Travel tips · Curaçao
Curaçao travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Curaçao's culture mixes African, Dutch, Sephardic Jewish, Latin American and Caribbean influences, reflected in Papiamentu, the creole language most locals speak at home. People switch easily between Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish. Music such as tambú and tumba and the yearly Carnival are central to island life.
Key facts
- Language
- Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish
- Currency
- XCG
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is desalinated and safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Greet people with 'bon dia' (good morning) or 'bon tardi' (good afternoon); greetings are important.
- Beachwear is for beaches; cover up when walking through Willemstad's shops and streets.
- Many beaches are private or managed and charge an entrance or lounger fee; respect posted rules.
- Do not touch or stand on coral when snorkelling, and avoid sunscreens that harm reefs.
- Drive slowly through villages, where goats and children may be on the road.
- Hire a car for the length of your stay; daily taxis to beaches add up quickly.
Tipping
Many restaurants include a 10–15% service charge. Where it is not included, around 10–15% is normal; tip dive guides and drivers for good service.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bon dia | Good morning |
| Bon tardi | Good afternoon |
| Masha danki | Thank you very much |
| Kon ta bai? | How are you? |
| Ayó | Goodbye |
What to wear
Light, casual clothing and sun protection are all you need. Bring water shoes for rocky cove entries and sturdy shoes for Christoffel's trails.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is desalinated and safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafés; local SIMs and eSIMs give good coverage, though signal can drop at remote west-end beaches.
- Time zone
- America/Curacao
Car break-ins at beaches and isolated parking areas are the most common problem, so leave nothing in vehicles. The north coast has strong waves and currents and is not for swimming; on the south coast, watch for sun exposure and sharp coral.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Curaçao's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Curaçao?
Many restaurants include a 10–15% service charge. Where it is not included, around 10–15% is normal; tip dive guides and drivers for good service.
+Can you drink the tap water in Curaçao?
Tap water is desalinated and safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Curaçao?
Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Curaçao?
Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish.