PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS The U.S. government may have changed the documentation requirements for international travel since you last traveled abroad. Please see this important information for full details. Or, click here for information about how to apply for, or renew a U.S. passport.

Departure Taxes
Curacao's departure tax is $32 (USD), as of January 1, 2007.

Climate
The climate is warm and sunny year-round, since Curaçao has cool and constant trade winds. Although no Caribbean island is completely free from the risk of hurricanes, there's only a two percent possibility that Curaçao will be affected by a hurricane. The average temperature is in the mid-80s ºF (27 °C). The rainy season is usually from October to February; this comes in the form of short heavy rainfalls followed by bright blue skies. The rainfall occurs usually during the evening, and by daytime the sunshine has dried up the rain. Total annual rainfall averages only 22 inches (570 mm).

Population
Curaçao is a true mixture of nationalities that have come together to live peacefully on this Caribbean island: a total of 55 different nationalities make up the population of 140,000.

Language
Although Dutch and Papiamentu are the official languages, English and Spanish are both widely spoken. Most Curaçaoans speak and are taught in Papiamentu. This is a blend of many languages created centuries ago by slaves so that they could communicate with one another.

Time zone
Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time, one hour later than U.S. Eastern Standard Time (the same time as Eastern Daylight Savings Time) and four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time.

Currency
Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (NAG) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of NAG250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2.5 and 1 cents. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. However, it's best to take notes in small denominations; US$50 and US$100 notes are not always easy to change.

Note: The Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin keeps a stable exchange rate to the U.S. dollar.

Electricity
110 to 130 volts at 50 cycles. Most appliances from the United States will function properly, although the cycles are different. An adapter plug is necessary for appliances from South America and Europe; it's recommended to bring your own adapter with you, as hotels don't always have these readily available.

Banking Hours & ATM Locations
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found all over the island and are located at most hotels, as well as in Willemstad. ATMs usually offer you the choice of either dollars or guilders. Bills of US$100 are hard to cash for small purchases in supermarkets and are not accepted at gas stations.

Post Offices & Postal Rates
There are several post offices on the island; the main three are located in Willemstad and Groot Kwartier. Stamps can be purchased in most bookstores and in hotel lobbies; in addition, many hotels have mailboxes. The time it takes for a letter or postcard to reach its destination can vary; however, it is a reliable service. Postal rates differ according to destination: your hotel will be able to advise you about which stamp(s) you may need for the desired destination.

Emergency phone numbers
The Visitor Information Desk of the Tourism Development Bureau (CTB) can provide you with information and assistance during regular business hours. Tel. 434-8200.

Airline numbers
There are several international airlines and charter companies that provide scheduled services into our islands from the Netherlands, the U.S., Venezuela and neighboring Caribbean islands.

Some of the airlines and charter operators that fly into Curaçao are:

Aeropostal American Airlines Air Jamaica ArkeFly Curaçao Avianca Airlines Divi Divi Air Dutch Antilles Express (DAE) Insel Air KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Primaris/Constellation Airlines Surinam Airways

Tel. 888-2818/839-1166 Tel. 869-5284/869-5383 Tel. 888-2300 Tel. 868-6812 Tel. 868-0122/868-0149 Tel. 888-1050 Tel. 868-2233 Tel. 888-0444 Tel. 869-9777 Tel. 839-1666 Tel. 868-9600

Driving Rules
Driving here is on the right-hand side. Curaçao is a beautiful island in which to drive around, with gorgeous scenic views of the sea, and the roads are generally in good condition. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas before doing the island tour, as there are not many gas stations on the northwest side of Curaçao. The speed limit is 37.5 miles per hour (60 kilometers per hour) in most places, 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour) on the bridge, and 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour) in residential areas. On a roundabout, the driver following a straight path has the right of way. Driving can be a rather unique experience and perhaps one not to miss, but do be careful and pay attention to your surroundings.

Telecommunications & Internet access
The island has wireless, dial-up and cable Internet available; most hotels offer these facilities to their guests. Tri-band mobile phones can be used here.

Religious services
Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Adventists, Anglican/ Episcopal, Baptists, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and Methodists are all represented on Curaçao and celebrate services in their houses of worship. The island is predominantly Catholic. For information about specific services, please contact your hotel.

Duty-Free Shopping Info & Hours
There's no duty-free shopping on the island, but rather "duty-relaxed" due to the low duty that shopkeepers pay. Value-added tax (called OB on the island) is five percent and usually charged in addition to the price you'll find on the items. This low duty leads to some good bargains. U.S. citizens who've been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have not used their respective duty-free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a U.S. $600 tax exemption. Families traveling together can pool their exemptions. The shops are usually open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and then from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., but opening times vary from shop to shop.

Get a free copy of Know Before You Go, Customs and Border Protection regulations for U.S. residents published by the U.S. Government. This document includes; required international travel documentation, what you must declare when returning to the U.S., items to register before you leave the U.S., duty-free exemptions, how to determine duty on tobacco and alcoholic beverages, paying duty and sending items back to the U.S., prohibited items, restricted items and more...

Easy Wash Roodeweg 11, Otrobanda Tel: 462-8765 Curaçao's only coin-operated laundromat, situated in the vibrant district of Otrabanda. This modern laundry offers a range of laundry options. They take the stress out of laundry, leaving clothes ready to wear. It's easy with Easy Wash!