IN WHICH TIME ZONE IS CURAÇAO?

Curaçao is located in the UTC zone “Atlantic Standard Time -0400”. Curaçao does not follow the summer time regulations. In summer we are therefore in the same time zone as the North American East Coast and in winter it is one hour earlier. The time difference with Western Europe is 6 hours in summer and 5 hours in winter.  

WHAT CURRENCY IS USED IN CURAÇAO?

The currency used in Curaçao is the Antillean guilder (ANG), also called “florin”. The exchange rate of the Antillean guilder is linked to the US dollar. You can use US dollars everywhere in Curaçao. In shops, restaurants, etc.

WHAT IS USUAL IN TERMS OF SERVICE CHARGES AND TIPS?

The service charge is normally around 10% in restaurants and 12% in hotels. The service charge is included in the bill. This is not the same as a tip. It is always up to you to decide whether you want to tip. With a tip you express that you are satisfied with the service and service. Taxi drivers usually receive a tip equal to 10% of the price of the ride, porters ANG 1 per bag, supermarket packers ANG 1 per bag and waiters can receive 5% to 10% of your bill as a tip.

CAN I USE COMMON CREDIT CARDS AT THE ATMS?

ATMs in Curaçao (recognizable by the word “Bankomatiko”) accept the most common credit and debit cards. They use the Maestro, Cirrus and Cashnet systems for bank cards. If you plan to use your bank card, make sure that there is at least one of the relevant symbols on your card. At ATMs in Curaçao you can withdraw both American dollars and Antillean guilders.

WHAT LANGUAGE DO THE PEOPLE SPEAK IN CURAÇAO?

Most “yu di Korsou” (people born and raised in Curaçao) speak English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamentu. Recently, more and more people have begun to speak Portuguese, due to the influx of visitors from Brazil and the fact that our native language, Papiamento, is closely related to Portuguese.

ARE THERE CERTAIN PARTS OF CURAÇAO THAT I SHOULD NOT VISIT?

In general, Curaçao is safe. There are no lawless zones on the island and you can move around freely anywhere on the island, especially during the day. It is not recommended to stay on remote beaches without facilities after dark. It is also best to avoid dark alleys, just like you would in any other city.