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My Curacao Guide

Essential Tips for Your Curacao Vacation

After years of welcoming visitors to our island — and exploring every corner of it ourselves — we've put together the tips, shortcuts, and local know-how that turn a good Curacao trip into a great one. From the entry requirements you need to sort before you fly to the way you order your first taxi, here's everything we wish every newcomer knew before stepping off the plane.

Consider this your one-stop article for everything Curacao.

Entry Requirements, Visas & Digital Immigration Card

Before you pack a single bag, sort your online entry requirements and travel documents. It takes 10 minutes and saves real headaches at the airport.

Passport & visa. Most visitors (US, Canadian, UK, EU/Dutch, and many Latin American nationals) don't need a visa for short stays, but rules vary by nationality, length of stay, and purpose of travel. Always check the current requirements for your country on our Entry Requirements page before you book. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay and you'll need proof of onward travel.

The Curacao DI Card (Digital Immigration Card). This is the one most travelers forget. Every visitor to Curacao must complete the digital immigration card online before arrival — there's no paper version anymore, and you may not be allowed to board your flight without it. It's free, takes a few minutes, and you'll need your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.

Our full walk-through is on the Digital Immigration Card page — bookmark it and fill it in the day before you fly.

Our tip: screenshot the confirmation or save the PDF to your phone — the Wi-Fi at the airport on landing can be spotty, and you'll want it accessible offline.

Booking Your Flight

Curacao is well-connected to Europe, the Americas, and the rest of the Caribbean — and Hato International Airport handles direct service from a growing list of carriers every year.

From the United States. Major US airlines operate direct routes into Curaçao, with American Airlines (Miami, Charlotte), JetBlue (New York–JFK), and United Airlines (Newark, Houston seasonal) being the most common options. Miami and JFK have the most frequent connections, so check those hubs first if you're connecting from elsewhere in North America.

From Canada. Air Canada runs seasonal direct flights from Toronto (Pearson), and one-stop options via Miami or New York are easy to find year-round.

From Latin America. Avianca (Bogotá), Copa Airlines (Panama City hub), and regional carriers offer good connections from across Central and South America. Panama City via Copa is one of the smoothest one-stop routes into the island.

From the Netherlands & Europe. Direct service is strongest from Amsterdam. TUI and Corendon run direct routes from Amsterdam Schiphol with the most competitive pricing for the Dutch market — Corendon also offers cruise packages worth checking if you want to combine the trip with another island. KLM is the long-running flag carrier option from Schiphol too.

Inter-island. Hopping over from Aruba, Bonaire, or Sint Maarten? Divi Divi Air, EZ Air, and Winair cover the short hops.

Our tip: book early for high season (December–April and July–August). Prices climb fast and direct flights fill up months in advance. If you're flexible on dates, mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) tend to be cheaper than weekends across every market.

Arrival & First Impressions

Welcome to paradise! Hato International Airport sits on Curaçao's breezy north coast, just 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the colorful heart of Willemstad. The arrivals hall is small, immigration moves quickly (especially with your DI Card already on your phone), and you'll feel the warm trade winds on your face in no time.

Our tip: unless you've pre-booked a rental car or hotel transfer, arrange a transportation or taxi service before you land. It makes for a timely, smooth departure from the airport — no waiting around in the arrivals crowd while everyone tries to flag down the same handful of cars. Remember: with the exception of the airport, taxis on Curacao cannot be hailed from the street, they must be booked ahead.

Once you've checked in and dropped your bags, slow down. We always tell first-time guests: don't try to do everything on day one. Watch the iguanas in the gardens, take a sunset walk on the beach, stop for a happy hour drink and a bite somewhere local, and let the island set your pace.

Staying Connected

Most hotels, cafés, and beach bars offer free Wi-Fi, but for reliable mobile data anywhere on the island we use DennisMobile — a digital eSIM that activates in minutes, works worldwide on one balance, and never expires. Our last top-up is still going.

Insider tip: download our DennisMobile coupon and use code CURDM100 at checkout to double your credit. We do it every time — and it's what we use whenever we pop over to our sister island, Aruba, too.

Currency, ATMs & Tipping

The official currency is the Caribbean Guilder (Cg / XCG) — the new shared currency for Curaçao and Sint Maarten, issued by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten. It replaced the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (NAf / ANG) in 2025 and is pegged to the US dollar at roughly 1 USD ≈ 1.79 XCG. You'll still see the older NAf prices on some menus and signs during the transition — they're equivalent.

US dollars are widely accepted across the island. ATMs are easy to find, especially in Willemstad, Jan Thiel, and the major shopping centers.

For more on money basics, see our Travel Tips page.

For tipping, 10–15% is standard in restaurants. Some places already add a service charge (often 10%), so always check your bill before adding extra. We round up for taxi drivers and tour guides too — it's not required, but it goes a long way, and any extra is always genuinely appreciated.

Food Shopping & Essentials

Renting a villa or just craving a quiet evening in? Curacao's supermarkets have you covered.

Van den Tweel Supermarket is our go-to for fresh produce, quality meats, and all the familiar Dutch brands. There are two locations: the Zeelandia store is the larger of the two with the widest selection, while the Jan Thiel location is more than sufficient for everyday needs — you just won't find quite the same range. Either way, use the Van den Tweel coupon in our Guide to grab a free reusable shopping bag — each year's design is unique and makes a fun keepsake.

For something more local, Vreugdenhil Supermarket off the Caracasbaaiweg blends imported staples with island flavor. Friendlier prices, a real Curacao feel, and we still find products there we don't see anywhere else.

For quick stops, the small minimarkets known as toko's are scattered along almost every main road. Cold drinks, snacks, and basics — pull over when you see one. While you're there, grab a homemade pastechi. It's the unofficial national snack, best eaten warm in the car with one hand still on the wheel.

Drinking Water

Don't bother buying bottled water for your room. Curacao's tap water has been produced by seawater desalination since 1928 — it's clean, fresh, and perfectly safe straight from the tap. Refill your bottle and skip the plastic.

Health & Emergencies

In an emergency, dial 911 for ambulance, police, or fire. The island's main hospital, Curacao Medical Center, is a modern facility in Otrobanda, Willemstad, with full emergency care.

For dental care, BWA Tandartsen has 40+ years of experience and welcomes tourists for both emergencies and routine appointments — check-ups, cleanings, fillings, implants, the works.

For pharmacy needs, BENU Pharmacy is the island's largest chain with four locations. Prescription medication, over-the-counter products, and the everyday self-care items you'd expect from a Dutch-style pharmacy. They accept credit and debit cards, Caribbean Guilders, and US dollars.

Don't forget: reef-safe sunscreen is non-negotiable on Curaçao. Pick it up at BENU or any of the larger supermarkets if you didn't pack it — and see our packing list below for the brands we travel with.

Getting Around Curacao

Curacao is a driving island. Resorts, beaches, restaurants, and viewpoints are spread out, and the easiest way to explore beyond your hotel is with your own wheels.

Renting a Car or Jeep

We recommend booking your car rental before you arrive — supply tightens fast in peak season. A few of our favorite options:

  • LivCuracao Car Rental — well-insured, comfortable, all-in pricing with no surprises. We put guests in their Fiat 500s for couples and SUVs for families. +5999 528-5982
  • Mister Paradise — open-air Suzuki Samurai and Jimny jeeps in retro colors. The most fun way to chase hidden beaches and sunset spots. +5999 515-8004
  • Alamo — the trusted international name, with delivery to your resort or vacation home. +5999 869-4433
  • TropicDrive — compare local rentals on Curaçao and Aruba in one place; useful if you want to price-check before you commit.

Driving is on the right, and international licenses are accepted. At T-junctions the main road has priority. Take roundabouts slowly — the rules can differ slightly from what you're used to back home.

Fuel tip that catches every newcomer out: at gas stations you pre-pay before pumping. Tell the cashier how much you want to spend, pay, then fill up to that amount.

Parking is free across most of the island. The main exception is downtown Willemstad, where meters and garages apply. Always check signs — fines and booting are real.

If you come back to a booted wheel, don't panic:

  • Look for the orange instruction sticker on your driver's-side window — it tells you exactly who to contact and the steps to follow for your specific area.
  • Find the attendant or call the number on the sticker. In busy downtown areas like Punda and Otrobanda, parking boots are often handled by bicycle officers or parking authority officials circulating nearby. If no one is in sight, ask a local shop owner or call the number listed.
  • Pay the fine. It's typically $15–25 USD (roughly 25–45 Cg / XCG) and you'll usually pay on the spot to get the clamp removed.
  • Wait for removal. Once you've paid, an attendant will come by to take the boot off.

For more practical driving and getting-around know-how, see our full Traveling to Curacao section.

Taxis & Rideshare

Since street-hailing isn't a thing here, the Kumbai Taxi Rides & Adventures app is our default. Islandwide coverage, personal rides, airport shuttles, and even private tours — all in one app. We use it weekly. Worth keeping 24-7 Taxi on your phone too as a backup; it's another widely used option on the island.

Public Bus

Curacao's official public bus service is run by Autobusbedrijf Curacao (ABC). Routes connect Willemstad with most major towns, beaches, and resort areas. Fares are paid in cash to the driver, and the buses are an affordable, scenic way to get around — just plan ahead, as services are less frequent on Sundays and public holidays.

Check current routes, hours, and the route map on the official Autobusbedrijf route page before you go.

For everything mobility-related, our full Traveling to Curacao section has the deeper dives.

Beach Access

Many of Curacao's most beautiful beaches charge a small entrance fee — typically a few dollars per person. We get the question all the time: what is it for?

Those fees fund the upkeep of the beach: daily grounds cleaning, restroom and shower maintenance, beach bar infrastructure, and protection of the surrounding nature. Most paid beaches also include access to lounge chairs and umbrellas (sometimes for a small additional rental), fresh-water showers, on-site food and drink, and safe parking.

That said, plenty of beaches are completely public and free — quieter, more local, and just as beautiful if you don't mind bringing your own shade and snacks. They're where you'll find the locals on a Sunday.

Explore the full list, broken down by vibe, snorkeling quality, and family-friendliness, on our Beaches page.

What to Pack: Our Travel Essentials

After more island trips than we can count, this is the short list of things that make every Curacao vacation easier. Most of it fits in a daypack. Links below are to the exact products we recommend.

Shopping from the Netherlands? Browse our curated travel essentials on Bol.com.

Shopping from the US, Latin America, or elsewhere? Here's our Amazon shortlist:

Sun & skin protection


Beach & water gear


Everyday travel kit


Easily Plan Your Island Adventure

The best part of Curacao? There's something for every kind of traveler. To make planning easy, we've curated every reputable tour and activity on the island in one place. Browse and book directly through our platform — no phone tag, no time-zone delays, no last-minute disappointments.

Have a peek at what's bookable through us:


Our Signature Experience: Private Beach Picnic at Landhuis San Nicolas

If you're looking for something truly special — the kind of afternoon you'll be talking about long after you fly home — book our Private Beach Picnic at Landhuis San Nicolas. A secluded stretch of shoreline, a thoughtfully set table under the trees, food and drinks taken care of, and the kind of quiet you don't usually find on a Caribbean beach. Perfect for couples, anniversaries, proposals, or anyone who simply wants to swap the resort crowd for something more personal.

Browse and book with ease in our tours and activities section.

Questions about a specific tour or activity? Email us or reach out via our contact page. We answer personally and respond in a timely manner.

Keep the Island Beautiful

A small ask before you go: help us protect the place that's about to host the best week of your year. Dispose of trash properly (or take it with you if the bins are full), use reef-safe sunscreen, and respect the wildlife — on land and underwater. Don't touch the coral, keep your distance from the sea turtles, don't feed the iguanas, and please don't take souvenirs from the sea.

Your Gateway to Unforgettable Adventures

With these insider tips tucked away, you're ready to experience Curacao like a true islander. Sort the entry requirements, pack smart, drive the coast, taste the flavors, hop in the water, and let our island's easy rhythm set your pace.

Te aweró — see you soon!

Ready to start planning? Sort your Entry Requirements and Cura Digi Card, browse tours, or dive into our full Traveling to Curaçao section for everything else you need to know before you fly.

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