Shopping in Curacao

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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: