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Below is some useful information for your trip to Curacao:
Money Matters:
U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, as are Travelers Checks
and most major Credit Cards. Debit Cards are accepted at large
shops and supermarkets. Prices are quoted in the national currency,
the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin), abbreviated
NAFl. or ANG. It is pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate of
US$ 1 = NAFl. 1.77 for cash, 1.78 for traveler's checks. Exchange
rates may vary slightly at stores and hotels. Bills of US$50
and US$100 can be hard to cash. The larger denominations
of guilder bills (100 and 250) are hard to cash for small purchases.
There are currently two versions of guilder coins in circulation.
The old square nickel and the newer square fifty cent piece are
among the few square coins in the world; along with the 21/2 guilder
coin they are popular souvenirs, particularly for children. There
is no black market and there are no restrictions on how much money
you can bring into the country.
Banking Hours:
Banks are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The
airport bank is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Selected banks
branches have ATMs that disburse US dollars.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, traveler's checks less
so. Bills of US$ 50 and 100 can be hard to cash. International
credit cards are accepted at most major commercial establishments.
Debit Cards are accepted at large shops and supermarkets. The
larger denominations of guilder bills (100 and 250) are hard to
cash for small purchases. There are currently two versions of
guilder coins in circulation.
Population:
The population of 150,000 is made up of 55 nationalities. Willemstad
is the island's capital and only city.
Language:
Dutch is the official language, but multi-racial Curaçaoans
also speak English, Spanish and their own unique blend, Papiamento.
Departure Tax:
An airport tax of U.S.$22.00 per person for international (including
Aruba) flights and flights to Curacao , or U.S.$10.00 per personal
for inter-island flights is payable when leaving the island.
Taxi hints:
Taxi's are easy to recognize by their signs and the TX on their
registration plates. The prices are based for 1-4 people from
6 am-11pm. A fifth person costs 25% more. After 11pm there is
25% surcharge. Passengers should agree a price for the journey
with the driver first. There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels
and Sha Caprileskade in punda. Taxi Company: Main Office: tel:
869-0747 Complaints: 869-0747
Time:
Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time: one hour later than
US Eastern Standard Time (the same time as Eastern Daylight Savings
Time) and four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time.
What to Wear:
Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual
tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect yourself from the
sun. Most indoor establishments are air conditioned; you may need
a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably,
particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals
is decidedly casual. The strong trade winds may make wraparound
and billowing skirts a problem. Some restaurants prohibit shorts
or sandals; some casinos also require jackets for men. Overly
revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except
on the beach. If you plan to walk in the countryside, wear sturdy
shoes and long pants to protect your legs from the cacti.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers
10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge
to the bill; you can leave a couple more guilders change if you
like. Most hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill. All this
beside the 5% Government sales tax.
What to Bring:
Film and video cassettes, batteries, sunscreen, disposable diapers,
sporting goods and books are all generally more expensive in Curaçao.
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.
Source: www.curacao.com |