Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MONEY: The Netherlands Antillean florin (NAfl) is the official currency,
and US $1 = NAfl 1.78 or NAfl 1 = 56¢. The dollar is widely accepted.
Exchange only a small amount of money to pay for taxi fares, tips, and
small purchases. Stores will convert prices for you at a good rate, about
NAfl 1.75 = $1, although change is given in local currency. Major credit
cards are accepted at large resorts and restaurants, and many stores, but
smaller establishments may require cash. The florin is also called a guil-
der. The old square nickel and newer square 50¢ piece are popular
souvenirs.
PHARMACY: Pharmacies are called boticas. Most are open Monday-Sat-
urday, 8 am-7 pm, and on-duty pharmacists rotate 24-hours-a-day
throughout the week. Check with your hotel for the botica nearest you.
Most common prescription and over-the-counter medications are avail-
able on the island.
POPULATION: 170,000, with more than 40 nationalities represented.
PUBLICATIONS: These magazines are available free in hotel lobbies
and at many restaurants and tourist attractions: Curaçao Holiday,
Curaçao Nights, Curaçao Visitors Guide, K-Pasa and Curaçao Explorer.
SAFETY: Curaçao is generally safe. However, downtown Willemstad,
especially the narrow back roads of Otrobanda, is known to have drug
problems. Be cautious walking off the beaten path in the city, even during
the day. The waterfront and most tourist areas are safe, but take common-
sense precautions to avoid theft, especially from cars parked at beaches.
Many car rental agencies issue anti-theft gadgets for cars that do not have
alarm systems. Use them.
SHOPPING HOURS: Some stores open on Sunday when a cruise ship is
in port. Otherwise, hours are Monday-Saturday, 8:30 am-12:30 pm, and 2-
6 pm. A few shops may stay open during the lunch hours, especially when
cruise-ship passengers are in town. Supermarkets usually are open Mon-
day-Saturday, 8 am-8 pm, and Sunday, 8 am-noon.
TAXES & TIPS: A 5% sales tax is added to most purchases. In addition,
hotels charge a government tax of 12%. A 12% service charge may be added
to hotel and restaurant bills, but the money may not go to your maid or
server. Leave a bit extra for good service. In addition, a $3 per-day, per-
room energy charge is added to hotel rates. Ask if taxes and other charges
are included in the quoted rate when you book accommodations.
TAXIS:
869-0747.
TELEPHONES: The international access code from North America is
011; the country code for the Netherlands Antilles is 599; the island code
for Curaçao is 9. To call Curaçao from North America, dial 011-599-9, plus
the seven-digit local number. If you are calling Curaçao from Europe or
most of the rest of the world, dial 00 + 599 + 9, then the seven-digit local
number. On Curaçao, dial only the seven-digit local number.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search