollars. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, traveler’s checks less
so. Bills of US$ 50 and 100 can be hard to cash. International credit cards
are accepted at most major commercial establishments. Debit Cards are accepted
at a few large shops and supermarkets. The larger denominations of guilder
bills (100 and 250) are hard to cash for small purchases. There are currently
two versions of guilder coins in circulation.

What about Crime?

Petty crime is a fairly big problem in Curacao. Cars left at secluded beaches are
often targeted. It is advisable not to walk around on your own at night and even
during the day in some areas.

Burglaries are a common occurrence but some simple safety measures will go along
way to deter the would be thief and protect you. A burglar alarm, a dog and bars
on the house window are a common feature of life in Curacao. The alternative, for
peace of mind, is to live in a gated community that has 24 hour security.

Curacao, due to its direct flight links with Europe, has proved to be a popular
route for the drug smugglers. Over recent years the Dutch government has worked
hard to stamp out the traffic and has, to a large extent succeeded.

Calling to and from Curacao?

To call Curacao from the United States, dial 011 (the international access code),
then 599 (the country code for Curacao), and then 9 (the area code) and the local
number. Once on Curacao, to call another number on the island, only the local
seven-digit number is necessary; to make calls to an off-island destination, dial
021 and then the area code and number. You can reach AT&T Direct on the island by
dialing tel. 800/225-5288.

Can I access the Internet from Curacao?

At several resorts there are internet terminals. Ask your accommodation for details.
Also a local Internet cafe: Time Out Cafe in Willemstad. Local ISPs include Curanet
(website: www.cura.net) and IBM.

Internet Cafes:

Cafe Internet
Address: Handelskade 3B, Punda
Phone: (599-9) 465-5088
Fax: (599-9) 465-5088

Can I use my cellular telephone in Curacao?

TDMA network exists. GSM GSM 900/1900 networks operated by AT&T Wireless, Curacao
Telecom NV (website: www.curacaotelecom.com), East Caribbean Cellular, Setel NV and
Telcell NV. Handsets can be hired at the airport post office. There is a 5 per cent
tax.

What is the Dress code in Curacao?

Light casual tropical wear is suitable, although smart casual is more suited for
evening events. It is unacceptable to wear bathing suits, short shorts, and short
tank tops in public. Some casinos require men to wear jackets. You may want to
bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings.

Do you need a driving License?

Driving is on the right side of the road. International driver’s license required
for car rentals. Make sure you & taxi driver agree with the rates before departure.
Public transportation is somewhat limited.