Curaçao Travel Information

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, usually at night, and continued sunny weather by day. See also our "Weather Page".

Travelers can choose to visit in high or low tourist season: Mid-December through March are the most popular vacation months (high season) for the North Americans but prices drop significantly from End-April through End-June and End-September till Mid-December (low season).

For the most part, casual, informal summer clothing is the rule in Curacao. Women may want to bring along a scarf or hat; the constant trade wind, while refreshing, is not compatible with a carefully arranged hair style.

If you plan to visit the island's elegant restaurants, night clubs or casinos, one or two dressier outfits would be appropriate. As for bathing suits, please remember that they're acceptable only on the beach, and not on the streets or restaurants.

Batteries, memory card for your camera(s), sunscreen, disposable diapers, sporting goods and books are all generally more expensive in Curacao. Local stores carry a good selection of most items. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent as this is often in short supply, especially during the rainy season.

Passport: Yes!
Visa: Sometimes, please read our entry requirements page for more information about passports and visas

The Euro is more and more accpeted, but the exchange rate is not good. So we advice you to change it into the local currency Netherlands Antillean Guilder (also called the florin) or into the American Dollar. (Maestro debit cards and credit cards are acceptect at most places)
See also our: Currency & Exchange Rates page

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!

While Curacao has cellular phone service (GSM), roaming services for other cellular company customers it can be very expensive!!!
Note that a turned on voicemail can cost you a lot of money even if you do not listen to it!!!
Solution: If you phone is sim-lock free, buy a PrePaid-sim card!

TIP!: Calling through Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger or Voip is cheaper when you have (Free) WiFi connection.

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

Dogs and cats may only enter Curaçao from any country if they are fully compliant with the import requirements:

• Pit Bulls are not allowed to travel to Curaçao as pets or Service / Emotional Support Animals.
• With the exception of Surinam, dogs and cats are not permitted directly from South America.
• Dogs and cats entering Curaçao must be accompanied by an official international health certificate issued and endorsed by the official government veterinarian and signed by a certified veterinarian with a validity of not older than 2 weeks.
• The dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases between 12 months (or 36 months for the 3 year vaccine) prior entry to Curaçao.
• Customers will need to provide a copy of the Rabies Certificate.
• Within 14 days of travel, your pet will need a treatment for ticks and tapeworms.
• If arriving from the European Union, Curaçao requires that your dog or cat be microchipped with a 15 digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant pet microchip. If your pet's microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner. The chip must be mentioned on the health certificate.

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. Also: more resorts offers 230 volts/ 50 cycles - Dutch Standard, check your resort for more info.

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

Curacao has a sales tax (OB) of 6%, the government room tax of 7%. If you stay in an all-inclusive resort, the government sales will be calculated of the amount of 60% the all-inclusive price.

A gratuity or service charge of 10% to 20% is usually included in your bill. If not, a tip of 10% to 20% is appropriate, depending on the service you received.