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Visitor
Information & Tips
Getting
Around
While taxis are available in Curaçao, a rental
car will be helpful in getting around and is a necessity
to explore Curacao’s various shore diving locations. Several
resorts offer transportation to the downtown area.
Taxis
Taxi's are easy to recognize by their signs and the TX
on their registration plates. The prices are  based
for 1-4 people from 6 am-11pm. A fifth person costs 25%
more. After 11pm there is 25% surcharge. Passengers should
agree on a price for the journey with the driver first.
There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels and Sha Caprileskade
in Punda.
Rental Cars
Avis, Hertz, National, Budget and a number of local companies
are available. There are a choice of models available
and rates range from about $25. for a compact to $45.
for a jeep. Driving is on the right side of the road.
At intersections and traffic circles yield to traffic
coming from your right unless signs indicate otherwise.
At all T-crossing through traffic has priority. The speed
limit is 45 km/hour in town and residential areas and
60-80km/hour outside the city and on the four lane Ring
Road.
Banking
Banks are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. The airport bank is open Monday through Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00  p.m.
and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Selected banks
branches have ATMs that disburse US dollars.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, traveler's
checks less so. Bills of US$ 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. The old
square nickel and the newer square fifty cent piece are
some of the only square coins in the world; along with
the 21/2 guilder coin they are popular souvenirs, particularly
for children.
Climate
Average temperature is 80-82 F. Annual rainfall is about
20 inches. Curaçao 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.
Time
Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is
one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Electricity
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.
Dress
Temperatures are warm throughout the year, so light, casual
tropical wear is in order. Remember to protect yourself
from sunburn. Most indoor establishments are air conditioned
so if you chill easily, you may need a lightweight jacket
or long sleeves. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals;
some casinos also require jackets for men. Overly revealing
clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except
on the beach. If you plan to walk in the countryside,
wear sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your legs
from the cacti.
Language and Culture
Dutch is the official language on Curaçao, but
Papiamento is the local language. English and Spanish
are widely spoken.
Water
Curaçao distills water from the sea and it is excellent.
No problems here.
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.
Curaçao Tourism & Development
Bureau
Pietermaai 19
PO Box 3266, Willemstad
Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Telephone: +599 9 461-6000
Fax: +599 9 461-2305
Email: ctdbcur@attglobal.net
Germany
Curaçao Tourism Development Bureau
Bayerstr. 16a
D 80335 Munchen
Telephone: +49 89 598 490
Fax: +49 89 592 391
Email: bpf@inter-connect-marketing.de
Netherlands
Curaçao Tourism Development Bureau
Vastland 82-84
3011 BP Rotterdam
Telephone: +31 (10) 41-42639
Fax: +31 (10) 41-36834
Email: ctbenl@wirehub.nl
UK
Curacao Tourist Board
421A Finchley Road
London, NW3 6HJ
Telephone: +44 20 7431 4045
Fax: +44 20 7431 7920
Email: destinations@axissm.com
USA: New York
Curaçao Tourism Development Bureau
475 Park Avenue, Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016
Telephone: +1 (212) 683-7660
Telephone: 1-800-270-3350 toll-free in USA
Fax: +1 (212) 683-9337
Email: ctdbny@ctdb.com
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