Travel Tips for Curacao

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Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Size / Population: Curaçao is 171 sq miles (444 sq km) with a population of 159,849.

Political Status: Parliamentary democracy with an independent legal system.

Language: Dutch is the official language, while Papiamentu (a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish and English) is the most common. Spanish is also spoken among most of the locals and English is widely used.

Currency: The Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), also called the florin. The exchange rate against the US dollar is fixed at a price of 1 USD = 1.79 ANG. US dollars are widely accepted. The exchange rate can vary at banks, restaurants and stores.

Electricity: 110-130 V, 50 Hz, same as the US.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time – AST (UTC-04); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Communication: To call Curaçao from the US, dial 011 (int'l access code) + 599 (Curaçao's country code) + local number. To call the US from Curaçao, dial 001 + area code + local number.

Drinking Water: It is safe to drink tap water in Curaçao. Curaçao’s water complies with the world’s highest drinking water standards.

Transportation: Public transport is very limited, so it is strongly recommended to rent a car or take taxis. A taxi can be recognized by the letters “TX” on their license plate. Taxi fares in Curaçao are unmetered and standardized. Rates cover up to four people. An additional surcharge of 25% per additional person is added if there are more than four passengers. The standard fare runs between 6:00am and 11:00pm. Fares between 11:00pm-6:00pm include an additional surcharge of 25%. There can also be small fees for large or excessive amounts of luggage.

Local Customs: The local drinking age is 18 years old. Tipping: it is suggested to tip porters at the airport $1 USD per bag and taxi drivers with 20% of fare. Restaurants add 8-15% service charge on bill.

Getting Married: US citizens over the age of 18 can legally get married in Curaçao.

Wedding Requirements
Dutch law only acknowledges civil marriages, performed by a registrar of marriages. Intention to marry should be reported from the country of origin to the Civil Registry Office in Curaçao in writing no later than two months before the marriage. This letter should provide at least two possible dates and at what time of day you wish to marry. You must both sign the written request. You do not need to register your marriage with the US Consulate General. All information below is subject to change without notice.

General list of requirements to perform a legal wedding ceremony in Curaçao:

• Clear, legible copies of both passports
• Certified copies of your birth certificates (the issue date must be less than 6 months before the date of marriage), along with an Apostille stamp on each
• Proof of single status
• If applicable, divorce papers or death certificate of former spouse
• Declaration of single status from the time of divorce or death of former spouse until present
• Names of parents, mothers’ maiden names and their dates and places of birth Professions of bride, groom and their parents