Bonaire Travel Tips

Social Conventions
Dutch customs are still prevalent throughout the islands, although they are increasingly subject to US influence. Dress is casual and lightweight cottons are advised. Bathing suits should be confined to beach and poolside areas only. Nudity is prohibited on beaches except at Sorobon Beach Resort, a privately owned nudist resort.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
KLM offers direct flights twice a day from Europe and South America to Bonaire. American Airlines operates direct flights to Curaçao from many US cities.

Departure Tax
US$6.75 to destinations within the Netherlands Antilles; US$22 for international flights.

Main Airports
Flamingo Airport (BON) is 4km (2.5 miles) from Kralendijk. To/from the airport: Taxis are available into Kralendijk.

Getting There by Water
There are no international boat connections to Bonaire. However, Bonaire is regularly visited by cruise ships during high season (December to April).

Overview
The following items may be imported into Bonaire by persons over 15 years of age without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (or of 3g each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2l of alcoholic beverages or 2l of wine; an unlimited quantity of perfume; gifts up to a value of ANG100.

If the total value of goods per passenger exceeds ANG500, a declaration should be made on a customs form and cleared at the freight department. It should also be noted that the import of leather articles from Haiti is not advisable.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around by Road
A good taxi service exists on the island. Rates are government controlled. There are numerous car hire firms located at hotels, the airport and Kralendijk. Reservations should be made in advance to get the best rates. Pick-ups and mini-vans are available for shore divers. Car hire tax is US$4 per day, plus 5 per cent on the rental fee. Bikes, scooters and motorbikes can also be hired without any difficulty. Traffic drives on the right. Roads are reasonably good, although jeeps may be needed for extensive touring of the island. Documentation: A national driving license is acceptable if held for at least two years, although drivers must be at least 21 years of age (minimum age varies according to hire company and type of car). Drivers under a certain age may also be restricted as to what type of car they may hire, and most cars are manual/standard transmission.


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