The Best Restaurants in Curaçao

The Best Restaurants in Curaçao

Curacao Restaurants

Shelly

Curacao's cuisine is the result of a blend of Spanish, Dutch, African, and Asian culinary traditions. This makes the food in Curacao very diverse and full of flavor.
Below is a list of about 20 recommended restaurants for when you want to enjoy a good meal during your stay in Curaçao.

In Willemstad

IGUANA CAFÉ

The best cocktails and snacks with a great view
One of the favorite restaurants of tourists and locals alike, where you can enjoy delicious appetizers and the most delicious piña colada cocktail on the island. The panorama of colorful monumental houses and passing ships is unsurpassed. The restaurant has a Latin touch to make you feel at home.

Where is it? 13 Handelskade, Punda

See more:
https://www.facebook.com/iguanacafecur

ZUS DI PLAZA @ PLAZA BIEU MARKET

The Best Local Food
A flea market with several small restaurants, where you can eat together with the local inhabitants. Arriving from the main market, Zus di Plaza is the last restaurant, on the left hand side.

Here you will find local dishes such as kid and beef stew, the famous Giambo, an okra soup with mixed meat that has a slimy texture. You'll either hate it or love it. I don't like it very much. Instead, I always go for fresh fish and delicious pumpkin pancakes (for dessert).

Where is it? On Ryuterkade, next to the main market, in Punda

See more: https://www.facebook.com/people/Zus-di-Plaza-Curacao/100064172317199/

LA BOHEME

A Little Piece of Latin America in Curaçao
This charming spot is owned by a Chilean family. Make yourself at home and enjoy an arepa, a wrap, a burger, or a delicious milkshake in a cozy atmosphere. It’s also a great spot for people-watching in the heart of Punda.

Tip:
Have dinner on Thursday nights during "Punda Vibes," when there's live music in town and a great atmosphere.

Where is it? 4 Columbiastraat, in Punda.

See more:

https://www.facebook.com/labohemecuracao

THE CAPTAIN

The best burgers at the best price
This restaurant is located below the popular De Gouverneur restaurant, overlooking Handelskade in Punda. However, at "The Captain" you pay a fraction of the price you would pay at the "De Gouverneur".

The Captain specializes in steaks, burgers, and fresh tuna every day.

Tip:
The Angus burger. The burger has a pleasant smoky flavor, and the fried onion rings add a crunchy touch. On Fridays, there's happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where is it? 9E Ruivilleweg, in Otrobanda

See more:
https://www.facebook.com/TheCaptainbarCuracao

ROZENDAELS

Caribbean restaurant , excellent quality and value
Rozendaels, now located in a modern building, offers an extensive menu featuring international dishes and local specialties such as beef and fish stews.

Tip:
If you want to try an authentic Dutch Caribbean dish, try Keshi yená, which literally means “stuffed cheese.” You’ll be served a plate of Gouda cheese stuffed with chicken, raisins, and vegetables.

Where is it? Penstraat 35, across from the Avila Beach Hotel.

See more: https://www.facebook.com/Rozendaels/

MOSA CAÑA BAR & KITCHEN

Excellent cocktails and tapas-style food
At this trendy, high-end restaurant, you can share Latin/Caribbean-inspired tapas-style dishes, such as ceviche, tacos, and rum-glazed ribs.

Where is it? Penstraat 41-43

See more:
https://www.facebook.com/mosa.canabarkitchen

FORT NASSAU

The Most Romantic Restaurant with an Unbeatable View
Located in an old 18th-century fortress, it offers a nearly 360-degree view of Willemstad and its harbor. As you climb the stairs leading to the restaurant, you can already feel the special charm of this historic place.

Tip:
Ask for a table on the terrace and arrive before sunset to enjoy the best views.

Where is it? Fort Nassauweg.

See more:
https://www.facebook.com/fortnassau.curacao

BARIO URBAN STREET FOOD

The Best Fast-Food Restaurant
Before you go inside the restaurant, take a moment to admire the colorful graffiti on the walls. It’s the perfect spot for some Instagram photos. Inside the restaurant, they’ve set up a mini food court with food trucks (service windows) serving all kinds of snacks. It’s a nice place to have a few drinks and grab a bite to eat with friends.

Tip:

Every Thursday, you can sign up for a guided tour of Otrobanda with Kurt, starting at the Bario Hotel. The price is $10 per person, and you can reserve a table for lunch at Barrio Urban Streetfood after the tour.

Where is it? De Rouvilleweg, Otrobanda.

See more:
https://www.facebook.com/bariohotelcuracao

IN THE CENTER

NUMBER TEN

The best breakfasts and lunches (including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options)

You can dine indoors or on the cozy patio. This restaurant has something for everyone. Our recommendations: the Green Egg salmon club sandwich and the breakfast burrito. Delicious coffee and pastries.

Recommendation:
Number Ten is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, so it's a good idea to make a reservation. Closed in the evenings and on weekends (it's not a restaurant for dinner).

Where is it located? Santa Roosaweg, 10

See more: https://www.facebook.com/numbertencuracao

TONY ROMA'S

The best breakfasts and lunches (including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options)

A pleasant place to have lunch or dinner at any time of day in the open air, open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, 7 days a week. There are daily specials and an affordable lunch menu. Tony Roma’s is famous for its delicious ribs. Daily happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Recommended: Shrimp pasta in Alfredo sauce and fillet medallions; To drink: Tony Roma's signature cocktail: Curaçao rum punch. A huge glass that you can't lift with just one hand.

Where is it? Schottegatweg Oost, 171

See more:
https://www.facebook.com/Tonyromascuracao

CHOPSTIX SUSHI

The Best Sushi on the Island

Chopstix has been the locals’ favorite sushi restaurant for years. You can eat inside or outside on the patio. The menu is extensive and the portions are generous. Try the crispy Curaçao roll, wrapped in salmon and fried in a sweet tempura batter.

Where is it located? St. Roosaweg, 33

See more:
https://www.facebook.com/chopstixsushi

FISHING ROD

TOMATOES

The best sunset with the best pizza

The tables, with a direct view of the ocean, are the perfect spot to enjoy a thin-crust pizza while watching the boats go by at sunset.

Recommendation:
If you're not quite ready to head back to the hotel after dinner, stop by the neighboring seaside restaurant, Pirate Bay, where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail with your feet in the sand.

Where is it? Piscadera Bay

See more: https://www.facebook.com/TomatoesCuracao

FISHING

The best fish on the island

It's only open Friday through Monday.
There is a reason why the lines are long at this fishmonger's. The fish is very fresh, delicious and affordable. The concept is simple: You decide the type of fish you want to order and the size of the portion. Then, you order the fish and the side dishes of your choice at the counter. They serve you a drink at another counter and you wait at the table until your food is brought to you.

Tip: Try the medium-rare yellowfin tuna served with a sesame seed crust, soy sauce and wasabi. You will not be disappointed.

Where is it? Piscadera Bay

See more: https://www.facebook.com/piscaderanoreservations

MAMBO BEACH BOULEVARD

PIZZA MARE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

The best Italian food and a great atmosphere
You'll also find gluten-free options here.

Where is it? Mambo Beach Boulevard

See more: https://www.facebook.com/pizzamare

THE GREEN HOUSE

The best breakfasts and lunches (including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options)

Greenhouse originally started as a Lebanese food restaurant, but has expanded its options considerably, with an extensive menu with all kinds of international dishes. Still, Greenhouse is the place to go on the island for Lebanese food.

Where is it? Mambo Beach Boulevard

See more: https://www.facebook.com/thegreenhousecuracao

JAN THIEL

ZANZIBAR BEACH & RESTAURANT


Good value food in one of the best tourist areas of Curaçao.

Especially famous for its pizzas.

 

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, don’t come on Saturdays, since Zanzibar’s happy hour is one of the most popular on the island. It’ll be hard to find parking on a Saturday. Looking for a more chic atmosphere? Papagayo Beach Club is right on the beach. Here you can enjoy a more elegant dining experience, with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.

Where is it? Jan Thiel Beach

See more: https://www.facebook.com/ZanzibarCuracao/

WESTPoint

EETCAFE BY BUURVROUW

A peaceful atmosphere under a huge palapa

This restaurant is easily recognizable by its large palapa. The restaurant opens at 2:00 p.m. for lunch and dinner. There’s an extensive menu; our favorites are the salad with goat cheese croquettes and the barbecue chicken pizza with garlic sauce.

Where is it? Via Westpoint, near Groteberg

See more: https://www.facebook.com/DeBuurvrouwCuracao

KOMEDOR KRIOYO - LANDHUIS DOKTERSTUIN

A local restaurant located on an old hacienda
Another favorite spot to sample local dishes, such as beef stew, goat, and fish.
Recommendation:
If you go on a Sunday, arrive early, around noon, because it gets crowded later.

Where is it? On Westpoint Road, before you reach Barber, on the left-hand side.

See more: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantkomedorkrioyo

SHELTER ROCK PARADISE

A hidden gem in the West Point area

This is a special place that’s completely off the beaten path, on a side road between Soto and Lagun. The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the countryside and features décor with antiques and artwork. Shelter Rock specializes in local cuisine. Its Friday “coconut night” is very popular (reservations are required). The coconuts are stuffed with chicken and seafood and heated for hours over hot coals.

Where is it? Flip 17

See more: https://www.facebook.com/shelterrockparadise/

SOL FOOD

For the island’s biggest pizza and mouthwatering brownies

In addition to pizza, the American owners serve fish, steaks, and salads. It’s only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you’re coming to Westpunt specifically for this restaurant, be sure to make a reservation. The patio is small and fills up very quickly.

Where is it? On the way to Kalki Beach at Sunshine Getaway Curaçao in the town of Westpunt

See more: https://www.facebook.com/Sol-Food-at-Sunshine-Getaway-Curacao-245884928763809

Historic Sites in Curaçao – Be Your Own Guide

Historic Sites in Curaçao – Be Your Own Guide

Practical Tips

Shelly

Home 9 Author archive for Shelly ( Page 15 )
For most travelers, Curaçao may be the ideal destination for exploring beaches and enjoying an idyllic vacation in a tropical paradise. However, many are surprised to discover a destination that is equally rich in history and culture.


A Brief Overview of the History of Curaçao

The island of Curaçao lies just 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela, and its first inhabitants were the Arawak people. This group had migrated from South America approximately 6,000 years before European explorers even arrived. When Spanish colonists arrived on the island in 1499, they immediately enslaved the Arawaks. In 1515, many other indigenous people were transported by the Spanish to the island of Hispaniola (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) to be used as slaves there as well.

In addition to this indigenous group, Sephardic Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal also arrived in Curaçao in the 17th century. This Jewish community became the largest and oldest in the Western Hemisphere, and they founded the famous synagogue Mikve Israel-Emmanuel, which is the oldest in the Americas and is located in Punda.

In 1634, the Dutch West India Company seized the island and established the capital, Willemstad, next to the harbor. After winning the battle against the Portuguese for Fort Elmina on the coast of Ghana (West Africa) in 1636, the Dutch became the world’s largest supplier of enslaved Africans. The captives worked in the salt flats and plantations of Curaçao while colonial control of the island changed hands time and again: from the Netherlands to Great Britain to France throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The influence of all these nations is reflected in the island’s cuisine, music, and language. During this period, the local dialect of Papiamento developed as a blend of Spanish, Dutch, African, Portuguese, and French words.

In 1815, the Treaty of Paris granted the Dutch West India Company ultimate control over Curaçao. Slavery was abolished in 1863, and the economy shifted to oil refining with the opening of the Royal Dutch Shell Refinery on the former site of the slave market in 1918. Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. For this reason, October 10 is celebrated as “10-10-10,” the country’s Independence Day.

Today, the island stands out for its surprisingly diverse culture, a reflection of its complex history. If you want to learn more about the history of Curaçao and would like to explore it on your own, here are my recommendations for the must-see sites:

Reina Emma Bridge

A stroll across the Queen Emma Floating Bridge is a must-do experience in Curaçao to soak up the Old World charm of Willemstad. Known as the “Old Lady Who Sways,” the bridge is supported by 16 wooden pontoons and two engines. Named in honor of Queen Emma of the Netherlands, this floating pedestrian bridge, built in 1888, connects the neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda. Every half hour, a siren signals that the bridge is about to open to allow boats to pass. The Queen Emma Bridge is one of the oldest wooden pontoon bridges in the world.

View on the map of Curaçao

WILLEMSTAD IN COLOR

The colorful Dutch colonial buildings that line the harbor of Willemstad are the symbol of Curaçao and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the historic districts of Punda, Pietermaai, Otrobanda, and Scharloo. Punda, built in the 17th century, is the oldest part of the city and the only area that still preserves a defensive system consisting of walls and bastions, which were connected to Fort Amsterdam. The other districts date back to the 18th century and feature a wider variety of architectural styles, such as arcades and characteristic Baroque elements, like curved roofs. Fun fact: The bright colors of Curaçao’s buildings date back to 1817, when whitewash finishes were banned because the glare from the tropical sun caused headaches.

View on the map of Curaçao

FORT AMSTERDAM

Fort Amsterdam, one of the first buildings constructed in Willemstad in 1635, served as the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company and was strategically located in the harbor of Santa Ana Bay to defend the island against Spanish troops. It is the most important of the island’s six forts, and the massive walls rising above the pier are an impressive sight. The walls are nine feet wide and feature four bastions. The golden-yellow structure also houses Curaçao’s oldest Protestant church, the Fort Church, built in 1769. Fort Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now the residence of the Governor of Curaçao and the seat of the island’s Parliament.

View on the map of Curaçao

KAS DI PAL'I MAISHI

Sloping adobe walls and a thatched roof made of sorghum stalks are the hallmarks of the Kas di pal'i maishi, or sorghum-stalk houses, built by former Curaçaoan slaves after emancipation in 1863. The restored house museum is over 130 years old and was inhabited until the 1950s. A guide leads a 30-minute tour of the house and grounds, explaining daily life, which included a separate building for cooking and two small rooms for sleeping and family gatherings, as well as cactus fences to keep animals out. A small restaurant in the museum’s backyard serves local dishes such as Kabritu Stoba (beef stew) and piska ku funchi (fish and polenta).

View on the map of Curaçao

Tula Museum

Landhuis Kenepa, situated on a hill with sweeping views of the valley, was one of the wealthiest plantations on Curaçao. It was also the site of the island’s most significant rebellion by enslaved Africans. In 1795, a man named Tula freed hundreds of people from neighboring plantations and led a month-long revolt against the Dutch slaveholders. Tula was captured and tortured to death, and this two-story museum chronicles the rebellion and the lives of the enslaved people. Today, Tula is recognized as a national hero; the island commemorates his legacy on August 17, which was the first day of the uprising. On the island’s southern coast, there is a monument at the site where Tula was killed.

View on the map of Curaçao

JAN KOK COUNTRY HOUSE

Originally built in 1704 and rebuilt in 1840, Landhuis Jan Kok is one of the oldest plantation houses on Curaçao. This 852-acre plantation was once dedicated to salt production, and from the terrace you can still see the salt flats, which are now home to flamingos. More than 100 enslaved workers toiled on the plantation, and the owner, Jan Kok, was notoriously cruel. Locals believe his evil spirit still haunts the main house, but renowned local artist Nena Sánchez has opened a gallery of cheerful artwork in the country house to ward off the bad vibes. This house offers an interesting glimpse into the island’s history and how it has evolved in modern times.

View on the map of Curaçao

Yellow fever vaccine: Is it mandatory?

Yellow fever vaccine: Is it mandatory?

Practical Tips

Shelly

Home 9 Author archive for Shelly ( Page 15 )

The yellow fever vaccine:
Is it required for travel to Curaçao?

Updated: September 2023

Starting in September 2023, the island’s health authorities have indicated that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are coming from a country considered high-risk. The following countries have been reconfirmed:

Colombia, Argentina (Misiones and Corrientes), Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, Panama, and Venezuela.

Yellow fever is a severe infectious disease transmitted by mosquito bites. This disease can cause hemorrhages, jaundice and fever. For this reason, it has been called "yellow fever". The virus can present itself either as a mild flu-like illness or as a severe and often fatal form of the disease. In this case, the liver and kidneys are affected with hemorrhages from all orifices of the body.

Because the mortality rate due to yellow fever is high, many countries have chosen to protect their population by requiring tourists from high-risk areas to present proof that they have been vaccinated. But how do you know if you need to have the yellow fever vaccine to travel to Curaçao?

Here is what you should know if you are traveling to Curaçao and do not know if you need this vaccine:

DATA n. 1: no yellow fever virus in curaçao

If you are traveling from Curaçao, you will probably not need to present this vaccine. However, if you are coming to Curaçao from an area with yellow fever, vaccination may be MANDATORY.

DATA n. 2: WHICH ARE THOSE HIGH RISK AREAS?

In general, all visitors coming from endemic areas or who have a flight or sea journey of 12 hours or more must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

These countries are:
Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay, Panama, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon; Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, and Venezuela.

If you live, have traveled or have been in transit in any of these areas, you will probably be asked for proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

It’s important to keep in mind that in many cases, before entering Curaçao, some travelers make stopovers in other countries, such as Colombia or Panama. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the transit requirements for those countries as well. You should check this with your travel agent or airline.

Buying a SIM Card in Curaçao – Internet Plans

Buying a SIM Card in Curaçao – Internet Plans

Practical Tips

Shelly

Home 9 Author archive for Shelly ( Page 15 )

BUYING A SIM CARD IN CURACAO

Curaçao has two mobile phone operators that offer prepaid services:
- Digicel Curaçao
- Flow/Chippie Curaçao (formerly known as UTS Curaçao)
The following frequencies are used in Curaçao:
- 2G: 900 MHz and 2100 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz and 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 (Band 3)

If your cell phone is unlocked or has open bands, you can insert either SIM card and start making calls or using the internet right away.

If your phone isn't unlocked, you won't be able to use any SIM card other than the one from your original carrier (which means you'll have to use international roaming or buy another unlocked phone that is compatible with the frequencies listed above).

In short, the two options for making calls at local rates or activating a data plan are to get a SIM card from Digicel or Chippie.

Below, I will break down the most relevant information about these two telecommunications providers:

 

DIGICEL:

This carrier offers a 4G/LTE network for its customers on Band 3 (1800 MHz). It operates in both Curaçao and Bonaire. The network quality is generally quite good. Some beaches in the northwestern part of Curaçao are largely not covered by the 4G/LTE network. On clear days, the network can even be received on Klein Curaçao (which is about 11 km off the coast of Curaçao).

You can purchase a Digicel SIM card for 25 ANG, which includes 250 MB of data, 25 on-net minutes, and 25 on-net text messages, at Digicel stores or from resellers, including electronics stores. They are also available at Curaçao/Willemstad (Hato) International Airport (CUR), right as you exit the arrivals hall.

Short-term visitors and tourists can also purchase Digicel Paradise SIM cards, Digicel's special offer for tourists.

There are 2 Digicel Paradise SIM cards:

Seven (7) Days in Paradise: ANG 53.40 ($30)
Fourteen (14) days in Paradise: ANG 89.00 ($50)

For more information about Digicel's tourist SIM card, click here.
To learn about other local prepaid internet + calling plans, click here.

Dial *123# to access the Digicel menu.
Dial *129# to view your Digicel phone number.

CHIPPIE/FLOW:

Chippie has extensive coverage in Curaçao. It's better than Digicel Curaçao's coverage in some areas, especially in the northern part of the island.

The FLOW Tourist SIM card can be purchased at all FLOW stores and is available with a data allowance of 1 GB or 3 GB.

If you'd like more information, here are the most popular Chippie/Flow plans in the area that you can activate when you buy a prepaid SIM card:

Frequently Asked Questions - SIM Card in Curaçao

Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?

After clearing immigration, you'll need to pick up your luggage. Right there, you'll see a Digicel counter that sells SIM cards. You can purchase one there right away.

After clearing customs, in the arrivals hall, you'll also see a counter where you can buy a Chippie SIM card.

The SIM card will cost 25 florins (approx. US$14).

Can I use free roaming in Curaçao if I'm traveling from Europe?

Curaçao is a country that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Local residents hold Dutch citizenship. However, Curaçao is not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area. Therefore, the option for free roaming within Europe does not apply in Curaçao.

Do you have any further questions? Send me your question here:

Pagatinu in Curaçao (prepaid electricity)

Pagatinu in Curaçao (prepaid electricity)

Practical Tips

Shelly

Home 9 Author archive for Shelly ( Page 15 )

HOW DOES THE PAGATINU SYSTEM WORK IN CURAZAO?

Pagatinu is Aqualectra’s prepaid electricity service. It’s very common to find this system in rental properties or villas, but it’s also very useful for apartment owners. Basically, it works like a prepaid phone card. You purchase a set amount of “electricity credit,” and you can use electricity for a certain number of days, depending on how many kilowatts you consume. The advantage for the owner is that they don’t have to worry about unpaid bills from tenants or tourists, which is why it has become a very popular system on the island. This system also offers an advantage to Pagatinu users. In Curaçao, electricity is relatively expensive. With this system, you can control the amount of energy you use yourself. You’ll become more aware of how you use electricity and thus learn how to save on your electricity bills.

The Pagatinu system is installed via a terminal with a keypad. Each terminal has a unique number. On the display, you can view and recharge your credit using the keypad by entering the recharge number you’ll receive when you buy electricity. You can recharge your credit at most supermarkets and many gas stations.

How can I find out my Pagatinu number?

To find the Pagatinu number, check the card that came with the terminal. The owner must give you that number so you can recharge at any time. You can also find a code on the display. If the Pagatinu system box is white, you can enter the code #4#. If the box is new or gray, enter the code #100#. The 11-digit number is also visible on a label or barcode on the Pagatinu box mounted on the wall. With that number, go to the store and purchase energy credit in the amount of your choice. In exchange, you’ll receive a voucher with a number on it. It shows the number of units you’ve purchased and a code. Enter this code into the Pagatinu meter at home, and your units will be updated. Pretty simple, right?

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO RECHARGE MY PAGATINU?

Generally, the Pagatinu meter will beep when it reaches 25 kilowatts. Depending on your usage, at 25 kilowatts you’ll still have electricity for a few hours. You can temporarily pause the beeping by pressing the “back” key on the keypad until you hear a short beep. If you do not recharge the system, the beeping will resume in 24 hours. The power supply will be completely cut off when the display reaches 0 (zero) kilowatts.

How and where can I buy credit for my Pagatinu?

Using the number from your Pagatinu box, go to the store and purchase credit in the amount of your choice. In return, you’ll receive a voucher or receipt with a number on it. There you’ll see the number of units you’ve purchased and a code. Enter this code into the Pagatinu box at home, and your available units will be updated.

You can buy Pagatinu at stores displaying the Pagafasil or Pagomatiko logo. You can pay in cash or with a bank card. You can also buy Pagatinu at (some) gas stations and convenience stores, for example. Here is a list of many locations:

Locations with Pagomático

Locations with Pagafasil

PRACTICAL TIPS

- Air conditioning uses the most electricity. If possible, cool the room and use a fan. You can also set the air conditioner to turn off after a certain number of hours.

- Will you be staying at an Airbnb or an apartment? Check with the owner to see if electricity is included or if it’s a prepaid system. This way, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises if you end up without power because you didn’t know you had to recharge the meter for your usage.

- If you live in Curaçao or will be staying there for an extended period and need to top up your Pagatinu without leaving home, you can do so online via the following page by making a transfer from your MCB account: 24 Uur Uit De Muur (instructions in English). Normally, after making the transfer and submitting the request form, you’ll receive the code to top up your Pagatinu via WhatsApp within 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you don’t have an MCB account, the transfer may take 24–48 hours before your request is processed. Be sure to do this in advance.

Do you have any other questions about using the Pagatinu system in Curaçao? Send us a message, and we'll be happy to help.