| Currency | The official currency of Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean Florin
(NAF), also called a guilder, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The
exchange rate is 1.79 NAH to $1(USD). | | Electricity | Curaçao operates on 110-130 volt system, but many hotels have
transformers available for European visitors. Check with your hotel
when booking. |
| GDP Per Capita | The average per capita income is $20,500(USD). |
| Island Size | The island is approximately 171 square miles in area. |
| Language | Dutch is the official language of Curaçao, but locals also speak
English and Spanish; many islanders also speak Papiamento, a local
blend of Dutch and African languages. |
| Population | Curaçao is home to 133,644 residents. In addition, the island sees
204,600 visitors annually, 16 percent of whom are from the U.S. |
Getting There
Travelers to Willemstad typically arrive via air at Curaçao's Hato
International Airport. Direct flights from the U.S. and Canada are
available, often connecting through Miami and New York. Connecting
flights are also available from Caribbean regional air carriers through
the airports at Santo Domingo and San Juan. Hato International offers flights via quite a few airlines, including ALM Airline,
Aerosucre, Aerovenca, Air Aruba, Allegro Air, American Airlines Cargo,
American Trans Air, Amerijet, Atlas Air, Avensa, Avianca, Condor,
Cubana, DHL Air, Guyana Airways, KLM, LAV-Venezolana, Las Americas,
Martinair Holland, Merlin Express, Pacific Airlines, SLM, Sky Jet,
Sobelair, Star Air, and VASP.
Unmetered, government regulated taxi services will take you to your
final destination on Curaçao. Be sure to agree on a fare to your
specific destination before you get in the taxi, and remember that
rates go up after 11:00 p.m. Fares from Hato International Airport to
Willemstad are generally about $20(USD).
Entry Requirements
All travelers from the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Caribbean are required to present a valid passport in order to gain entry into Curacao. All visitors must also have a return or ongoing ticket.
Climate
Curaçao has a relatively moderate climate, with little variation in
seasonal temperatures. Temperatures in January range from a low of 76
to a high of 79, and from a low of 84 to a high of 89 in July (all
temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit). Curaçao is also drier than many of
the tropical Caribbean islands, experiencing only 21.3 inches of
rainfall annually. Unlike many of the Caribbean islands, Curaçao
is located outside the hurricane belt, greatly reducing the risk of
major storms.
Geography
Curaçao is part of the Netherland Antilles, Caribbean members of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sister to Bonaire, St. Eustatius, St.
Maarten, and Saba, this group of islands is located approximately 35
miles north of Venezuela. At its largest point, Curaçao is 37 by 7
miles wide.
Health and Safety
Being home to peaceful people, Curaçao is not rife with crime against
tourists. Still, it is wise to follow commonsense rules and safeguard
any valuables. As far as water is concerned, Curaçao is home to a
modern desalination plant, making water safe to drink. Willemstad is
home to one of the most up-to-date hospitals in the Caribbean, so
medical attention is readily available in the unfortunate event of an
emergency.
People
Curaçaons are adept at languages due to the diverse group of people who
live on the island. Despite the official Dutch status of the island and
the introduction of English as the language of business, African-rooted
Papiamento is still alive and well today, demonstrating Curaçao's
strong ties to African culture.
African heritage is also evident in the island's music. "Tambu" is an
ancient form of music and dance originally brought to Curaçao by
slaves. Despite being banned, first by slave owners and later by the
Catholic Church, tambu has survived to the present day by being
transmitted from generation to generation. Drums play the main musical
role in this art form.
