Curaçao is an easy island to visit, especially for Dutch speakers, but a few practical details are different from home. Here is what to know before you go.
Money: the Caribbean guilder
Since 31 March 2025 Curaçao's currency is the Caribbean guilder (code XCG, symbol Cg), shared with Sint Maarten. It replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder (NAf/ANG) one-for-one; the old guilder stopped being legal tender on 1 July 2025. The guilder is pegged to the US dollar at Cg 1.79 per dollar, and shops typically use a rate of about 1.82 for dollar payments.
- US dollars are widely accepted, but change usually comes back in guilders.
- Euros are generally not accepted for everyday payments, so don't count on them.
- Cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Carry some cash for snack trucks, small beach bars, buses and taxis.
- ATMs are easy to find; many let you choose guilders or dollars. Check your bank's fees for withdrawals outside the EU.
Electricity, language and time
- Electricity: 127 V, 50 Hz, with American-style flat-pin sockets (types A and B). Bring a travel adapter. Phone and laptop chargers labelled 100–240 V work fine; hair dryers and other 230 V-only devices may not. Some hotels and apartments also have European 220 V sockets.
- Language: Papiamentu is the everyday language; Dutch and English are official and widely spoken, and many people also speak Spanish. Learn a few words with our Papiamentu phrases: "bon dia" goes a long way.
- Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4) all year, no daylight saving. That is 6 hours behind the Netherlands and Belgium in summer and 5 hours in winter.
- Sunlight: close to the equator, it gets dark around 18:30–19:00 all year.
Water, food and tipping
Tap water comes from desalinated seawater and is safe to drink, so bring a reusable bottle. Supermarkets stock many familiar Dutch brands. Restaurant bills sometimes include a service charge; if they don't, a tip of around 10% for good service is appreciated. For what to eat, see our guide to Curaçao food.
Safety and emergencies
Curaçao is generally a safe destination for visitors who take normal precautions. The main issue is petty theft: don't leave valuables in your car or unattended on the beach. Swim only at sheltered beaches; the north coast has dangerous waves and currents. In an emergency, call 911 (police and emergencies) or 912 (ambulance). Read more in Is Curaçao safe?
What to pack
- Passport (a Dutch ID card is not enough) and your printed or digital DI card
- Travel adapter for US-style sockets
- High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a long-sleeved rash guard for snorkelling
- Water shoes: many beaches have coral rubble or rocky entries
- Snorkel mask, if you have one that fits well
- Light rain jacket for October to December
- Insect repellent
- A copy of your travel insurance details
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Curaçao?
The Caribbean guilder (XCG, Cg), introduced on 31 March 2025. US dollars are widely accepted too.
What plugs does Curaçao use?
American-style type A and B sockets at 127 V, 50 Hz. Bring an adapter and check that your devices handle 100–240 V.
Can you drink the tap water in Curaçao?
Yes. Tap water is desalinated seawater and safe to drink.
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