GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISLAND CURACAO

Curacao is an amazing island destination that will surprise you every time you visit.
Its people, language, history and culture are quite different from any other destinations in the Caribbean.

LANGUAGE

So unique, in fact, there is a special language that originated on the island. Spoken only in the Dutch ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), Papiamento (or Papiamentu), is a combination of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish and English (with a few French and Indian words thrown in as well).

But don't worry! This is only the common language for the local people. The locals do also speak English, Spanish and Dutch.

WEATHER

Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator -- and outside of the hurricane belt -- Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C (mid 80s F). Refreshing trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, October to February, is marked by short, occasional showers mostly during the night and continued sunny weather by day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 mm (22 inches). Occasionally a tropical storm brewing elsewhere in the Caribbean can cause cloudy weather for a day or two.

CURRENCY

U.S. currency is accepted everywhere as are Travelers Checks and most major Credit Cards. Debit Cards are accepted at shops and supermarkets.

Prices are quoted in the national currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin), abbreviated NAFl. or ANG. It is pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate of US$ 1 = NAFl. 1.78 for cash, 1.78 for traveler's checks. Exchange rates may vary slightly at stores and hotels. Larger bills in both Euro’s and US$ can be hard to cash. There are currently two versions of guilder coins in circulation. The old square nickel and the newer square fifty cent piece are among the few square coins in the world; along with the 21/2 guilder coin they are popular souvenirs, particularly for children.

There is no black market and there are no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country.

ELECTRICITY

You can use your electric appliances in Curaçao, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 110V and 127V (as in the US, Canada and most South American countries). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220V - 240V (as in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia), you certainly need a power converter in Curaçao. To be sure, check the label on the appliance. If it states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', it can be used in all countries of the world (like chargers for tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes). If the frequency in Curaçao (50 Hz) differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances, but you can try at your own risk. Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks and electric fan heaters.

AIRPORT TAX – IMMIGRATION CURACAO

All relevant information regarding these subjects can be found here

CURACAO APP

This is an amazing mobile phone or tablet application that you can download for free. It offers more than 600 items including position like restaurants, beaches, snorkel and dive spots and sightseeing.

For more info go to your platform market or store to download it directly or visit the website of Curacao app

CURACAO VS ARUBA

Curacao is a truly unique destination in many ways and differs greatly from its sister island Aruba. More on this subject: Aruba vs Curacao