Curacao Travel Information

The airport is well served from the U.S., Amsterdam and South America.

Curacao Travel & Tourist Information

Area: Curacao is 180 square miles, 38 miles long and from 2 to almost 8 miles wide.

Language: Officially Dutch but Papiamento, Spanish and English are widely spoken.

Population: Around 140,000 with 55 different nationalities.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Rainy Season: Most showers occur from September to December. The island receives less than 30 inches of rain.

Getting There: The major gateways to Curacao include Miami, Atlanta and New York. Flights from Europe, especially the Netherlands, are frequent. Curacao is a popular vacation spot for Venezuelans, who have their own direct air service.

Documents: Americans and Canadians need only valid proof of citizenship. All others need passports. A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds may also be required.

Getting Around: Rental cars are easily available on all the islands and most of the large name companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz) are represented. Cost is reasonable, around $200 per week for a small car. Driving is on the right.

Where to Stay: The Marriott and Hilton are among the large chains. There are also many guesthouses and several dive resorts.

Currency:The Netherlands Antillean guilder (abbreviated NAFL) is used on Curacao and Bonaire . US$1 equals 1.77 florin. Prices are often quoted in both currencies.

Electrical Current: Curacao is also 110-130 volts and 50 cycles instead of 60. Some hotels and resorts have changed to 60 cycles.

Taxes & Tipping: The room sales tax is 7% plus a 10-15% room service charge. Restaurants charge a 6 percent tax and a 10 to 12 percent service charge. Porters expect about US$1 for each bag. Most shopping is duty free.

Hiking & Walking Services: Check with Christoffel National Park for the latest information on any tours.

Safety/Health Warnings: The drinking water is actually desalinated sea water. Locals claim the water is why Curacao-made Amstel beer tastes so good. Wear long pants, socks and good shoes for protection against the elements, i.e., cactus.

Snakes & Other Venomous Creatures: Scorpions do live here but no poisonous snakes.

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