| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: Curaçao is 40 miles long and 10 miles wide. The population is approx. 135,000. Curaçao is located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea, one of the Windward Islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The island is just 35 miles off the coast of Venezuela.
Political Status: Curaçao is part of The Netherlands Antilles, which in turn forms part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. The form of government is a parliamentary democracy. Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao.
Language: Ninety percent of the local population speaks Papiamentu, a Creole language. Most official government documents and many road and advertisement signs are in Dutch. English and Spanish are also widely spoken.
Currency: The local currency in Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin). U.S. dollars circulate freely, so it is possible to get by using only American dollars or credit cards. Please note that vendors can rarely supply change in U.S. currency.
Electricity: Electricity is 127/120 volts at 50 cycles. This means that most appliances made in the USA (60 cycles) will work well, except for electrical devices with internal time mechanisms. For electrical appliances from the USA you do not need an adapter plug. Curaçao uses the same two-pronged flat plugs as in the States.
Time Zone: Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time, one hour later than US Eastern Standard Time. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Communication: When calling Curaçao from the USA, first dial 011 5999 then the 7 digit phone number; there are no internal area codes. All local telephone numbers are seven digits. International roaming is available in Curaçao, so you will be able to make and receive calls outside the coverage area. Check with your cell phone provider for international coverage. If roaming is not available with your local network, you can either opt for a rental cellular phone, or buy a pre-paid chip and number for your own phone. Curaçao offers many Internet cafés where you can check your email, surf the net and stay in touch with your family and friends.
Drinking Water: Water is purified and safe to drink from the tap. Bottled water is also readily available if preferred.
Transportation: Taxis are easily identifiable with the taxi-sign on top of the cab and the letters TX on the license plate. Every taxi has a taxi meter with fixed rates for your journey. Rental car companies are readily available at the airport and at many hotels. Expect to pay between US$ 40 and US$ 60 per day. Renters must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and major credit card. Guided bike tours are popular taking you through different areas and into the countryside. You can go sightseeing by bus, but the public transportation is somewhat limited.
Local Customs: The legal drinking and gambling age is 18. Driving takes place on the right-hand side of the road. Most gas stations are full service; a few are open 24 hrs. Tipping: It is suggested to tip the porters at the airport $1 per bag. Hotel bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day. Taxi-drivers are usually tipped with 10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add 10% and most hotels a 12% service charge to the bill.
Getting Married: U.S. citizens may legally get married in Curacao; however, couples must make known their wish to get married at least two months in advance. Hotel wedding planners can assist with required documents and legal details, so it’s best to contact your hotel before making any arrangements. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.
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