The Basics of Vacationing in Curacao
The island of Curacao is hot all year round but the hot temperatures are tempered by cool trade winds. The rainy season on the island is from October to December. The average temperature on the island is around 81 degrees and the humidity is pretty high year round.
Curacao uses the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG). But money in denominations greater than
US$20 will only be accepted in banks. The Netherlands Antilles Guilder is tied to the US Dollar. Most of the major currencies including US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros, are exchanged easily. There are ATMs located around the island. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted around the island.
KLM operates daily flights to Curacao from Amsterdam. The other airlines that serve Curacao include Air Jamaica, American Airlines and Avianca Airlines. The main airport on Curacao (CUR) is 7 miles from Willemstad. There are buses to the city center operate daily, Taxis are also available at the airport. There is a departure tax of US$20 per person.
By sea the Port of Willemstad is deep, wide and naturally sheltered and many international cruise lines sail into the port at Curacao. Traffic in Curacao drives on the right. The island has a good public bus service that runs throughout the island and many of the main hotels provide their own minibus services to Willemstad. There are many taxis as are rental cars, which can be rented at the airport, in the main hotels, and in the capital. Taxis are easily recognizable by their signs and also the letters TX on their license plates. Taxis have no meters but fares are standard and are based on 1-4 passengers with a 25 per cent surcharge for a fifth passenger. Fare prices should be agreed in advance so be sure that you do this before you take off.
Immunization against typhoid is sometimes recommended so check before you go. All the water is distilled from the sea and safe to drink. Hepatitis A and B sometimes occur and immunization is recommended as well as Dengue Fever. There are three hospitals on Curacao and some medical centers. The largest hospital on the island is St Elizabeth and is well equipped and modern. For travelers health insurance is recommended.
Curacao has fantastic water sports, snorkeling, and scuba diving. But while the water is warm and beautiful be careful, as there are potential risks from sea urchins, jellyfish and coral while swimming in the waters surrounding the island. But, no matter what you want to do or see on Curacao, the best way to do it is to find a great vacation rentals close to what you want to do. You will find some of the most beautiful beach front rentals here, so you should be able to enjoy your time here and your privacy as well.
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