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Clothing:
There is a tropical temperature, lose and casual clothes
are recommended. You have to protect yourself against
the sun, especially around noon, with sunglasses , hat
and a T-shirt, Most of the indoor establishments are air-conditioned,
so you also have to take long sleeves and a pair of trousers.
In some of the restaurants and casinos shorts and sandals
are prohibited. |
Money:
The local currency is the Antillean Guilder, also called Florin,
shortened in ANG or Nafl. The value of the Antillean Guilder
is attached to the US dollar (US .$ 1 = Nafl. 1.78). The rate
can vary at shops and hotels.
The dollar is accepted in all major shops and stores.International
Credit Cards and Travelers cheques are also accepted everywhere.
Banks are open from Monday till Friday from 8.00 till 3.30 p.m.
non stop.
The opening hours of the exchange office at the airport are
from 7.30 a.m. till 4.00 p.m.
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ATM’s:
There are a lot of ATM’s on the island. All midsized
shopping centers have one. They are also frequently located
at supermarkets and gasstations.
See our map for more detailed information. |
Tipping:
Normally you tip porters with Nafl. 1.00 a bag and taxidrivers
with appr. 10% of the rate. Most restaurants add a 10% service
charge on the bill. Still it’s normal to leave a couple
of guilders, if you like.
Currents:
110-130 volts / 50 cycles.
The cycles are a bit different from the US. , where 60 cycles
are standard.
Most appliances from the US however will function properly,
although overheating is a possibility. Electrical appliances
from Europe and South America will need an adapter-plug, which
are sold in many shops around the island.
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Tapwater:
The Curacao water from the tap has a very good quality
and taste. It is directly distilled from seawater and
save to anyone. |
Mobile ( Roaming):
It is possible to roam on the Netherlands Antilles, if your
operator is connected with the local telephone company –
UTS --. For more details see : www.roaming.an
It is also possible to buy a local SIM card for Nafl. 50.—which
you can put in your mobile phone. (GMS). These you can buy at
local UTS service centers around the island.
Post Offices:
There are 3 post offices on the island, in the district Punda,Otrabanda
and Groot Kwartier ( Schottegatweg). There are also two small
branches located in the World Trade Center and the Airport.
Opening hours:
7.30 till 12.00 and 1.30 till 5.00 p.m.from Monday till Friday
Groot Kwartier opens nonstop and is also open on Saturday from
7.30 till 11.30 a.m.
Some hotels also have letterdrops. Stamps can be purchased at
bookstores and in hotels.
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Telephony:
The international code for Curacao is 599-9 and there
are no further area codes to reach another country from
Curacao. Dial 00 first, then the international code, then
the number. |
Driving:
Driving in Curacao is relatively easy. Driving is on the right
side of the road. At intersections and traffic circles yield
to traffic from the right , unless signs indicate otherwise.
( see list of traffic signs).
The roadsigns are clear,and it is easy to find your way with
a roadmap.
At all T-crossings straight on traffic has priority.
The speedlimit is 45km/h in town and 60 – 80 km/h outside
the city.
Taxi’s:
Taxi’s are are identified by their sign on top. There
are taxistands at the airport, in town and outside major hotels.
Taxi’s have meters and it is advised to pay by the meter.
Public Transport:
It is possible to get around the island by bus, but public transportation
is somewhat limited. The public busses drive through most neighbourhoods.
They stop at alle busstops. There is another way to get around
the island at low costs : collective private mini-busses, they
indicate their route at the front-window.
Passports and Visas:
US and Canadian citicens need only proof of citicenship, such
as birth-certificate, and a return ticket home.
Most other nationalities only need a passport. Visitore from
the Dominican Republic, Clombia and Haiti require a visa.
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Departure
by air:
Confirmation of all return flights is advised. Foreign
visitors must pay a departure tax of US. $12.50 for international
flights and $ 5,65 for flights within the Netherlands
Antilles. These taxes have to be paid at the airport before
check-in.
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Customs:
Usually visitors may carry their belongings and presents into
Curacao. It is also permitted to bring along food for personal
use. This also counts for alcoholic beverages. Medicine with
narcotic ingredients have to be described clearly.
The possession of marihuana , even in small amounts , is a punishable
offence in Curacao. If you travel with expensive jewelry, it
is recommendable to present a receipt at arrival, to prevent
excess taxes.
It is prohibited to carry away artifacts from nature, such as
coral, sea urgins, shells or phosphates. It is accepted if they
are bought in a regular souvenir shop.
Health:
There is no malaria or other serious tropical illness in Curacao.
Belly troubles caused by wrong fooddoes not exist. There is
a good hygiene supervision in kitchens of restaurants. Vaccinations
are not needed. Feel free to eat and drink where ever you like.
Please be careful with the sun on your skin, and use a lot of
sunscreen , sunglasses , a hat and a T-shirt. ( especially between
11.00 and 15.00hrs)
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Buy a roadmap and go on advanture in your
rented car. It's diffecult to get lost on
an island just 70 km. long. |
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