Willemstad Curaçao

It is 5 hours earlier in the wintertime and in summertime it is 6 hours earlier than in Netherlands.

The currency of Curaçao is the Antillean guilder. 1 Antillian Guilder is about €0.50 (USD 0.56/GBP 0,43). In many places you can withdraw cash and pay with your debit card. Most credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. If you want to get cash at a bank you should show your Passport. You can pay with the local currency in Curaçao and also pay with American dollars. On Curaçao you can not pay with the Aruban guilder and with the Netherlands Antillean guilder cannot pay on the other islands.

You can eat great food in many places on Curaçao, in restaurants, hotels, markets and roadside stalls. You have the choice between the Antilles, South American or European cuisine. You can drink the tap water, but you can also get mineral water everywhere in. Tips are generally included. However, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15%.

Public transport is limited but cheap. There are large and small buses. the large buses, called konvoi, driving, according to a timetable and go to all corners of the island, you buy a ticket on the bus. There are 2 central bus stations, buses to Banda abou (west side) leave from the bus station next to the viaduct in Otrobanda. Buses to Band ariba (East side) leave from the bus station Waaigat in Punda.

The minivans drive especially on the busier city routes and Mambo beach/sea aquarium and are identified by the word BUS on the license plate. The vans have no fixed timetable and often drop you on the place of your destination. You can stop the vans everywhere by doing your hand in the air, wave to the driver.

Taxi meters are required since 2005 in the taxis, in addition to the rides on the meter, there are also some default routes with fixed prices, these are not by all taxi driver. Consult withe the taxi driver before you get in because there are different rates per compagny. Between 23:00 and 06:00 hours prices may be increased by 25%.

There are different medical centers. The Saint Elizabeth Hospital is a modern hospital, this hospital is the best in the region and you get there from any point of the island within 20 minutes. Most accommodations can also refer you to a doctor. Always consult with your health care provider to make sure that you are insured for the care.