Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Departure Tax
An airport tax of U.S.$ 20.00 per person for international flights and flights to Aruba, or U.S. $10.00 per person for inter-island flights is payable when leaving the island. Most airlines include the departure tax in the ticket price.

Health / Security
Take sensible precautions against the tropical sun, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended, as well as a light beach cover-up. Neither the trade winds nor clouds will protect you from sunburn. In case of serious sunburn, drink plenty of fluids, take cool baths, use a body lotion containing Aloe Vera, and take it easy for a day or two. Sunstroke can be dangerous, especially for children, people who are overweight and the elderly; watch for dizziness, fever, headaches and nausea.
Although Curacao is less humid than many Caribbean islands, mosquitoes can occasionally be a problem in the rainy season and at night. Repellent can be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets. Curacao has no malaria or similar tropical diseases, and no vaccinations are needed to visit. Due to the high level of overall hygiene and cleanliness, gastro-intestinal complaints ("travelers' tummy") are very uncommon. Eat and drink freely.

What to Bring

Clothing
Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect yourself from the sun. Most indoor establishments are air-conditioned; you may need a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals is decidedly casual. The strong trade winds may make wraparound and billowing skirts a problem. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals; some casinos also require jackets for men. Overly revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach. If you plan to walk in the countryside, wear sturdy shoes and long pants to protect your legs from the cacti.

Miscellaneous
Film and videocassettes, batteries, sunscreen, disposable diapers, sporting goods and books are all generally more expensive in Curacao. Local stores carry a good selection of most items. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent as this is often in short supply, especially during the rainy season.

Financial Matters

Currency
U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, as are Travelers Checks and most major Credit Cards. Debit Cards are accepted at a few large shops and supermarkets. Prices are quoted in the national currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin), abbreviated NAFl or ANG. It is pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate of US$ 1 = NAFl. 1.77 for cash, 1.78 for traveler's checks. Exchange rates may vary slightly at stores and hotels. Bills of US$50 and US$100 can be hard to cash. The larger denominations of guilder bills (100 and 250) are hard to cash for small purchases. There are currently two versions of guilder coins in circulation. The old square nickel and the newer square fifty-cent piece are among the few square coins in the world; along with the 2 1/2-guilder coin they are popular souvenirs, particularly for children. There is no black market and there are no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country.

Bank Hours
Banks are open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The airport bank is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Selected banks branches have ATMs that disburse US dollars.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, traveler's checks less so. Bills of US$ 50 and 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.
The larger denominations of guilder bills (100 and 250) are hard to cash for small purchases. There are currently two versions of guilder coins in circulation. The old square nickel and the newer square fifty-cent piece are some of the only square coins in the world; along with the 21/2 guilder coin they are popular souvenirs, particularly for children.

Tipping
It is customary to tip porters NAFl. 1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10% of the fare. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill; you can leave a couple more guilders change if you like. Most hotels add a 12% service charge to the bill. All this beside the 5% Government sales tax.

Gambling
Fun is no gamble in Curacao, one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets, and one of the world's most exciting gambling destinations. Play your aces at many of the island's popular casinos or enjoy the casino at Breeze's Curacao's with all the excitement of a Las Vegas style casino. In fact Breezes Curacao Resort Spa & Casino boasts the largest casino of the island featuring 270 slot machines, black jack tables, poker tables, roulette, and more.  Away from the tables, the island is well-known for its duty-free shopping, well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century Dutch-style buildings, and famous orange-flavored liqueur.

Utilities

Voltage
Electricity is 110 - 130 volts/50 cycles, similar but not identical to the US standard. Most 60 cycle electrical appliances from the United States will function properly, although appliances that have internal time mechanisms will not keep the correct time and hairdryers and curling irons may overheat if used for too long. Dual voltage appliances from Europe and South America will need an adapter plug, readily available on the island. Although electrical current is generally reliable, consider using a surge regulator for sensitive electronic devices and computers. It's a good idea to charge underwater strobes and videos on the regulated systems at dive shops and photo centers.

Water
Tap water is distilled directly from the sea, tastes good, and is safe to drink.

Transportation

Taxis are easy to recognize by their signs and the TX on their registration plates. The prices are based for 1-4 people from 6 am-11pm. A fifth person costs 25% more. After 11pm there is 25% surcharge. Passengers should agree on a price for the journey with the driver first. There are taxi stands at the airport, hotels and Sha Caprileskade in Punda.