Packing list for Bonaire, travel insurance for Bonaire, and taking your belongings

What to bring to Bonaire: highlighted

Highlighted items:

• Documents: a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and of course an online/offline copy.
• Money: the US dollar is the official currency. Some change can be handy for small purchases and tips, but there are also many ATMs available and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Care: a coral-friendly sunscreen with a high protection factor.
• Outdoor and conveniences: sunglasses and a cap or hat are important for protection against the bright sun.
• Clothing: cotton/linen clothing that is nice and airy and a good sweater for the air-conditioned rooms.
• Shoes: flip-flops for your walk to the beach and sturdy shoes for nice walks.
• Medicines and travel pharmacy: a first aid kit with at least plasters, painkillers and ORS.
• Technique and equipment: you can try whatever you want with your Dutch plug, but a type A/B travel plug will come in handy.

What else can you take with you:

• A reusable water bottle so that you can always have water with you!
• A waterproof bag for your phone if you want to take it into the water.
• Snorkeling gear.
• A light shawl so that you can walk down the beach in a nicely knotted dress.
• An international driver's license.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Bonaire?

• A bit of Papiamentu is of course always nice to bring with you.
• Knowledge about what you can take into and out of the country.

Are there mosquitoes in Bonaire?

• Especially after the rain, there are many mosquitoes active on Bonaire.
• The mosquitoes can transmit diseases, so it is important to protect yourself well.

Are there sand flies in Bonaire?

• There are hardly any sand flies on Bonaire.

Can you buy DEET, or other anti-mosquito products, in Bonaire?

• Yes, DEET products and good alternatives such as picaridin and cactus juice are available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Where can you get your food and drinks in Bonaire?

• Supermarkets: such as Van den Tweel, Warehouse Bonaire and Zhung Kong. Large selection, including imported products.
• Restaurants: from fine dining by the sea to local eateries with dishes such as pastechi and stoba.
• Street food: limited, but there are food trucks and stalls at markets and events.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Bonaire, or take it to Bonaire?

• No, cannabis is illegal. Bringing weed, even small amounts or edibles, is also punishable. CBD products with less than 0.2% THC are legally available.
• Other drugs are also illegal.
• Vaping is allowed, but not everywhere.