Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
When you pay for goods or services with US dollars, expect change in local
currency, and assume the exchange rate will not be in your favor. Also, be
sure which currency prices are in before you buy, and become familiar with
the paper bills and coins so you can quickly calculate your change.
Did You Know?
Although the Netherlands began
using euros when they were introduced to the Euro-
pean Community in January, 2002, the Nether-
lands Antilles continue to use their own guilders.
The Aruban guilder is divided into 100 cents, and coins come in denomina-
tions of five, 10, 25, and 50 cents, as well as one, 2½, and five guilders. The
square silver yotin is worth US 50¢ and makes a good souvenir. Paper bills
come in denominations of five, 10, 25, 50, and 100 guilders.
The Netherlands Antilles guilder also is divided into 100 cents, and coins
come in denominations of one, 2½, five, 10, 25 cents, as well one and 2½
guilders. The old square five-cent piece and the new square 50-cent piece
are popular souvenirs. Paper bills come in denominations of 10, 25, 50, and
100. Both old- and new-style coins are in circulation.
Larger-denomination notes are available in AWG and ANG, but they, like
large US-dollar notes, are hard to exchange, and many establishments
refuse to accept them.
Double-check the amount on all charge slips. Most stores record the
amount using the currency of the country issuing the card. However, occa-
sionally the charge will be written in AWG or ANG. Before you leave the
store or restaurant, make sure the use of local currency is clearly marked
on the bill. Merchants who bill in local currency generally use a special
charge slip that allows them to designate a type of currency.
Pay Attention
On Bonaire, numbers are written with a decimal point between
thousands and hundreds. Guilders are separated from cents by a
comma. Visitors may find it difficult to read large prices, since five
thousand six hundred guilders and 56 cents is written ANG
5.600,56.
Credit Cards, Banks & ATMs
ATMs are located at all banks, the airports and cruise-ship docks,
and in many tourist areas on all three islands. The machines
accept international bank and credit cards, and dispense cash
in either local currency or dollars. Your account will be charged
in the currency of the country where the card was issued.
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