Guide
Frequently Asked Questions Curacao
Veelgestelde vragen over Curacao.Tourists
Phoning to and from Curaçao. What is the country calling code?
- When calling Curaçao, the country calling code is 00599.
- Calling from Curaçao to the United States the code is 001.
- Calling from Curaçao to The Netherlands the code is 0031.
Indications of airline prices: tickets to Curacao
The distance between The Netherlands and Curaçao is 7300km and the flight from Schipol to Curaçao takes about 11 hours. Due to the growing popularity of the island more airlines are now flying to Curaçao. The largest and most well known airlines flying to Curaçao are KLM and Martinair.
Of-course these airlines offer their cheapest flights online. However, your local travel agency will certainly help you book a flight to Curaçao.
How do I order a taxi in Curaçao? (phone numbers, tips etc.)
To order a taxi you phone 9209.
Taxi's are recognizable by the taxi sign and by the letters TX on the number plate. Agree to a price beforehand as the taxi's do not have meters.
Taxi Central: F.D Rooseveltweg 32-U
Taxi's are recognizable by the taxi sign and by the letters TX on the number plate. Agree to a price beforehand as the taxi's do not have meters.
Taxi Central: F.D Rooseveltweg 32-U
Are there any obligatory vaccinations?
There are not any obligatory vaccinations for Curaçao. However, a tropics examination is to recommended.
For further information: GGD, tel. 4325800 or ask your General Practitioner.
For further information: GGD, tel. 4325800 or ask your General Practitioner.
When is the weather at its best in Curaçao?
There is little difference between the minimum and maximum temperature. Even during what they locally call the rain season it's lovely weather during the day with insignificant rainfall. Therefore, it's always nice weather in Curaçao.
Is the tap water drinkable?
In Curaçao distilled seawater is used for drinking. It tastes fine and can be used for anything.
What is the currency of Curaçao? Can I also pay in dollars?
The local currency is Dutch-Antillian guilder, which is interconnected with the American dollar.
American dollars are widely accepted but travelers checks are slightly less accepted.
American dollars are widely accepted but travelers checks are slightly less accepted.
In which time zone is Curaçao?
Curaçao finds itself in the Atlantic Standard Time, one hour behind US Eastern Standard Time and four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, six hours prior Dutch time.
Can I use Dutch or American plugs in Curaçao?
In Curaçao the voltage is 110-130 volt/50 Hertz.
To compare:
The U.S.A has the same voltage but then with 60 Hertz. Most appliances will work sufficiently, although hairdryers and curling tongs should not be used for longer periods at a time, as to avoid overheating. Europe and South America have a 220 volt/50 Hertz supply.
Electrical appliances that are suitable for both voltage supplies such as electronic razors, can be used in combination with an adaptor, of which are widely available.
To compare:
The U.S.A has the same voltage but then with 60 Hertz. Most appliances will work sufficiently, although hairdryers and curling tongs should not be used for longer periods at a time, as to avoid overheating. Europe and South America have a 220 volt/50 Hertz supply.
Electrical appliances that are suitable for both voltage supplies such as electronic razors, can be used in combination with an adaptor, of which are widely available.
May one drive with a Dutch license or does it have to be changed?
A Dutch/European license is sufficient to drive a car in Curaçao.
Tips?
It's usual to tip a bell-boy 1 Nafl. Per suitcase.
Taxi drivers usually get 10% of the final price.
Restaurants normally add a 10% "service charge" to your bill.
A tip is of course always appreciated.
Taxi drivers usually get 10% of the final price.
Restaurants normally add a 10% "service charge" to your bill.
A tip is of course always appreciated.
Are there boats sailing to and from Curaçao?
Cruises leave from Puerto Rico and Miami, some of the places these cruises go to are: The Mexican Riviera, Jamaica, Martinique, Barbados, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.There are 4 day and 7 day cruises but also longer ones.
It's possible to take a boat trip from Curaçao to Klein Curaçao.
It's possible to take a boat trip from Curaçao to Klein Curaçao.
What are the methods of payment in Curaçao?
Most credit cards such as: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diner's Club are accepted on the island.
The local credit card belonging to the Maduro & Curiël's Bank is the Kompa Leon card, only valid in Curaçao, St. Maarten and Aruba.
Withdrawals are only in the Antillean currency.
The local credit card belonging to the Maduro & Curiël's Bank is the Kompa Leon card, only valid in Curaçao, St. Maarten and Aruba.
Withdrawals are only in the Antillean currency.
What is the maximum length of stay for a trainee or tourist in Curaçao?
The duration of the tourist or trainee stay depends upon their nationality.
- Dutch nationals are allowed to stay as a tourist for up to 6 months per year.
- Nationals of the European Union, The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan may stay as a tourist for up to 3 months per year.
- Nationals of non visa obligatory countries and who do not come under category 2, may stay for a maximum of 30 days at once or shorter according what is specified on the return ticket.
In specific cases within this category the tourists stay can be extended for up to 3 months. However, the extension of stay must be applied for at immigration and before the expiry date. - Nationals from countries with an obligatory visa may stay as long as the visa is valid.
Is there a good healthcare service in Curaçao?
The island has a good healthcare service, being successful in the fight against tuberculosis and and providing good infant care which is as effective as in The Netherlands or The United States.
In Curaçao the first and second line medical services are of a very high standard, also providing for the elderly and chronically ill and therefore enabling them to stay on the island.
In Curaçao the first and second line medical services are of a very high standard, also providing for the elderly and chronically ill and therefore enabling them to stay on the island.
Business
Which documents are required to settle in Curaçao?
To migrate to Curaçao you need:
- A work and residence permit for those with another nationality wanting to live and work on the island.
- A directing-/work-/residence permit is needed if you are going to start a business or either work as a director of a company and also have another nationality.
- A document called a "van rechtswege verklaring" for Dutch nationals not born in the Antilles.
- These documents should be applied for and granted you before your definite arrival in Curaçao.
Where can one apply for a birth certificate in Curaçao?
You can apply for an excerpt from both the birth register and the population register at:
Bevolkingsregister
Roodeweg 42
Tel.4341600
If you wish to withdraw your registration then it should be done 10 days before your departure.
Bevolkingsregister
Roodeweg 42
Tel.4341600
If you wish to withdraw your registration then it should be done 10 days before your departure.
What do you need to start a business in Curaçao as far as documents, permits etc. are concerned?
If you do not have the Dutch nationality then your employer needs to have an employer permit, and therefore you will have to submit certain documents to your employer.
You are granted entry to Curaçao as soon as your work and residence permit have been granted to you.
You are granted entry to Curaçao as soon as your work and residence permit have been granted to you.
What are the methods of payment in Curaçao?
Most credit cards such as: Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diner's Club are accepted on the island.
The local credit card belonging to the Maduro & Curiël's Bank is the Kompa Leon card, only valid in Curaçao, St. Maarten and Aruba. Withdrawals are only in the Antillean currency.
The local credit card belonging to the Maduro & Curiël's Bank is the Kompa Leon card, only valid in Curaçao, St. Maarten and Aruba. Withdrawals are only in the Antillean currency.
Is there a good healthcare service in Curaçao?
The island has a good healthcare service, being successful in the fight against tuberculosis and and providing good infant care which is as effective as in The Netherlands or The United States.
In Curaçao the first and second line medical services are of a very high standard, also providing for the elderly and chronically ill and therefore enabling them to stay on the island.
In Curaçao the first and second line medical services are of a very high standard, also providing for the elderly and chronically ill and therefore enabling them to stay on the island.
Government & Politics
Who is the Governor of Curaçao?
Frits Goedgedrag is the Governor of Curacao.
Who is the Prime Minister?
Emily de Jongh-Elhage is the Prime Minister of Curacao.
What political parties are there?
- Partij voor een herstructureerde Antillen (centre party)
- Man-Partij ( Social Democtratic)
- Arbeidersfront en Bevrijding 30 mei (Socialist)
- Nationale Volkspartij (Christian-democratic)
- Curaçao Vooruit (centre party)
- Lijst Geen Stap Terug (Socialist)
- Onafhankelijk Volk (Left-wing, pro independence)
- Democratische Partij (Centre Party)
- Kom op en Stem
- Optie D Beweging voor een zelfstandige Provincie in het Koningrijk ( for Provincial status)
- De meerderheid voor Optie D-C