Whenever you are traveling to a new and foreign land, you should always do a little bit of research in order to understand how their money system works. This will save you moments of confusion whenever you are dealing with a new currency.
One of the most asked questions tourists have when they are about to travel to Curacao, is what does the island have for currency? But did you know that Curacao’s official currency is called the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (ANG)? It is also possible to pay with US Dollars, but be prepared to pay a little bit more since you won’t get a good exchange rate in local shops.
Another important question is whether you should take USD for your upcoming trip or whether you should exchange it at your local bank.
So, continue reading this and let’s talk about money, in specific, let’s discuss what currency does Curacao use!
Currency Exchange calculator
Curacao’s own money
The Netherland Antilles Guilder (ANG) has a fixed exchange rate that is tied to the US dollar. Even though this exchange rate may vary at restaurants or stores within the island, the price can only vary slightly.
So, for example, 1 ANG is US$ 0.56 and USD $1 is 1.79 ANG.
Also, it is important to know that the ANG is often called the Florin as well, so don’t be confused if someone asks you about the Florin instead of the Netherland Antilles Guilder.
The Netherland Antilles Guilder
It is a good thing to familiarize yourself with the currency of the place you will be visiting before you actually go away on holiday. This will save you tons of time whenever you are about to pay for something on your destination.
Thus the ANG is divided into 100 cents. There are also some coins that come in several denominations such as 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents, and then you have 1 and 5 guilders. Paper bills, on the other hand, are denominated by 10, 25, 50 and 100 guilders.
Also, keep in mind that there are larger denomination paper notes in ANG however they are very difficult to exchange and many shops and restaurants refuse to accept them because they will not have any more notes left to give change if necessary.
A similar situation occurs with larger notes of the US dollar, so make sure you only take notes worth USD $20 or less.
Can I use US dollars in Curacao?
Of course, you can. However, you need to understand that if you are paying in US dollars, then you will not receive a great exchange rate. In fact, you can expect that the rate will not be good for you at all, but it will be good for the one who is selling you the product or service.
And if you don’t feel like paying with cash you can always use a credit card to purchase things. Some major international banks won’t charge you for doing an international transaction.
Some of the well-known banks are MCB Bank, Banco di Caribe, Giro Bank, RBTT Bank, Central Bank, and Scotia Bank. Make sure you tell your bank back home you will be traveling to Curacao, in order to avoid any issues that could possibly arise.
Money exchange in Curacao
International traveler’s checks are also widely accepted throughout the island. So you will be able to use then if you want to pay for your hotel or restaurant bills. There are also many shops that accept them, just make sure you ask in advance.
However, personal checks that have been emitted in your home country are not accepted on this Caribbean island. So stick to the international travel checks!
More relevant information
If I were you I would definitely wait until I get to this Caribbean island to sort out my finances and get my money from the local ATM machines, because if you change back home you may not get a good exchange rate, and, what’s worse, you will probably be charged for using the exchange services.
However, you should also be aware that most ATM’s charge you a US fee of $5 per transaction. So instead of taking money out several times throughout your stay, you should perhaps make one big transaction where you take out the money you will need.
There is an exchange office at the airport of Curacao, there you will be able to get good exchange rates for your trip.
If you would like to take money from an ATM machine in Curacao you will be given the option of receiving USD or Guilders in your cash withdrawal.
Another recommendation I always like to give is that you should always have some Guilders on hand for whatever small thing you may wish to purchase. Even if the US Dollar is accepted throughout the island you still may find yourself feeling more comfortable when paying in Guilders.
In addition to this, if you decide to rent a car to travel throughout the island then you need to have cash in hand. Did you know that gas stations only accept cash in Curacao? You have been notified!
One last thing, most prices in Curacao are listed in ANG, so double-check, if you are unsure about the price of an item as this, can save you from embarrassing moments!
What about the cost of things?
Let’s talk about some daily costs you will have whenever you visit the island. Even though Curacao is not the most expensive Caribbean island, you will find some things maybe a little bit more expensive than what you are used to paying back home (or on any other holiday destinations for that matter).
For example, accommodation can be really expensive especially if you go during high-season. A double room in a budget hotel can be USD $60- 100, so imagine in a more upscale hotel.
If you are looking at getting something to eat, then a food-truck snack can set you back by USD $8 – 15. Public transport is very cheap though, so a bus ticket is only USD $2 and you can go almost anywhere with the pass.
Some beaches will charge you a fee for cleaning up services and it can cost you USD $3.5 – 5 per day. However, some hotels and resorts have their private beaches integrated into their hotels, so you won’t be expected to pay a thing.
If you are planning on eating out at a midrange restaurant, you can expect to pay USD $20 – 40 per person. Renting a car can be USD $32 per day. And if you are more on the top end side of things, then a three-course dinner with a drink can be USD $50 – 100, whereas a double room in a top hotel can start at USD $200.
And a last word of advice? Always make a budget before you travel, this way you will know how much you are willing to invest in your holiday, while at the same time, you will have a set boundary of everything you are spending.
Take advantage of the souvenirs you will be able to find on the island for you to take back home and gift to your friends and family members, not only you will be supporting the local community but you will also put a smile on someone’s face whenever you finally go back home!
And above all, enjoy your time in Curacao!