How to stay safe in Curaçao?

Some general guidelines to stay safe while visiting Curaçao

General safety

• Generally speaking, Curaçao is considered to be safe, but robberies and petty crime happen on occasion.
• Watch out for pickpockets. More thieves are active on busy places like the busstation and souvenir market. Also once the cruiseships have arrived. Don't show off your expensive jewellery and don't walk around with too much cash in your wallet. Keep valuable possessions in your bag or even better in a safe at the hotel.
• Incidents of robbery are not uncommon so avoid alleys and other quiet or dark streets because these can be unsafe.
• Serious crimes occur mostly in the organised criminal world, involving drugs or weapons trade. As an outsider you will usually not get caught up in this. Drug related crimes are punished severely.
• In case of emergency you can call the tourist emergency number: 917.

Criminality

• Most serious crimes are part of the organised criminal world involving drugs or weapons trade. As a visitor it is unlikely you will be dealing with these kind of crimes.
• Keep an eye on your luggage at all times – especially at the airport and busy tourist spots – don't accept packages from anyone and ensure nothing can be placed in your luggage.
• Don't leave valuables in your car, there is a risk it will be taken. 

Forces of nature

• From June to November hurricanes can occur in the Caribbean area. Yet they rarely reach Curaçao.

Traffic

• The traffic is mostly safe in Curaçao. Yet Curaçaoans often don't take traffic rules too seriously. For example, sometimes drivers will overtake on the right side instead of on the left. Frequently the rule of giving way to traffic from the right is also put into practice differently.
• Watch out for scooters and cars without lights at night.
• Be aware that drunk driving is not uncommon in Curaçao.
• Curaçaoans drive on the right side of the road.

Legislation

• All drugs, hard and soft, are illegal. Possessing or using drugs, any drugs including marihuana or prescription drugs for which you can’t provide the prescription, is punished severely. Bring a Medical Passport or an official prescription when using medication, especially any sedatives and strong painkillers containing codeine.

Dangerous areas

• Check what areas are deemed unsafe before arriving in Curaçao, so you don't accidentally end up somewhere dangerous.
• Do keep in mind the unsafe areas change, so always check the up to date safety information.
• Areas that are traditionally considered unsafe (especially at night) are: Koredor, Punda, Otrabanda, the Mambo Beach parking lot, the neighbourhoods of Scharloo, Fleur de Marie, Seru Fortuna, Marchena, Seru di Kandela, Souax, Koraalspecht, Seru Loraweg, Dein, Kanga, and most beach areas.
• Out of precaution: Avoid remote and unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark.