Language: Dutch is the official language, but English and Spanish are widely spoken. The majority of islanders speak Papiamentu, a Creole language.
Currency: The official currency is the
Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG or NAFl), which is divided into 100 cents. US currency is accepted everywhere and the guilder is tied to the US dollar. Large notes in US dollars and guilders may be hard to cash or find change for. Most major credit cards are widely accepted and travelers cheques in US Dollars is advised to avoid additional charges. Banks and exchange bureaux will
change foreign currency and ATMs are available.
Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 to 130 volts, 50 Hz. Two-pronged flat plugs are used.
Communications: The international dialing code for
Curaçao is +599. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). There are no internal area codes. All local telephone numbers begin with 9 and are typically seven digits. Telephone cards for use at public phones can be purchased at post offices, roadside snack bars and petrol stations. The island is covered by a GSM 900/1800 network. Internet cafes are available.
Duty Free: Travelers to Curaçao may import 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; two liters of alcohol; perfume; and gifts valued up to 100 florin without paying customs duty.
Tourist OfficeCuraçao Tourist Board,
Willemstad: +599 9434 8200 or www.curacao-tourism.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 444444 (police); 112 (ambulance)
Embassies
Netherlands Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 877 388 2443.
Netherlands Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7590 3200.
Netherlands Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 237 5030.
Netherlands Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia: +61 (0)2 6220 9400.
Netherlands Embassy,
Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 4500.
Netherlands Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 3444.
Netherlands Embassy,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 471 6390.
United States Consulate General, Curacao: +599 9 461 3066.
British Consulate, Curacao: +599 9 747 3322.
Canadian Consulate, Curacao: +599 9 466 1115.
