Bonaire / Island Essentials

All travellers to Bonaire will need to know the essential island facts.  The information on Bonaire shown below is current (2011).

Airport

Bonaire's international airport is situated in Kralendijk and is called Flamingo International Airport (BON)

Check-In/Check-Out

As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is generally not prior to 3pm, during which time the rooms are made ready for new arrivals. Some properties may provide a day room subject to availability or shower facilities so that you can spend your last hours on the beach. If you will be arriving before the normal check-in time then they may be flexible by prior arrangement. You should make any special arrangements at the time of booking.

Departure Tax/Taxes

The Departure Tax for all international destinations is US$32 per person, payable in cash or credit card at the airport prior to check-in. Departure tax to Curacao and Aruba is lower.

There is a 5% NAOB tax on virtually all goods and services. Taxes on accommodations are US$5.50 to $6.50 per person per night. Be aware, some places may not mention this tax in advance and it can add up to quite an amount by the end.

Electricity

127 volts, 50 cycles. 220 volts is also available at some resorts. Most US appliances will work. Remember to bring the correct adapters if needed.

Embassies/Consulates

There are no embassies or High Commissions in Bonaire.

Canadians can obtain consular assistance and information from the Consulate of Canada, Maduro and Curiel's Bank, Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4, PO Box 305, Willemstad, Curaçao, t 5999 466 1115

British citizens can obtain consular assistance and information from the British Consulate, 6 Willemstad, Curaçao, t 5999 747 3322

American citizens can obtain consular assistance and information from the US Consulate General, at JB Gorsiraweg 1, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, t 5999 461 3066

Emergencies

Ambulance – 114
General Emergencies – 191
Police – 717 8000

Nudity

Sorobon Beach Resort in the south-east of the island has a nudist beach. Elsewhere, public nudity is officially against the law, but topless sunbathing and swimming is tolerated on the resort beaches.

Service Charge/Tipping

Tipping is much the same as in the States, add around 15%. Some restaurants add a 10-15% service charge automatically, so check before paying. Taxi driver will appreciate small tips. It is considered the norm to tip in shops offering a service, for example dive shops.

Time Zone

Bonaire is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is four hours behind GMT, ie Britain in winter, and five hours behind Europe. During the winter it is an hour ahead of the eastern seaboard of the USA.

Bonaire has no daylight saving time, so when the clocks change in summer the island is five hours behind Britain, six behind mainland Europe and on the same time as the eastern seaboard.