Historic Sites in Curaçao – Be Your Own Guide

Home 9 Category: Practical Tips ( Page 6 )

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?

Practical Tips

Home 9 Category: Practical Tips ( Page 6 )

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

Practical Tips

Home 9 Category: Practical Tips ( Page 6 )

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)

Practical Tips

Home 9 Category: Practical Tips ( Page 6 )

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.

All About Electricity in Curaçao

Practical Tips

Home 9 Category: Practical Tips ( Page 6 )

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT ELECTRICITY IN CURAZAO

Understanding how electricity works in Curaçao is essential, just as it is when traveling to any other international destination.

Many travelers encounter surprises when visiting a new destination for the first time—such as realizing they didn't bring a power adapter, that the voltage is high, or that in some destinations, there may be scheduled power outages.

I've put together this guide so you won't be caught off guard by some interesting facts about electricity in Curaçao. Depending on which country you're coming from, the cost and use of electricity in Curaçao may be very different from where you live.

The electrical voltage in Curaçao is 110–130 volts / 50 Hz. Generally, the standard adapters that come with cell phones or laptops can be used without any problems, unless you're coming from a country where the voltage is much higher. However, if If the voltage is lower than in your home country, your appliance won't break (usually), but it won't work properly. A light bulb will shine at half its usual brightness, and a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner will run at half its usual speed. However, some electronic devices (such as a computer) cannot operate at a voltage that is too low, so they may be damaged.

SHOULD I USE A POWER ADAPTER OR NOT?

Most cell phone and computer chargers come with adapters that support both 230 volts and 110 volts. To be sure, you can check the label with the specifications. If it says "110–230 volts," you can use it without any problems. If the device only says 230V, then you shouldn’t use it in Curaçao.

POWER OUTAGES ("RATIONING")

It is not uncommon for Aqualectra to carry out scheduled power outages in certain areas of the island from time to time. Some outages are due to insufficient capacity at the power plant, which means that certain neighborhoods or sectors must go without power for a few hours to reduce the electrical load. This scheduled outage rotates among neighborhoods and areas every few hours to avoid affecting the community for long periods on any given day.

A power outage may also be caused by maintenance or malfunctions at the power plant. For this reason, many companies—and even individual customers—have chosen to have a small backup generator for emergencies. This will allow the freezer, some of the lighting, and—depending on the generator’s capacity—the air conditioning to continue functioning normally in the event of a power outage.

Generally, owners of apartments or studios have power supplies when the property is used for tourism purposes. However, if there happens to be a power outage in the apartment where you're staying, try not to open the refrigerator or freezer too often. That way, your food will stay fresh for the duration of the outage.

For desktop computer users, power outages can damage the device. You could lose important data. Therefore, a backup battery (UPS) is recommended. Fortunately, laptops and tablets are equipped with a battery, so they don't have this problem.

Note: Hotels and hospitals do not usually experience this problem, as they have their own reservations and such outages do not affect them.

Helpful tip:

If the place where you're staying experiences a power outage and you can't wait because you need to work, you can head to places equipped with workspaces, where you can plug in your device and, in most cases, have access to free Wi-Fi (as well as central air conditioning). Examples: Sambil, chain restaurants such as Mac Cafés (McDonald’s), KFC, Burger King, or Starbucks.

PREPAID ELECTRICITY (PAGATINU)

Many vacation apartments and villas have an electricity "top-up" system. It's called Pagatinu and is a prepaid electricity system.

Here's how it works: The apartment has a device that looks like a calculator. On it, you can see how many kWh are left to use.

To recharge with more kilowatts, you can go to a gas station, a supermarket, or an Aqualectra branch, where you can purchase electricity. To learn how to calculate your daily energy usage and how to recharge your Pagatinu step by step, read my guide to using the Pagatinu in Curaçao.

TIP: Air conditioning literally "guzzles" electricity. Turn off the air conditioner when it's not absolutely necessary or when you're not in the room. You'll see that you'll save a lot.

READ THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PAGATINU SYSTEM OR PREPAID ELECTRICITY IN CURAZAO HERE.

Cost of Living and Prices in Curaçao

General Information, Practical Tips, Shopping in Curacao

Practical Tips

Home 9 Category: Practical Tips ( Page 6 )

Among the islands of the Dutch Caribbean, Curaçao is perhaps the most popular vacation destination. We welcome not only backpackers but also cruise ship tourists, summer vacationers, and retirees exploring options for a peaceful life. The truth is, if there’s one place that’s perfect for a wonderful vacation or for transitioning to a peaceful lifestyle, Curaçao is at the top of our list.

On this page, I'll share tips for traveling to Curaçao, advice on planning a realistic budget, and instructions on how to book a vacation in Curaçao.

CURRENCY AND PAYMENT METHODS

How to Pay in Curaçao

The official and local currency of Curaçao is the Caribbean Florin. However, the U.S. dollar is also accepted everywhere. You can pay with Visa and Mastercard almost everywhere, and there are also many ATMs in the city center. Many tourists find that ATMs charge high fees per transaction, so it’s best to withdraw the maximum amount the first time to ensure you have enough cash and avoid extra fees for each transaction.

Tip: Consider using cash for tips, to pay for beach chairs, or to use public transportation, and pay with a card at restaurants, hotels, or tourist attractions.

ACCOMMODATION COSTS

The cost of lodging in Curaçao varies depending on the area and the amenities or luxuries the property offers its guests. The big advantage is that there is no shortage of lodging in Curaçao, which means there is a wide range of prices. Therefore, not only is it possible to stay at expensive resorts or all-inclusive hotels, but there are also budget hostels and studio apartments. During the off-season, you can rent a room for as little as $20 per night.

The best option for affordable accommodations in Curaçao is to rent an apartment, studio, or Airbnb. You can often find good deals if you book early.

When it comes to hotels, contacting them directly can be complicated, so booking through Booking.com, Expedia, or Airbnb is always the easiest option. Also, booking early can make a big difference in your budget for a trip to Curaçao. Keep in mind that if you book at the last minute, the most affordable accommodations will already be booked.

Without a doubt, the total cost of a vacation will depend on several factors, such as the type of hotel you plan to stay at, the cuisine you prefer, the tours you plan to book, or even the mode of transportation you use. That’s why, in this guide, I’ll break down the prices based on the choices you make. You can spend a lot of money if you plan a trip with all the luxuries, or you can choose a simple vacation and spend only what’s necessary while still enjoying a dream trip.

First, here are a couple of tips if you want to save money: Stay at a budget hotel that includes breakfast, so you can spend your money on experiences.

Below is my list of recommended hotels by area and price range.

HOTELS IN WILLEMSTAD

PRICE RANGE: $0 - $50

Bed & Bike Jan Thiel
La Bamba
Welcome to Kokolishi
The Lush
Willemstad City Apartments
Kas di Ala Apartments
Studio Hermina
Wondershell Curaçao

PRICE RANGE: $50 - $100

San Marco Hotel Curaçao & Casino
First Curacao Hostel (Breakfast included)
City Suites & Beach Hotel
Boutique Homes Willemstad City Center
Brion City Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Willemstad Resort
Bed & Bike Curaçao (Punda)
Wynwood Boutique Hotel
Curacao Suites Hotel (Breakfast Included)
BOHO Bohemian Boutique Hotel
Trupial Hotel & Casino

PRICE RANGE: $100 +

Elements Hotel & Shops Curaçao
Curacao Avila Beach Hotel
Bayside Boutique Hotel - Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort
Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao (All-Inclusive)
Scuba Lodge & Suites
Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort
The Royal Seaquarium Resort
Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort
Sunscape Curacao Resort Spa & Casino (All-Inclusive)
Zoetry Curacao (All-Inclusive / Adults Only)
Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino (All-Inclusive)
Morena Resort

View all hotels in Willemstad

HOTELS IN SINT MICHIEL AND WESTPOINT

PRICE RANGE: $50 - $100

Oceanview B&B
Landhuis Klein Santa Martha Boutique Hotel Restaurant
The Natural Curacao
Daniel

PRICE RANGE: $100 - $150

Sunny Apartment Blije Rust
Casa Blanca Vacation Home
Sunhouse Curacao

PRICE RANGE: $150 +

Coral Estate Luxury Resort
Coral Estate Holidays
Sandcastles & Sunshine at Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort
Lagun Blue Resort
Villa Del Sol Ocean View

View all hotels in Sint Michiel and Westpoint

FOOD PRICES IN CURAZAO

The average cost of a meal and drink in Curaçao is $35.00 per day for one person. A street meal in Curaçao costs about $5-$10 dollars.

A dinner for two people in a restaurant would cost an average of $80 - $100 dollars. A lunch in a cafeteria or mid-range restaurant would cost you about half as much.

A bottle of water in Curaçao costs $1.70, approximately. A soft drink costs about $1.5 dollars, if you buy it in a supermarket.

A beer will cost you between $2 and $5 if you buy it at a bar. Cocktails with alcohol in bars and nightclubs cost approximately $10 per cocktail.

GO TO THE SUPERMARKET

In Curaçao there are several options of supermarkets and grocery stores. Of course, it is important to take distance into account, but if transportation and distance are not a problem, it is also good to keep in mind that some supermarkets have better prices than others.

In Curaçao there are also so-called"tokos," which are grocery stores mostly managed by Chinese nationals. There you can always get the basics, canned goods, drinks and toiletries. Some larger ones are called mini-markets, where you will find almost the same as in a supermarket, but perhaps the price will be a couple of guilders more expensive.

The best-known supermarkets in Curaçao are: Van den Tweel (in Jan Thiel and Zeelandia), Centrum (in Mahaai and Piscadera), Mangusa (on Rio Canario and in Cas Cora), Esperamos (in Santa Maria), Vreugdenhil (near Schubappelweg), and others less popular among tourists, such as Bon Bini (on Jongbloed).

Some supermarkets carry specific brands; for example, Van den Tweel and Centrum tend to offer more products from Dutch brands, while Mangusa carries more products that are well-known in Latin America.

EATING OUT IN CURAZAO

Depending on the length of the vacation, the option to go out to eat may or may not be practical. For a short vacation, it is the best. For a long vacation, it can be expensive. In any case, I would recommend renting an Airbnb with a kitchen so that you can prepare your own meals when going out to eat is not necessary. Prices vary according to the type of food in each restaurant. From a quick meal in a"truck di pan" to a romantic dinner in a restaurant. I invite you to read my guide to restaurants in Curacao.

AVERAGE COST OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN CURAZAO*

Below is a guide to approximate prices for food and beverages. On average, you can spend up to $30 USD per meal. If you go to a restaurant, you will definitely want to buy a cocktail / juice (smoothie), a main course and maybe a dessert.

Tip: Check if your hotel or Airbnb offers breakfast in your reservation. This will also help you save money. If breakfast is not included, then consider budgeting at least $35 per day for meals, per person.

*For your reference, I've listed the prices in U.S. dollars.

Croissant: $3 USD
Toasted bread with cheese: $4 USD
Toasted bread with ham: $4 USD
Arepitas with cheese: $9 USD
Chicken nuggets: $5 USD
Mozzarella cheese sticks: $6 USD
Portion of french fries: $5 USD
Portion of garlic bread: $5 USD
Chicken burrito: $10 USD
Tuna sandwich: $9 USD
Chicken sandwich: $9–$10 USD
Chicken wings: $12 USD

Chicken fillet: $15–17
Pasta Alfredo: $16–18
Grilled salmon: $22–25
Pork tenderloin: $22–$24
Hamburger: $10–$12
Double hamburger: $15
Chicken burger: $14

Beer: $5 USD - $7 USD, depending on the brand. The most expensive brands are Heineken and Amstel Bright. The least expensive brands are Polar and Amstel.

Soft drinks*: $3 USD (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other flavors). *Soft drinks arealso called "limonadas. "In some parts of Latin America, the term "limonada" refers to a drink made with water, lemon, and sugar.

Cocktails: $10 USD (piña colada, mojitos, daiquiris, margaritas, etc.)
Wines: $5 USD per glass / $22 USD - $25 USD per bottle.

The so-called "truck di pan" are famous and popular in Curaçao. Although they only sell fast food, they are popular because it is a quick and economical way to eat and is cheaper than going to a restaurant and more convenient than cooking. The image below is a model of the menu of one of the most popular "truck di pan" in Curaçao, known as BBQ Express:

And here is the menu and prices in florins (2022 prices):

There is a wide range of accommodations on Curaçao, and as a Caribbean paradise island, the cost of staying at Curaçao’s large hotels can be quite high due to all the amenities they offer.

However, it's not as if your only options are expensive resorts or all-inclusive hotels. There are also budget hostels and Airbnb listings that can fit your budget. Accommodations are available starting at $30 per night.

Below is a comparison of available accommodations by price range:

TRANSPORTATION COSTS IN CURAZAO

Public transportation: Curaçao has a public bus network, although it is very limited. There are buses to the West End (Willemstad) that depart from Otrobanda and buses to the southeast that depart from Punda (also in Willemstad). The fare is around 2.40 ANG.

Bicycle: Although Curaçao is a Dutch colony, it’s surprisingly difficult to get around here by bicycle. Renting a bicycle costs about 40 ANG per day (30 ANG if you rent it for a week or more).

Taxi: Taxis in Curaçao are safe and reliable. Although not all of them have meters, most have fare charts that are always visible from the passenger seat. They’re the best way to get around Willemstad, since longer trips cost much more. Compared to the bus, they’re very expensive, so I don’t recommend them if you’re on a tight budget.

From Curaçao International Airport, you can take a taxi to the hotel. Depending on the hotel’s location, the fare will range from $35 to $70. If you’re traveling with your family, the price covers up to 4 people. If there are more than 4 people, there will be an additional charge (25%) of the fare. If you’re traveling alone, the best option is to take a shared ride (or shuttle). Tip: Check with the hotel in advance to see if they offer a free shuttle service. That way, you can save on this expense.

If you're staying in Willemstad, you can take a minibus from the Punda bus station to Mambo Beach or the Seaquarium area. You can also take a bus from the Otrobanda bus station to the beaches at Westpunt.

Tip: Bring cash (florins or dollars) when traveling by bus.

Car Rental: Renting a car is one of the most economical and efficient ways to get around the island, and there are several major car rental chains at the airport. Rates are around $30–$50 per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (although some companies require drivers to be 23). To get the best rental rates, I recommend Discover Cars.

PRICES FOR TOURS IN CURAZAO

There's plenty to do in Curaçao. You won't get bored for a single day on the island. With its many beaches, water sports, national parks, and museums, there are tours to suit every taste.

It's important to note that tours and activities aren't cheap. If you want to book a tour, you should budget for it in advance.

Here are some examples of tours and activities in Curaçao: