• General information

Curaçao is located in the Caribbean Sea, at just 35 miles north of the coast of Venezuela. Curaçao, along with its neighbor Bonaire and three islands in the northeastern Caribbean (St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba), form the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The largest of the Netherlands Antilles is Curaçao. It is 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide. Willemstad is the island's capital and only city. Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, making it a sure holiday destination.

• Economy

Offshore finance, petroleum transshipment and tourism are the main incomes of the Curaçao economy. Almost all consumer goods are imported from Venezuela and the United States.

• Banks and money

US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, traveler's checks less so. Bills of US$50 and US$100 can be hard to cash. International credit cards are accepted at most major commercial establishments. Debit Cards are accepted at a few large shops and supermarkets. There are restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country (aprox $10.000).

• Medical Services

Although Curaçao is less humid than many Caribbean islands, mosquitoes can occasionally be a problem in the rainy season and at night. Curaçao has no malaria or similar tropical diseases and no vaccinations are needed to visit. Take sensible precautions against the tropical sun. Neither the trade winds nor clouds will protect you from sunburn. For minor ailments, standard US and European "over-the-counter" medicines are available at the local pharmacies, which are called "Botica's".

• Climate

Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round, with refreshing trade winds constantly blowing from the east. The average temperature is 27° C (80F). The rainy season (October to February) is marked by short, occasional showers, usually at night and sunny weather by day.

• The people

Curaçaoleños, as the people of Curaçao call themselves, have the Dutch nationality and carry European Union passports. Still the society has strong ties to its African memories through language, music and dance. The population consists of 130,000 people, coming from all kind of different  nationalities.

• Transportation

Public transportation in Curaçao consists of al size busses, taxis and touring cars. Curaçao has many car rental agencies; several agencies have desks at major hotels. Rates can vary considerably. Taxis are easy to recognize by their signs and “TX” on the registration plates. Taxi stands can be found at the airport, hotels and downtown.

• Attractions

Curaçao offers a spectacular underwater world, which is why it is called one of the top dives in the world! Curaçao is ranked among the Caribbean’s best islands for diving. Also for swimming and other water activities, such a canoeing, sailing and deep-sea fishing, Curaçao is the best place to visit. Nowhere else in the world outside of the Netherlands are there so many exquisite Dutch colonial buildings. Dating from the eighteen and nineteenth centuries, the monuments downtown still reflect the old Curaçao. Narrow and mysterious alleys with weather-beaten monuments represent Curaçao’s glorious past. Absolutely worth a visit!

• General facts

Size - The Island is 38 miles long and from 2 to 7.5 miles wide.
Language - Curaçaoleños are, by nature and necessity, masters of language.
Dutch is the official language, but Papiamento is most common.
Spanish and English are also widely spoken.
Political system - Democracy
Religion - Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims all have their own
houses of worship and practice their religions freely.
Local time - Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time.
Electricity - 110 - 130 volts.

• Flight facts