Curacao FAQ

General FAQ

Digital Immigration Card

The Digital Immigration Card is a mandatory form for all visitors to clear immigration in Curaçao. The card can only be filled out online. Once completed, you will have the option to receive your submitted information as a downloadable PDF document or as a confirmation email with the PDF attached. Once you arrive in Curaçao, you must be able to provide the submitted form either digitally or as a printout.

More information: https://dicardcuracao.com/dicard

Flights

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Traveling with your pet

Information of the requirements on how to bring your pet with you, to and from Curacao, can be found here: http://www.thecaribbeanpet.com/pet-travel-to-curacao/

Customs Restrictions

Besides articles for personal use, non-residents over 18 years of age are allowed one liter of liquor, 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, and 125 grams of tobacco. You would have to declare any items over the stated quantities. Additionally, if you wish to carry over $10,000 with you, you will have to declare it.

As a traveler, you can import personal goods, souvenirs, and gifts up to NAF. 200 without paying import duties. If you’re under 15 years old, the limit is NAF. 65.

If your purchases exceed NAF. 200, you must verbally report them to Customs. The exemption only applies to goods valued up to NAF. 200, and individual goods cannot be split to take advantage of the exemption.

For alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, tax-free import is allowed if you are 18 years or older. If you are a resident of the country, you may claim half of the allowed amounts. The permitted quantities are:


Tobacco products
  • 200 cigars
  • 50 cigarillos
  • 25 cigars
  • 125 grams of smoking tobacco
  • A proportional assortment of these products (e.g., 100 cigarettes and 25 cigarillos)
Alcoholic beverages
  • 1 liter of spirits (more than 22% by volume)
  • 1 liter of sparkling wine, liqueur wine (less than 22% by volume)
  • 2 liters of non-mousing wine
  • A proportional assortment of these products (e.g., half a liter of spirits and half a liter of sparkling wine)

Alcohol

What is the legal age to buy and consume alcohol?
18 – for any type of alcohol (includes beer, wine, liquor)

Where can alcohol be purchased?
Alcohol is available to buy at any Supermarket, as well as at Minimarkets and „Tokos“.

How do prices compare to Europe, US and Canada?

  • Beer (the most expensive type of alcohol on the island)
  • Liquor (the price varies depending on whether you buy foreign or local liquor)
  • Wine (depending on the brand, as well as on the store where you buy it)

Drug Policy Curacao

Contrary to The Netherlands, marijuana is an illegal substance in Curaçao and the use and possession of even the smallest amounts is punishable by law. Similarly other drugs like cocaine, heroin, MDMA, etc. are all illegal.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs, particularly if they contain narcotics, should be clearly marked. Unlike in the Netherlands, possession of even the smallest amount of marijuana or other illegal drugs is a serious offense.

Doctors

MedPoint
Medical care for tourists & expats in Curaçao
Address: Curaçao International Airport (HATO, Curaçao)
Website: www.medpointcuracao.com
Contact: +599 9 5242944
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8.00am – 9.00pm (also Whatsapp)

CMC
Curacao Medical Center
Address: J. H. J. Hamelbergweg z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
Website: www.cmc.cw
Contact: + 5999 7450000
Emergency: call 910
Ambulance Service: call 912
Opening hours: 24/7

Pharmacies

How late are pharmacies open in Curaçao?
Most pharmacies (“Botika”) close at 5 or 6 PM. If you urgently need medicines after hours there are always at least 2 botikas open for emergencies.

To find out which botikas are currently on duty: https://botikadiservisio.com/

Emergency numbers

910 Hospital
911 Police
912 Ambulance
911 Fire Department
913 Coastal Guard
199 Curacao Road Service/Forensys

Driving in Curacao

Here are some important traffic rules and tips for driving in Curaçao:

  • Speed limits: 40-50 km/h in urban areas, 60-80 km/h in rural areas.
  • At a T-intersection, traffic from both left and right has the right of way.
  • Pay special attention to roundabouts; usually, the car on the roundabout has the right of way, but in some cases, you must yield to traffic coming from the right. Look for yield signs and be cautious.
  • Seat belts are mandatory.
  • Children require a proper car seat.
  • Motorcyclists need to wear a helmet.
  • There are no right turns at red lights allowed.
  • Drivers have priority over non-drivers; goats have the right of way.
  • Curacao has European road signs, if you are not familiar with them, familiarize yourself ahead of your trip.
  • In case of an accident, it is obligatory to call Roadside Assistance „Forensys“ 199
  • Alocohol limit – Curaçao does not have a special law that regulates Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) percentage. There is no specified alcohol limit here; when you’re driving in Curaçao, the government says that you cannot drive while drunk, and it’s deemed illegal to do so.
  • It is important to exercise caution at traffic lights in Curaçao. The meaning of the different signal lights may differ from what you might be accustomed to.
  • Green Light: Similar to other places, green means you can proceed.
  • Yellow Light: Interestingly, on Curaçao, yellow is treated as green. It indicates that you can continue driving instead of preparing to stop.
  • Red Light: Contrary to expectations, red does not necessarily mean an immediate stop. However, recently there has been stricter enforcement of traffic rules. If you choose to brake at a yellow light, it is advisable to quickly check your rearview mirror. The driver behind you may not expect you to stop and could potentially come closer to your vehicle.
  • Remember, it is crucial to drive defensively and be aware of the local traffic customs and regulations when navigating the roads in Curaçao.
  • Useful Apps for driving in Curacao: Links

Gas

  • cheaper than in Europe
  • more expensive than in North America
  • How-To: choose the pump you’d like to use, wait for your turn, park the car at the pump, and then pay at the counter before filling up. Some gas stations will have attendants. Usually they will expect a small tip. The price per liter is the same everywhere on the island and is posted on the pump itself.

Groceries

In Curacao, grocery stores come in various sizes and types. You’ll find:

1. Large Supermarkets
These offer a wide selection of products, including local items. Some may have a more Dutch focus, while others may have a North American style.

Centrum Mahaai Dr. Caprilesweg 2 Mon – Sat 07.30am – 08:00pm & Sun 07.30am – 06:00pm

Centrum Piscadera Kaminda Mrg. Dr. Amado Romer Mon – Sat 07.30am – 08:00pm & Sun 07.30am – 06:00pm

Mangusa Hypermarket Cas Coraweg, Willemstad, Curaçao Mon – Sat 07:30am – 08:00pm & Sun 08:00am – 02:00pm

Van den Tweel Zelandia Kaya Jacob Posner #28, Willemstad, Curaçao Mon – Sun 07:30am – 08:30pm

Esperamos Jan Noorduynweg 60 Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 07:30am – 08:00pm & Sun 07:30am – 03:00pm

Carrefour – Sambil Shoppingmall Opening hours: Mon – Sat 07:30am – 08:30pm & Sun 09:00am – 07:00pm

2. Medium-Sized Grocery Stores:
Similar to local independent grocery stores, they offer a good variety of items based on the preferences of the neighborhood.

California Supermarket Opening hours: Mon – Sun 07:30am – 09:00pm

3. Tokos (Smaller Grocery Stores):
Minimarkets, offering an oddly wide range of items, from food, drinks to sandals and tools.

Pricing compared to Europe/US/Canada

Tipping in Curacao

  • Grocery baggers 1-3 NAf
  • Gas station 1-2 NAf
  • Waiters 10% standard service, 15-20% for exceptional service
  • Cleaning Staff 10-15%
  • Guides 10-20%

Tap Water

Tap water is distilled directly from the sea, tastes good, and is absolutely safe to drink. This means, less plastic, less polution.

Electrical system in Curacao

Curaçao standard current outlets provide 110-130 Volt at 50Hz. The standard plug type is a two-pin ‘Type A’ power plug as used in the US. Some devices are designed to operate at both 110V and 220V, but please check in advance. It is wise to bring a plug adaptor for other plug types, but they can also be bought on the island.

Some hotels and apartments do have 220V outlets. These outlets are easily identified, as they require the standard European plug.

Casinos

What is the legal age to enter Casinos?
18

Related links:

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