| Getting
There
Curaçao
has a modern international airport, and the island
is served by a number of airlines. Connections can
be made to any part of the world. The Curaçao
International Airport boasts the longest runway
in the Caribbean at 3,410 meters in length and 60
meters in width. The runway is capable of handling
almost any type of aircraft including jumbo jets.
Curaçao
has daily non-stop air services from the U.S., and
daily flights to Venezuela and from the Netherlands.
Curaçao also offers flights to Surinam, Colombia,
Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and
St. Domingo, Bonaire, Aruba and St. Maarten.
Getting
Around:
Curaçao
has many car rental agencies—consult the telephone
book yellow pages for a complete listing. Several
agencies have desks at major hotels and at the airport.
Rates can vary considerably. Expect to pay between
US$ 40 and US$ 60 per day. An international credit
card or substantial cash deposit is required. Inquire
for special rates for rentals of a week or longer.
Language
and Culture:
Dutch
is the official language on Curacao, but Papiamento
is the local language. English and Spanish are widely
spoken.
Airport
and Taxes:
The
Curacao Airport (Hato) is located 71/2 miles from
the capital, Williamstead. The departure taxes are
approximately $23.00. Taxes are always subject to
change.
Entry
Requirements:
Valid
Passport, A return or outward ticket on arrival,
Sufficient funds for accommodations and food, necessary
documents for returning to country of origin or
further travel.
Climate:
Located
in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator,
Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round.
The average temperature is about 27° C (in the
mid 80s F). Cooling trade winds blow constantly
from the east, picking up in the spring months,
the rainy season, which is between October and February,
is usually marked by short, occasional showers,
mostly at night, and continued sunny weather during
the day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570
mm (22 inches).
Currency/Credit
Cards:
The
Netherlands Antilles Cuilder or Florin is a fixed
to the US Dollar at $1.00 = 1.77. US dollar’s
are widely accepted, as are credit cards and traveler’s
checks.
Time:
Curacao
is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour
ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Electricity:
110
Volts and 220 A.C.
TIPS:
Curacao
is an exciting destination that offers beaches,
nightlife and Casinos along with outstanding boat
and shore diving. Curacao’s Primary town, Willemstad
is rich in Caribbean history. It’s brightly
painted homes and buildings and traditional Dutch
architecture makes Willemstad alone worth the visit
to Curacao. In the diving area, try to get yourself
to the famous Mushroom forest. On land, spend some
time at the Kura Huland museum or out at the harbor
entrance watching the floating bridge open for the
ships!
Services
Car
rentals
Budget
599-9-8683466
Avis
599-9-8681163
Marinas
Kima
Kalki Marina, (599-9) 767-3014
Seru Boca Marina, (599-9) 767-9042
Sarifundy's Marina, (599-9) 767-7643
|
