How to pay when you’re in Curacao?

The official and local currency of Curaçao is the Antillean Guilder. However, the dollar is accepted everywhere as well. Almost everywhere you can pay with Visa and Mastercard and there are also many ATMs in the city center. Many tourists find that ATMs charge high transaction fees, so it is better to make the maximum withdrawal the first time and have enough cash to avoid extra fees for each transaction.

Tip: Consider using cash for tipping, paying for beach chairs or using public transportation and pay with your card at restaurants, hotel or tourist attractions.

The best option to stay in Curaçao at low prices is to rent apartments, studios or Airbnb. You can often get good deals if you book in time.

As for hotels, direct contact can be complex, so doing it through Booking.com or Airbnb will always be the easiest way. Also, booking on time can make a big difference in your Curaçao travel budget. Consider that if you book at the last minute, the cheapest accommodations will already be occupied.

Undoubtedly, the total cost of a vacation will depend on several factors such as the type of hotel you plan to stay in, the cuisine you prefer, the tours you plan to book, or even the means of transportation you use. This is why in this guide I will break down the prices according to the type of choice you make. You can spend a lot of money if you plan a trip with all the luxuries, or you can choose a simple vacation and spend only what is necessary and still enjoy a dream trip.

Beforehand, a couple of tips if you want to save money: Stay in a budget hotel that offers breakfast included so you can spend your money on the experiences.

Below is my list of recommended hotels by area and price range.

PRICE RANGE: $100 +

PRICE RANGE: $150 +

The average cost of a meal and drink in Curaçao is $35.00 per day for one person. A street meal in Curaçao costs about $5-$10 dollars.

A dinner for two people in a restaurant would cost an average of $80 – $100 dollars. A lunch in a cafeteria or mid-range restaurant would cost you about half as much.

A bottle of water in Curaçao costs $1.70, approximately. A soft drink costs about $1.5 dollars, if you buy it in a supermarket.

A beer will cost you between $2 and $5 if you buy it at a bar. Cocktails with alcohol in bars and nightclubs cost approximately $10 per cocktail.

GO TO THE SUPERMARKET

In Curaçao there are several options of supermarkets and grocery stores. Of course, it is important to take distance into account, but if transportation and distance are not a problem, it is also good to keep in mind that some supermarkets have better prices than others.

In Curaçao there are also so-called“tokos,” which are grocery stores mostly managed by Chinese nationals. There you can always get the basics, canned goods, drinks and toiletries. Some larger ones are called mini-markets, where you will find almost the same as in a supermarket, but perhaps the price will be a couple of guilders more expensive.

The most recognized supermarkets in Curaçao are: Van den Tweel (In Jan Thiel and in Zeelandia), Centrum (In Mahaai and in Piscadera), Mangusa (In Rio Canario and in Cas Cora), Esperamos (in Santa Maria), Vreugdenhil (Near Schubappelweg), and others less popular with tourists such as Bon Bini (in Jongbloed).

Some supermarkets carry specific brands, for example, Van den Tweel and Centrum tend to carry more Dutch brands, and Mangusa has more well-known products in Latin America.

DINING OUT IN CURAÇAO

Depending on the length of the vacation, the option to go out to eat may or may not be practical. For a short vacation, it is the best. For a long vacation, it can be expensive. In any case, I would recommend renting an Airbnb with a kitchen so that you can prepare your own meals when going out to eat is not necessary. Prices vary according to the type of food in each restaurant. From a quick meal in a“truck di pan” to a romantic dinner in a restaurant. I invite you to read my guide to restaurants in Curacao.

AVERAGE COST OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES IN CURAÇAO*.

Below is a guide to approximate prices for food and beverages. On average, you can spend up to $30 USD per meal. If you go to a restaurant, you will definitely want to buy a cocktail / juice (smoothie), a main course and maybe a dessert.

Tip: Check if your hotel or Airbnb offers breakfast in your reservation. This will also help you save money. If breakfast is not included, then consider budgeting at least $35 per day for meals, per person.

*For better reference, I indicate prices in U.S. dollars.

Public transportation: Curaçao has a public bus network, although it is very limited. There are buses to the West End (Willemstad) departing from Otrobanda and buses to the southeast departing from Punda (also in Willemstad). The price of the ticket is around ANG 2.40.

Tip: Carry cash (guilders or dollars) when traveling by bus.

Bicycle: Although Curaçao is a Dutch colony, it is surprisingly difficult to get around by bicycle. Renting a bicycle costs about ANG 40 per day (ANG 30 if rented for a week or more).

Cab: Taxis in Curaçao are safe and reliable. Although not all of them are metered, most of them have fare sheets that are always visible from the passenger’s seat. They are the best for getting around Willemstad, as longer trips cost much more. Compared to the bus, they are very expensive, so I do not recommend them if your budget is limited.

From the Curaçao International Airport, you can take a cab to the hotel. Depending on the area where the hotel is located, you can spend between $35-$70 to get to the hotel. If you are traveling with your family, the price covers a maximum of 4 people. If there are more than 4, there will be an additional cost (25%) of the price. If you are traveling alone, the best option is to hire a shared transportation (or shuttle). Tip: Check with the hotel in advance if they offer free shuttle service. This will save you this expense.

If you are staying in Willemstad, you can take a minibus to Mambo Beach or the Seaquarium area from the Punda bus station. You can also take a bus from the Otrobanda bus station to reach the beaches of Westpunt.

Car rental: Car rental is one of the most economical and efficient ways to get around the island, and there are several major car rental chains at the airport. Rentals cost around $30 – $50 per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (although some companies require 23). For the best rental rates, I recommend Discover Cars.

There is a lot to do in Curacao. There is no way to get bored for a single day on the island. Thanks to the numerous beaches, water sports, national parks and museums, there are tours for all tastes.

It is important to note that tours and activities are not cheap. If you want to book a tour, you must budget in advance.

Here are some examples of tours and activities in Curacao:

Klein Curaçao boat tour ➜ $120-$130
Quad or double ATV ride ➜ $118.
Tuk Tuk ride around the city of Punda ➜ $25
Water skiing ➜ $65
Christoffel Park and Museum entrance ➜ $15 (adults)
Sea Aquarium entrance fee ➜ $15 (adults) / $7 (children)
Bus tour: 3 Westpoint beaches in one day ➜ $75
Jet Ski Adventure ➜ $62,50
Eco-tour by electric scooter ➜ $55