Getting around Curacao is usually the combined effort of public transport and taxis or rental cars. There are two types of buses in Curacao: traditional metro-style buses and smaller passenger vans. The larger buses (konvoi) run infrequently between major points in the city, while the vans may be more frequent and flexible about routes to get you closer to your destination. Most of the larger hotels also operate free shuttles to the shopping districts in Willemstad. Hiring a car in Curacao is a good way to see the entire island, and cars are available from the airport or in town. Note that streets are often poorly marked and road hazards may include pedestrians, donkeys, goats and iguanas.
Local time is GMT –4.
Electrical current is 127 volts, 50Hz. Two-pronged flat plugs are used.
The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG or NAFl), which is divided into 100 cents. US currency is accepted everywhere and the Guilder is tied to the US Dollar. Large notes in US Dollars and Guilders may be hard to cash or find change for. Most major credit cards are widely accepted. Banks and exchange bureaux will change foreign currency and ATMs are available.
The international dialling code for Curaçao is +599. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). All local telephone numbers begin with 9 and are typically seven digits. Telephone cards for use at public phones can be purchased at post offices, roadside snack bars and petrol stations. Free wifi is available at most upscale hotels.
911 (Police); 912 (Ambulance).
2018 | 2019 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Carnival Monday | 27 Feb | 4 Mar |
Good Friday | 14 Apr | 19 Apr |
Easter Monday | 17 Apr | 22 Apr |
Kings Day | 27 Apr | 27 Apr |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
Ascension Day | 25 May | 30 May |
Flag Day | 2 Jul | 2 Jul |
Curacao Day | 10 Oct | 10 Oct |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Boxing Day | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
The tropical climate of Curacao is idyllic, with plenty of sunny weather and high temperatures all year round. The heat is moderated by pleasant and almost constant trade winds blowing in from the east. The average annual temperature is 81°F (27°C). Curacao lies outside of the hurricane belt, but its tropical location does lay it open to suffering occasional violent storms. These can occur at any time of year. Generally rainfall can be expected between October and February, but it is light and usually falls at night. The most popular time to visit Curacao is between December and April, but this is mainly because people want to escape the colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere and there are school holidays at this time. The tourist low season, between May and November, is actually just as pleasant a time to visit Curacao and the beaches are less crowded and accommodation generally cheaper.
Taxis and buses run between the airport and Willemstad.
Car rental agencies are available on site at the airport.
Taxis are available at the arrivals hall exit.
The airport has a 24-hour automatic currency exchange machine, banks and ATMs. There is also duty-free shopping, bars and restaurants.
There is a parking facility with positioned outside the airport terminal. Parking fees vary and are dependent on the length of stay.
Free wifi is available in the terminal. There are also paid internet workstations on the ground and second floors.