General
Helpful facts!
The general facts of Curacao!
Curaçao, an enchanting island in the southern Caribbean, offers much more than sun, sea and sand. This colorful island has a rich history, diverse culture and plenty of hidden gems worth discovering. Let me share with you some interesting facts that may be new to you, but are definitely worth knowing during your visit!
Location
Where is Curaçao actually located? This beautiful island is located in the heart of the Caribbean, a sunny paradise right off the coast of Venezuela. Located in the midst of the Leeward Islands, Curaçao shares this tropical region with its charming neighbors Aruba and Bonaire, collectively known as the ABC Islands.
What makes Curaçao extra special is its size. Did you know that Curaçao is a whopping 2.5 times larger than the Dutch Wadden Island of Texel? That means even more room to enjoy the sun, beaches and colorful culture the island has to offer.
Curaçao is an ideal destination for sun seekers and adventurers, with its vast coastlines, clear blue waters and lively towns. So whether you want to relax on the idyllic beaches or explore the underwater life, Curaçao offers quite a bit of Caribbean delight waiting to be discovered!
Currency
When traveling to Curaçao, it's helpful to know what currency to expect. On this beautiful island, the common currency is the Antillean guilder, abbreviated as "Nafl." or "ANG. However, don't worry if you have American dollars with you, as they are also accepted in many places here.
An important fact for European visitors: leave your euros at home, as they are not often accepted here. It is much more convenient to exchange your money for guilders or dollars before you leave.
The exchange rate can vary, but in general, one euro equals about two Antillean guilders. So if you want to quickly convert how much something costs in euros, simply divide the price in Nafl. by two. It's a simple way to get an idea of what you're spending. To convert from Guldens to Dollars, you can divide by 1.85 (this varies by organization).
Bringing enough cash in the right currency or using a credit card can make your trip much smoother. Enjoy your stay in Curaçao without worrying about exchange rates and currencies, and focus on exploring this tropical paradise!
Checklist
What should you bring when you go to Curacao? Well, first of all, your enthusiasm and sense of adventure of course! But don't forget to pack some light clothing, because the sun almost always shines here. Swimwear is an absolute must, and a pair of sunglasses, cap or hat is no luxury either. For the evenings, when it can be a bit chilly from time to time, just throw a cardigan in your bag.
And here's a handy list to get you started:
- Swimwear
- Summer Clothing
- Sunglasses / Cap / Hat
- Travel plug
- Anti-mosquito spray
- Beachbag
- Completed ED card (upon arrival in Curaçao)
- Debit card (on ''pinning abroad''!)
Language
Curaçao is not only a tropical paradise, but also a fascinating melting pot of cultures and languages. Four languages are spoken daily on this colorful island: Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish. Each of these languages contributes to Curaçao's unique and diverse identity.
Papiamentu is the most widely spoken language on Curaçao and is the heartbeat of the island. This Creole language originated in the 16th century, when slaves were brought from Africa to work on the plantations of Dutch settlers. Papiamentu is a unique blend of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English and African languages. Key words include "Bon dia" (good morning), "Dushi" (nice or sweet), and "Ayo" (goodbye).
Dutch is an official language of Curaçao and is primarily used in the education, government and legal sectors. Although not the most widely spoken language, most residents are bilingual and fluent in Dutch, thanks to Curaçao's status as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
English is widely spoken in tourism and business, while Spanish is widespread due to its proximity to Venezuela and the large community of Spanish-speaking immigrants. The versatility in languages reflects Curaçao's rich history and cultural diversity.
So, are you ready to pack your bags and discover Curacao? If you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We can't wait to help you plan your dream vacation on this tropical island! 🌴☀️