Understanding money in Curaçao prevents confusion and helps you budget accurately. The island uses two currencies, U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and payment systems work differently than in many other destinations. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Currency in Curaçao
Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)
Curaçao’s official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, also called the florin. You’ll see prices written as ANG, NAf., or fl. The currency is abbreviated as ANG (ISO code) and subdivided into 100 cents.
- Exchange rate: Fixed at approximately 1.80 ANG per 1 USD. This rate has been stable for decades.
- Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cent; 1 and 5 guilder
- Bills: 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 guilder
U.S. Dollar Acceptance
U.S. dollars are accepted virtually everywhere in Curaçao:
- Restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Hotels and vacation rentals
- Tour operators and attractions
- Car rental companies
- Most shops and markets
- Taxis
When you pay in USD, you’ll typically receive change in ANG at the fixed 1.80 rate. Some businesses may use a slightly different rate (1.75 or 1.85), but the difference is minimal.
Should You Bring USD or ANG?
Most visitors find it easiest to use USD for most transactions and withdraw small amounts of ANG from ATMs when needed for smaller purchases. You don’t need to exchange large amounts of money before your trip.
ATMs and Cash Withdrawals
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available throughout Curaçao:
- Airport: Multiple ATMs in the arrivals hall
- Willemstad: ATMs throughout the city, particularly in Punda, Otrobanda, and near hotels
- Tourist areas: Jan Thiel, Mambo Beach, and other resort areas have ATMs
- Supermarkets: Most large supermarkets have ATMs
ATM Fees and Limits
When using ATMs in Curaçao:
- Local ATM fees: Typically ANG 5-10 (USD 3-6) per withdrawal
- Your bank’s foreign ATM fee: Check with your bank before traveling — many charge $3-5 plus a percentage of the withdrawal
- Withdrawal limits: Usually ANG 1,000-2,000 (USD 550-1,100) per transaction
- Daily limits: Your home bank may impose additional daily limits
Best Practices for ATM Use
- Use bank ATMs: Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas — they often charge higher fees
- Decline dynamic currency conversion: If the ATM offers to charge you in USD, decline. You’ll get a better rate by being charged in ANG and letting your bank do the conversion.
- Notify your bank: Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent your card from being blocked for suspicious activity
- Withdraw larger amounts: Minimize fees by withdrawing what you need for several days rather than small amounts daily
Credit and Debit Cards
Card Acceptance
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Curaçao:
- Visa and Mastercard: Accepted virtually everywhere that takes cards
- American Express: Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger businesses. Not accepted at smaller shops or local restaurants.
- Discover: Limited acceptance — don’t rely on it as your primary card
Where Cards Work
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants and bars (most, but not all)
- Supermarkets
- Car rental companies (credit card required for deposit)
- Tour operators
- Larger shops and malls
Where You Need Cash
Some situations require cash:
- Small local restaurants: Especially in residential neighborhoods
- Beach entrance fees: Many beaches charge ANG 2-5 entrance fees in cash
- Street vendors and markets: Cash only
- Tips: For housekeeping, porters, tour guides
- Taxis: Some taxis accept cards, but cash is preferred and sometimes required
- Parking: Airport parking and some lots require cash
Foreign Transaction Fees
Check your credit card’s foreign transaction policy:
- No-fee cards: Many travel-focused cards (Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, etc.) charge no foreign transaction fees
- Standard cards: Many cards charge 3% on international transactions
- Debit cards: Often charge fees for international purchases and ATM withdrawals
If your card charges foreign transaction fees, consider getting a no-fee card before your trip.
Budgeting for Curaçao
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation varies widely:
- Budget guesthouses: USD 60-100 per night
- Mid-range hotels: USD 120-200 per night
- Upscale resorts: USD 250-500+ per night
- Vacation rentals: USD 80-300 per night depending on size and location
Food and Dining
Dining costs in Curaçao:
- Local restaurants: USD 10-20 per person
- Mid-range restaurants: USD 20-40 per person
- Upscale restaurants: USD 50-100+ per person
- Groceries: Similar to U.S. prices, some imported items more expensive
Activities and Tours
- Beach entrance fees: USD 2-5
- Snorkeling tours: USD 40-80
- Diving (two-tank dive): USD 100-150
- Island tours: USD 50-100
- Christoffel National Park: USD 15 per person
Transportation
- Car rental: USD 40-80 per day
- Gas: Approximately USD 1.20-1.40 per liter (USD 4.50-5.30 per gallon)
- Taxis: USD 20-40 for typical trips (Willemstad to beaches, airport transfers)
Tipping in Curaçao
Is Tipping Expected?
Tipping is appreciated but not as culturally ingrained as in the United States. Curaçao has a service charge culture — many restaurants include a 10-15% service charge in the bill.
Tipping Guidelines
- Restaurants: If no service charge is included, tip 10-15%. If service charge is included, additional tipping is optional for exceptional service.
- Bars: USD 1-2 per drink or 10% of the tab
- Hotel housekeeping: USD 2-5 per day
- Porters: USD 1-2 per bag
- Tour guides: USD 10-20 for a half-day tour, USD 20-40 for a full-day tour
- Drivers: USD 5-10 for half-day, USD 10-20 for full-day
- Taxis: 10-15% of the fare or round up to the nearest dollar
Sales Tax and Service Charges
OBN (Turnover Tax)
Curaçao charges a turnover tax (OBN) of 6% on most goods and services. This is typically included in posted prices, so you don’t need to calculate it separately.
Service Charges
Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge (10-15%) to your bill. Check your receipt:
- If “service charge” or “service cost” is listed, tipping additional is optional
- If no service charge is listed, tip 10-15% as you would at home
Payment Tips for Visitors
Carry Small Bills
Break larger bills (USD 50, 100) at hotels or supermarkets. Small businesses and beach vendors may not have change for large bills.
Confirm Currency Before Paying
Some businesses post prices in USD, others in ANG. If it’s not clear, ask before ordering or purchasing to avoid confusion.
Use Cards for Large Purchases
For expensive items (tours, car rentals, upscale dining), use a credit card for better exchange rates and fraud protection.
Keep Some Cash for Small Purchases
Always carry USD 20-50 in small bills for beach fees, tips, small vendors, and taxis.
Exchanging Currency
Should You Exchange Before Your Trip?
Generally, no. You’ll get better rates by:
- Using ATMs in Curaçao (despite fees, the exchange rate is better than currency exchange offices)
- Paying in USD directly (no conversion needed)
- Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Currency Exchange Offices
If you do need to exchange currency:
- Airport: Exchange desks in the terminal (convenient but rates may not be ideal)
- Banks: Local banks in Willemstad offer currency exchange (better rates, but limited hours)
- Hotels: Some hotels offer currency exchange at the front desk (convenient but poor rates)
Cost-Saving Tips
Grocery Shopping
If your accommodation has a kitchen, grocery shopping saves money:
- Supermarkets: Van den Tweel, Mangusa, and Supermarket Juan are larger chains with good selection
- Local markets: The Floating Market in Willemstad offers fresh produce
- Prices: Imported items (U.S. brands) cost more. Local products are cheaper.
Eat Like a Local
Local restaurants (called “snèks”) serve authentic Curaçao cuisine at lower prices than tourist-area restaurants. Look for places where locals eat — the food is better and cheaper.
Happy Hours and Specials
Many bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials, particularly in tourist areas. Ask about daily specials — fresh fish dishes are often reasonably priced.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Not everything in Curaçao costs money:
- Beach days: Many beaches are free or charge minimal entrance fees
- Snorkeling from shore: Bring your own gear and snorkel from public beaches
- Hiking: Christoffel National Park and other natural areas offer affordable outdoor activities
- Exploring Willemstad: Walking around the colorful neighborhoods is free
Safety and Money
Carrying Cash
Curaçao is generally safe, but use common sense:
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Don’t flash expensive jewelry or electronics in public
- Be discreet when paying with large bills
Credit Card Security
- Keep your card in sight during transactions
- Use chip readers when available (more secure than magnetic stripe)
- Monitor your statements for unauthorized charges
- Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent holds
Continue Planning
Understanding money logistics helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. For complete trip planning, see our Flying to Curaçao for the First Time guide and review flight cost information to budget for your airfare.
Ready to find flights within your budget? Compare flights to Curaçao and filter by price to find options that fit your travel budget.