Curacao / Island Essentials

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

Airport

Curacao's international airport is called El Hato International (CUR) and is situated a few miles north of the capital Willemstad. 

Check-in/Check-out

As a general rule check-out times are around 12 noon and check-in is 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 use all your time before departure. 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

There is a departure tax of US$20 for international flights, or NAFL10 for flights to the other Dutch Caribbean islands. 

A government tax of 7% is added to all accommodation bills. You can also expect a service charge of 12% to be added as well.

Electricity

Electricity is 127/120 VAC at 50 cycles. US style two pronged flat plugs. Most US appliances will work well, except for electrical devices with internal time mechanisms. 

Visitors from Europe will need an adapter plug. These can be found on the island and most hotels keep them in stock but bring one in case. Only dual voltage appliances from Europe can be used on the island.

Embassies/Consulates

There are no embassies or High Commissions in Curaçao, however there are a number of Consulates. 

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, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, t +5999 461 3066

Emergencies

Ambulance - 912 
Police – 911 
Fire Department - 911

Nudity

Topless sunbathing and swimming is tolerated on most beaches in the resort areas, but not on resort grounds. Full nudity in public is illegal and not appreciated by the locals.

Service Charge/Tipping

Tipping is expected and greatly appreciated. Porters normally receive NAFL 1 per bag. Taxi drivers are usually tipped with 10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add 10% and most hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill. 

Hotels must charge an additional 7% government tax. With a 10% service charge this can make a considerable difference to the eventual cost of your trip, so make sure to factor it in when pricing it up. Tipping is left to your own discretion.

Time Zone

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