CURACAO ISLAND BASICS

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Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean, 35 miles north of Venezuela and 42 miles east of Aruba. It has a modern international airport served by a number of airlines, allowing for connections to any part of the world.  The Curaçao International Airport boasts the longest runway in the Caribbean, capable of handling almost any type of aircraft including jumbo jets.

Curaçaoans are multi-lingual, having learned to speak English, Dutch, and Spanish starting in the third grade. In all, more than 50 different ethnic backgrounds are represented here, and its people are justly proud of the island's international flavor.

U.S. currency is accepted everywhere, as are Travelers Checks and most major credit cards.  Prices are quoted in the national currency, the Netherlands Antillean florin (NAFl).  The exchange rate is US $1.00 = NAFl. 1.77.  Exchange rates are stable at banks but may vary slightly at stores and hotels.  There is no black market and there are no restrictions on how much money you can bring into the country.

The duty-free shopping on Curaçao makes for some of the best deals in the Caribbean on imported china, crystal, jewelry, linens, perfume and electronic equipment.

It's customary to tip porters NAFl.  1 per bag, and taxi drivers 10% of the fare. There is a 5% government sales tax. Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill, while most hotels add a 12% service charge.  There's a departure tax of U.S.$22.00 for international flights and $10.00 for inter-island flights.

Taxis are plentiful and run from 6 am to 11 pm.  Prices are based for 1-4 people; a fifth person costs 25% more.  After 11pm there is 25% surcharge.  There are also a large number of vehicle rental facilities.

Despite the near-constant sunshine, trade winds keep the average year-round temperature at a cool 82 degrees.  Clothing is light and casual; outside, sunblock is essential.  Most indoor establishments are air conditioned.  Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events.  Overly-revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate, except on the beach.  Public nudity of any kind is illegal.