Curaçao Travel Tips: 15 Things You Really Need to Know

1. Don't book all-inclusive — Curaçao isn't Mexico

Curaçao thrives on its local food scene: fish soup at Marshe Bieuw, keshi yena, fresh catch at Jaanchies in Westpunt, tapas at Mosa in Pietermaai. Going all-inclusive keeps you behind gates and you'll miss the island. Book a villa or apartment with a kitchen, do groceries at Centrum Supermarket or Vreugdenhil, and eat somewhere different every night. An average dinner costs €25–€45 per person — a much better experience than a buffet.

2. Prices are quoted in Antillean guilder, pay in dollars or euros

The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), but US dollars are accepted everywhere and many restaurants also accept euros. Card payments with your European bank card work almost everywhere — usually without a surcharge. Tip: always let the ATM charge in local currency (NAf or USD), not in euros. The exchange rate the machine offers itself is always unfavourable. Some cash for tips or beach entry (USD 3 at Jan Thiel Beach) is useful.

3. Rent a car — otherwise you're stuck on one beach

Public transport is minimal and taxis are expensive (from USD 30 for short rides). The most beautiful beaches sit on the western side of the island — Playa Kenepa, Playa Lagun, Playa Knip — and without a car you won't see any of them. A rental car costs roughly USD 35–55 per day with a local operator like Caribbean Car or Top Drive. Book ahead, especially in December, February and the summer holidays. Pick diesel if you can — significantly cheaper.

4. Don't fly with hand luggage only — customs checks

Customs at Hato Airport are stricter than many people expect. Meat, cheese and fresh produce from Europe are confiscated during checks. Also illegal: taking coral or shells with you when leaving — significant fines apply. Take a flight with checked baggage so you can bring your beach gear, snorkelling kit and any goodies from home (Dutch and German specialities are standard requests from expats living on the island).

5. The sun is stronger than you think

Curaçao sits at 12 degrees north — the sun is high overhead and the UV index is typically 11 or higher. Apply at least SPF 30, wear a hat and drink plenty of water. Avoid the beaches between 12:00 and 15:00; that's siesta time by local standards. Use "reef safe" sunscreen where possible — regular sunscreen damages coral at the snorkelling spots.

6. Snorkel straight from the beach — don't jump on a boat first

One of the special things about Curaçao is that you can snorkel spectacularly straight from the shore. At Playa Lagun, Directors Bay and Tugboat Beach you'll be swimming alongside turtles, parrotfish and coral reef within 20 metres. An expensive catamaran trip is fun for the social experience, but not necessary to see the best. Rent a mask and snorkel (USD 5–10 per day) and swim at your own pace.

7. Reserve restaurants — especially in high season

Between Christmas and end of February, and during European summer holidays, Jan Thiel is packed. Zanzibar Beach Club, Tinto at Papagayo and the Pietermaai classics are often booked a week ahead. For the best tables (and the best view), book at least 2 days in advance via OpenTable, Reservi or simply WhatsApp. Outside high season you can almost always walk in spontaneously.

8. Drink the tap water — it's perfectly safe

Tap water on Curaçao is produced by desalination plants from seawater and is of very high quality — cleaner than in many European countries. Skip the case of bottled water. Bring a refillable bottle and you'll save money and plastic. Most villas and accommodations have a water dispenser, and you can comfortably order tap water at restaurants.

9. Don't book through Booking or Airbnb — go direct

On Curaçao, almost every villa is bookable through multiple channels: Airbnb, Vrbo, Micazu, Booking and the owner's own website. What many guests don't realise: all platforms charge between 15% and 25% in service fees, and their cancellation terms tend to be stricter. By booking direct you skip these fees and get direct contact with the owner. Read our blog on renting a villa on Curaçao: direct or via Airbnb for an honest comparison. With us you get 5% off with the code DIRECT.

10. Mind the wind — particularly on the north coast

The constant trade wind is a blessing against the tropical heat, but on the north coast it produces bigger waves and stronger currents. Want to snorkel calmly with kids? Stay on the south and west coasts: Jan Thiel Beach, Mambo Beach, Cas Abao and Playa Porto Mari. Surfing and bodyboarding work well near Westpunt and Boka Sami. Check daily-windguru.com for wind forecasts if you're heading out for a sailing or diving day.

11. Visit Willemstad, but not on a Wednesday

Willemstad — particularly the districts Otrobanda, Punda and Pietermaai — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely worth a full day. The colourful merchant houses, the floating Queen Emma Bridge, the fruit market and the many galleries are a unique mix of Caribbean and Dutch culture. Avoid visiting on Wednesdays — cruise ships often dock that day, making the city busier and more expensive. Friday evenings feature live music at several bars in Pietermaai — highly recommended.

12. Don't ignore traffic rules — checks are strict

Cars drive on the right on Curaçao (same as continental Europe), but road signs are a mix of Dutch and English conventions. Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h outside them. Using a phone behind the wheel is illegal and fines are issued in earnest, including to tourists. Be careful at night — street lighting outside Willemstad and Jan Thiel is limited, and goats on the road are an actual reality.

13. Plan at least one day to Klein Curaçao or Klein Bonaire

The uninhabited islet of Klein Curaçao sits 2.5 hours by boat east of the main island and has the whitest sand and clearest water in the region. Catamaran operators like BlueFinn, Mermaid and Miss Ann pick you up around 07:00 from Spanish Water and bring you back around 17:00, lunch and drinks included. Cost: about USD 130 per person. Pick a calm day in the week — strong winds sometimes cause trips to be rescheduled. A highlight of any visit.

14. Speak Papiamentu — even just one phrase

Although Dutch and English are spoken everywhere, Papiamentu — the local language — opens doors. A friendly "Bon dia" (good morning), "Danki" (thank you) or "Pasa bon" (have a good day) earns you genuine smiles and better service. Locals appreciate that you tried. Bonus: order "un Polar" for the local beer or "awa di koko" for a fresh coconut.

15. Book early — the best villas go fast

For travel in December, February, May, July and August, booking 4 to 9 months ahead is normal. We have guests who reserve our villa a full year in advance for the Christmas holidays. Hesitating between several periods? Read our guide to the best time to visit Curaçao month by month — you'll know exactly what to expect by month in terms of weather, prices and crowds. Second tip: always ask about last-minute deals if you're flexible — sometimes a week opens up on short notice that we'd love to fill.

Bonus: what else you might want to know

Travelling for the first time with kids? Read our extensive guide with tips for Curaçao with kids. Want to know which beaches really deserve your time? Check out the 8 most beautiful beaches in Curaçao. And looking for inspiration beyond the beach? Read our overview of activities in Curaçao.

Have a specific question about Jan Thiel or Villa Vidalou? See our Jan Thiel neighbourhood guide or just send us a message. We usually answer questions within a few hours — often with personal tips for your stay.