Three things you should know about Curacao!

Driving laws – People living in Curacao drive on the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit is 45km/h in town and 60 to 80 km/h outside the city. The majority of the gas stations are full service, but only a few are open 24hrs. These aspects are useful to know if you’re planning on renting a car. You should ask your car rental agency what to do in case of an accident. Usually, you have to call them and at their arrival, get in touch with Curacao Road Services.

Tipping – Through tips you show the locals appreciation and gratitude for their services. Restaurant usually add 10% and hotels 12% to the bill. However, these are not tips, therefore tipping is left to your discretion. It is also suggested to tip taxi drivers and porters at the airport.

Currency – The currency in Curacao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (or the florin) – Nafl. Still, you can get by if you use American dollars at credit cards. Also, euros are accepted at some hotels and restaurants. One 1 US dollar is 1.77 Nafl. Exchange rates may vary. ATM machines can be found all over the island and you can recognize them by the signs “Bankomatico” or “Geldautomaat”.

Languages in Curacao

The island of Curacao has a very rich culture, and even though the official language is Dutch, the inhabitants also speak English, Spanish and Papiamentu - a Creole mixture between various European languages and Arawak Indian. The language of Papiamentu is part of Curacao's identity. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century, as a way of communication between the African slaves of the Portuguese and Spanish colonists.

Papiamentu contains traces of the language spoken by the first inhabitants of the island, the Arawak Indians, who came from South America. The first Europeans to see the island were several members of a Spanish expedition, therefore for more than a century Spanish was introduced as official language. When Netherlands achieved independence from Spain, the Dutch colonization began. The whole history of Curacao is reflected in Papiamentu.

No matter what language they speak,  the people of Curacao are very friendly and welcoming. Masha danki!