About
Curacao
Everything you want to know
About Curacao
Curaçao (Kòrsou) is a country within the
Kingdom of the Netherlands. You read that right: Curacao is considered a
independent country rather than an island. The territory and the sea comprise
the islands of Curaçao and Klein Curaçao, as well as their associated territorial sea.
The island is not part of the EU territory, but its inhabitants own
well as the rights of EU citizenship.
It is located in the
southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. The capital and
largest city of Curacao is Willemstad. The island itself is 444 km² and
has 148,000 inhabitants.
What you need to know when going to Curacao
Travel document
You always need a valid passport
when you travel to Curacao. The passport must be on you during your entire stay
Curacao are valid. Travel with a Dutch identity card or driver's license
to Curacao is not allowed.
Digital Immigration Card
Everyone traveling to Curacao must
required to complete a digital immigration card online in advance. Upon arrival
You must be able to show this card digitally or printed.
Traveling with children
Children also need a valid passport
to travel to Curacao. Children must also have a digital
immigration card must be completed. Are you traveling alone with children under 18?
year? Check which additional documents you need to register for a long
to avoid waiting times at border control.
Money
In Curacao you can pay with the Antillean currency
guilder. Many locations also accept US dollars (USD),
but euros usually not. You can exchange euros for Antillean
guilders or USD at local banks.
Make sure you have sufficient financial resources
to cover unforeseen costs during your trip (such as additional costs for
delay or higher accommodation costs). Bring multiple means of payment, such as
a debit card, credit card(s) and cash. Enter your bank's phone number
in your phone, so that you can block your bank card in case of loss or theft.
Also check whether your bank card has been activated for use outside Europe.
Mobile phone
Check with your provider what the costs are
for calling and data usage outside the EU. It may be useful to have a
to purchase a foreign package.
Local emergency services
Curacao is part of the Caribbean Netherlands and
does not have its own embassy. In case of emergency you can contact the
local emergency services:
General emergency number: 911
Ambulance: 912
Climate and seasons
Climate and Weather Conditions
Curacao has a tropical climate with many
sun and little rain. The average annual temperature is 30 °C, and the difference
between summer and winter is only about 2 degrees. Also the difference
between day and night temperature is small, about 4 degrees. The sea water is
average 27 °C warm. Annual rainfall is between 50 and 75 cm, mostly in
the form of short, heavy showers that move across the entire island. Most
rain falls in October, November and December, while the hottest months are August,
September and October are. January and February are the coolest months.
Protection from the Sun
The hottest time of the day is between
12:00 and 15:00, and many shops and businesses close during this time. Try
seek the shade as much as possible during these hours. The sun is burning here
significantly stronger than you may be used to, allowing you to get started faster
burn. Always wear sunscreen, preferably one that protects the coral
does not harm. Standard sunscreen can make a big difference with just one drop
damage coral. The right, coral-friendly sunscreen is
available at local dive shops.
Storms and Hurricanes
All year round
tropical storms and sometimes hurricanes can occur in Curacao, with an increased
risk between June 1 and November 30, during the Atlantic hurricane season.
Keep a close eye on the weather conditions on site and inform yourself about
any risks.
(Public transport
Driving in Curacao
Pay close attention in traffic on Curacao. The
The quality of the roads is not optimal everywhere and it can be busy at times. Be
especially in the evening alert to other road users who may be under the influence
are of alcohol. Although it is officially forbidden to drink too much alcohol,
unfortunately this still happens when you are behind the wheel.
The traffic rules in Curacao differ in some respects
points from those in the European Netherlands, in particular the priority rules. For example,
overtaking on the right is allowed in Curacao. Drive carefully and go with the flow of
with the traffic – you will quickly get used to it.
Driving license
The Dutch
driver's license is valid in Curacao, so you do not need an international driver's license
to ask.
The airport
Curacao International Airport, also known as
Hato Airport, is the international airport of Curacao. With a take-off and
runway of 3400 meters long and 60 meters wide, the airport is suitable
for all types of aircraft. The airport is located on the north coast of Curacao,
approximately 12 kilometers from Willemstad.
The airport serves many international
flights and serves as an important hub for connections between
several Caribbean islands.
Check-in times
For flights to the neighbouring islands, 1.5 hours is sufficient
to be present at the airport before departure.
For flights to Europe it is recommended to travel at least 2 hours in advance
to be present in advance.
For flights to Canada or the United States you must have at least
Please be at the airport 3 hours in advance due to additional checks.
Events
Weekly activities
Wednesday evening : Party at Mambo Beach at
Cabana.
Thursday night : Movie night on the beach
from Mambo Beach, at Cabana.
Friday night : Party at Mambo Beach, at
Chill and Madero Ocean Club.
Saturday evening : Party at Jan Thiel, at
Zanzibar.
Sunday : Family Day and Happy Hour at Kokomo Beach.
Curacao Culinary
The culinary event takes place every April
Curacao Culinary Place, where various restaurants set up stands to present their
to present menus. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of
dishes and taste a variety of culinary delights. The event is
held in the beautiful garden of Landhuis Chobolobo, where the last four
editions were already a great success.
Pietermaai Tastes
In October the Pietermaai district organizes a
major culinary event where the best culinary entrepreneurs present their
specialties. On the cozy market square you can enjoy
various mini dishes. With live music, bars and a cozy ambiance
This is an event where visitors can experience local cuisine in a fun way
can discover.
A piece of history
On July 26, 1499, Curaçao was discovered by the
Spaniard Alonso de Ojeda. At that time there were about 2000 people living on the
island. In 1515, almost all of the original inhabitants had been taken as slaves
South America to work on plantations. In 1527 a
number of Spaniards on the island, who came from different cities in the
current Venezuela was governed. The Spanish also brought European animals and
plants to Curaçao that were not originally native to the island. Examples
these include goats, sheep, cattle, horses and various plants, trees and
flowers.
Although many of these introduced species
thrived, the Spanish found that the island also had disadvantages. For example, the
soil too dry to grow crops successfully, salt yielded little,
and precious raw materials such as gold, silver and precious stones were lacking. Because of this
the Spaniards eventually slowly withdrew from Curaçao.
Traditional food and drink
At Curacao weddings, keshi yena are included,
stoba and for dessert the wedding cake and a piece of bolo pretu
on the menu. Keshi yena, or stuffed cheese, is made from a hollowed out
Edam cheese. After it has been soaked and its wax layer has been removed, the
cheese filled with meat or fish, capers, raisins, plums and olives, and
then baked in the oven.
Stobá is a stew of meat, fish, or
vegetables, such as the Curaçao cucumber, and is often served with funchi .
Baked or stewed goat meat with rice, fried banana, peas and beetroot is often served
eaten at family celebrations.
Roof celebration
The completion of a roof is celebrated exuberantly in Curacao, with sopi
di mondongo (mondongo soup) is drunk. This soup is also often served on
eaten on Sunday. Mondongo, also called Antillean pepperpot, is a
stew made from the stomachs and hooves of beef or goat, enriched
with capers, raisins, plums, olives and sometimes sherry or cognac.
Other special dishes include sankocho ,
sopitu , guiambo , tutu , and iguana soup .
Sankocho is a rich soup with fresh and
salted meat, vegetables, bananas, tubers, corn on the cob, and sweet and regular
potatoes.
Sòpitu is a thick soup of salted
meat, grilled fish, coconut milk, corn on the cob and spices.
Guiambo , or okra soup, is a dish made with
okra, salted meat (and sometimes pig's tail), fish, cheese, shrimp and karko
(a shellfish), served with funchi.
Tutu , also called jug jug, is made
of funchi flour, beans, salted meat and a little sugar.
Drinks
Curaçaoan drinks such as awa di sorsaka (made from soursop) and batido
di fruta (fruit smoothie) are popular and are consumed daily. The
famous Curaçao liqueur (Blue Curaçao) is usually only produced on special occasions
occasions served.
Sweet snacks
Curacao is known for its bolo (cake), tèrt and lèter di
peanut (peanut cookies). A well-known cake is the bolo di manteka
(butter cake), made from flour, sugar, butter and eggs, similar to a
American pound cake.
Ground peanuts are made into S-shaped cookies
made, called letter di pinda .
Savory snacks
Popular savoury snacks include pastechi (pies with fish, meat or
cheese filling), empaña (cornmeal pastries) and kala (a
savory baked snack made from ground beans).
Meaning of the flag
The color blue symbolizes the loyalty of the people. The blue in the
the upper half of the flag represents the clear sky, and the lower
half for the sea that surrounds the island. The yellow band in the middle
represents the sun, which brings joy every day, and also symbolizes the
cheerfulness and cheerfulness of the population. In the Constitution it is
established that the island territory of Curaçao consists of the islands of Curaçao and
Klein Curacao, which are symbolized by the two stars. The five-pointed
star symbolizes the five continents from which the population originates. The
the color white represents peace and happiness.