- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Curacao
Curacao
Part of the Netherlands Antilles group along with St Maarten,
Curaçao is the largest island in the archipelago, an arid and
largely flat island stretching about 40 miles (64km) in length. The
southern coastline is scattered with spectacular bays, beaches and
secluded coves and is more inhabited than the rough northern shore
where the weather-beaten terrain takes the brunt of the wind, and
cliffs are pounded by the rough surf. The best beaches are
scattered along the southwest coast where the calm, crystal clear
water also makes it a tropical paradise for divers, snorkellers and
swimmers; towards the east are the largest bays, where the main
port and historic capital city Willemstad is situated.
Curaçao is an ideal holiday destination for underwater lovers,
as the excellent visibility, warm water, active reef conservation
and variety of dive and snorkelling sites ranks the island among
the most popular dive locations in the Caribbean. On land there are
also several interesting sites to visit, including the 'living'
Hato Caves where centuries-old stalagmites and stalactites are
still being formed; the protected wildlife preserve of Christoffel
Park encompassing Mount Christoffel, the highest point on the
island, with fantastic views over the island from among the park's
exotic flowers, bent divi divi trees and blue iguanas; and the
dramatic caverns carved out of the limestone cliffs by the crashing
waves within Shete Boka National Park.
The capital city and seat of government for the Netherlands
Antilles, Willemstad has been a major international trading centre
for centuries, its society a mixture of different nationalities,
races and cultures and its shops filled with goods from around the
world. Old Willemstad dates from the 18th and 19th centuries and is
one of the most remarkable historic areas in the Caribbean with
charming alleys and superb Dutch colonial architecture housing
restaurants, museums, shops and hotels. Many of the beautiful Dutch
buildings have been adapted to life in a hot and breezy climate and
sport Caribbean-style shutters, porches and verandas, lending
further charm to the cheerfully painted historic structures.
Whether the days are spent in sun-soaked relaxation or by taking
advantage of the endless activities on offer, on land or in the
water, when the sun begins to set the trend is to slip into one of
the bars, where happy hour is just the beginning of the night to
come.
Information & Facts
Business
Curacao is an important centre of business in the Caribbean.
Business tends to be conducted formally; punctuality is important
and dress is smart and conservative. Greetings are usually
accompanied by a handshake and business cards are exchanged.
Although Dutch is the official language, Spanish and English are
also widely spoken. Business hours are usually 7.30am to 12pm and
1.30pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Climate
Curaçao experiences a warm and sunny climate throughout the year
with average temperatures of 81°F (27°C), which are tempered by the
constant trade winds from the east. It is located in the tropics
and although outside of the hurricane zone tropical storms can
cause uncharacteristically bad weather at any time of year. The
rainy season is from October to February, but what little rain it
receives usually falls at night.
Communications
The international dialling code for Curaçao is +599. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0027 for South Africa). There are no internal area codes. All local
telephone numbers begin with 9 and are typically seven digits.
Telephone cards for use at public phones can be purchased at post
offices, roadside snack bars and petrol stations. The island is
covered by a GSM 900/1800 network. Internet cafes are
available.
Customs
Topless sunbathing and nudity is illegal on the island, and
beachwear is inappropriate away from the beach. The island is a
self-proclaimed 'gay friendly' destination.
Duty Free
Travellers to Curaçao may import 200 cigarettes or 100
cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; two litres of alcohol;
perfume; and gifts valued up to 100 florin without paying customs
duty.
Electricity
Electrical current is 110 to 130 volts, 50 Hz.
Two-pronged flat plugs are used.
Health
Curaçao has no tropical diseases like malaria (although
mosquitoes can be a problem), and no vaccinations are necessary.
Sunburn is common. A high standard of cleanliness means that
gastro-intestinal complaints are rare; tap water is distilled from
the sea and is safe to drink. There are a number of medical centres
on the island and a modern and well-equipped hospital, but medical
insurance is recommended.
Language
Dutch is the official language, but English and Spanish
are widely spoken. The majority of islanders speak Papiamentu, a
Creole language.
Money
The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or
Florin (ANG or NAFl), which is divided into 100 cents. US currency
is accepted everywhere and the guilder is tied to the US dollar.
Large notes in US dollars and guilders may be hard to cash or find
change for. Most major credit cards are widely accepted and
travellers cheques in US Dollars is advised to avoid additional
charges. Banks and exchange bureaux will change foreign currency
and ATMs are available.
Passport Visa
For travel within the Netherlands Antilles, all passengers of 14
years and older must hold proof of identity, if possible with
photo. All visitors must demonstrate, on arrival, sufficient means
of support while in Curaçao (US$500 a week, or equivalent in
convertible currency). Travellers are required to have a return or
onward ticket to a destination outside the Netherlands Antilles,
and all the documentation required for that journey. Visa
extensions are possible. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going between the United States
and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region, are required
to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or
re-enter the United States. NOTE: It is highly recommended that
your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your
intended date of departure from your travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
Most visits are trouble free, but petty crime is on the increase
and although tourist areas are generally safe it is advisable to
take sensible precautions like not taking valuables to the beach or
wandering alone off the main roads at night. The islands are used
to smuggle drugs from South America to Europe and North America and
visitors should not leave bags unattended or agree to carry
packages for anyone.
Time
Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but a
few extra guilders as change is appreciated. Most hotels add a 12%
service charge, and porters are usually tipped one or two guilders.
It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10%.