Welcome to Curaçao

Unique Facts

• You can get a taste of Curacao at the Marshe Bieu (Old Market), where island locals cook up homemade stew and other treats all day long.
• Klein Curacao (Little Curacao) is a completely deserted island just a two-hour boat trip from the main island. You’ll find an old lighthouse, a shipwreck and a lot of sea life there.
• Curacao has a population of resident flamingos. You can find them on the salt pans and the waters of Rif-St. Marie.
• Five of the seven species of sea turtle live in the waters around Curacao. The most popular spots of underwater turtle encounters are Playa Lagun Beach, Klein Curacao and the sunken tugboat at Caracasbaai.
• Curacao is known for its variety of coral, including elephant ear, tube sponges and double-bed coral. Between August and October, you can witness coral spawning, a natural phenomenon that occurs after the full moon.

Language

Curacao’s official languages are Dutch, English and Papiamento.

When To Go

The best time to go to Curacao is from May to November during the off-peak season. February and March have the best weather, but can be quite crowded and expensive.

Airports

Curaçao International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Curacao: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A, B and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder

Getting Around

Use caution when driving in Curaçao as traffic signs are often hidden or nonexistent. Roads are extremely slippery when it rains. Look out for scooters, motorcycles, ATVs, speeding cars, drunk drivers and, in rural areas, goats and other animals that cross the road unexpectedly.

There is limited public transportation. Two bus terminals service the island, one in Punda and one in Otrobanda. Large buses (Konvooi) service limited, longer-distance routes. Minibuses (look for “Bus” on their registration plates), service shorter routes on main roads.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Consulate General Curaçao
J.B. Gorsiraweg 1,
Willemstad, Curaçao
Telephone: +(599)(9) 461-3066
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(599)(9) 843-3066 (from Curaçao); +1-(503)-420-3115 (from the United States)
Fax: +(599)(9) 461-6489
ACSCuracao@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Island Pass Curacao
Groteberg O 2
Willemstad, Curaçao
Tel: +599 9 513 7326

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 912
Fire, Police, 911, 912

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Curacao. Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are common, especially in beaches, hotel lobbies and from cars. Use precautions to secure your personal belongings. Do not leave belongings in plain view.