Money and payments
Cards and cash
Automatic teller machines (ATM) are widely available throughout the island, and many machines will dispense Caribbean guilders and U.S. dollars.
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Americas · CaribbeanOutline guideIsland country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Photo: Charles Hoffman from New York, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Curaçao (Papiamentu: Kòrsou) is an island in the Caribbean Sea, among the group known as the ABC Islands alongside Aruba and Bonaire. This trio is located near Venezuela, and is considered to be outside the Caribbean's so-called "hurricane zone"; vacations to the island are rarely disrupted by tropical storms.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Curaçao.
Cards and cash
Automatic teller machines (ATM) are widely available throughout the island, and many machines will dispense Caribbean guilders and U.S. dollars.
English, Dutch, Papiamento
The native language, Papiamentu, is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish (90%) and Dutch (10%), but with a very basic grammar and a limited vocabulary.
International roaming is also available for many carriers but it is usually cheaper to purchase a prepaid SIM card from one of the local providers.
Tap water, which comes from a large seawater desalination distillation plant, is excellent tasting and perfectly safe for consumption.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Places in Curaçao on the World Heritage List.
Fortkerk
Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao
Listed 1997
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Public transport and paid services in Curaçao.
By bus
There are two types of buses on the island, BUS and Konvoi. The easiest way to ride is to go to one of the two bus stations in Willemstad.
By ferry
Ferries are a great way for shoppers to get to and from some of the island's main shopping areas.
By taxi
If public transit isn't your style, and you don't want to rent your own car, taxis are another popular and easy-to-find option." Some taxi drivers will even be your tour guide for the day, if you ask.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Curaçao.
Finding apps for Curaçao…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Willemstad · International · CUR
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Willemstad
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 27° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 26° | 26° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 27° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 41 | 22 | 10 | 13 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 26 | 45 | 82 | 117 | 64 |
| Humidity | 79% | 79% | 80% | 82% | 84% | 84% | 84% | 82% | 81% | 81% | 81% | 80% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$75
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$205
Per person, per day
Luxury
$545
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $115 | $315 |
| Food and drink | $20 | $45 | $110 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $70 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2021). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Curaçao. Curaçao is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty crime is most likely to occur in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as theft of unsecured property or vehicle break-ins. Beware of overcharges and scams in tourist areas. Some sellers may be aggressive. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations. Crime rates are low. However, armed robberies occur at businesses storing large amounts of cash or involved in drug or gang activity. It is illegal to bring guns, ammunition, and even spent shells or casings into Curaçao. You may face arrest and detention for long periods of time. Review our Travel Guidance for Curaçao to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Curaçao.
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