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

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

• Documents: passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Return or onward ticket (can be checked). Online and offline copy of your passport. Copy of your embarkation card.
• Money: Curaçao uses the Antillean guilder (ANG) as its local currency, but the US dollar (USD) is also widely accepted. Bring USD or ANG cash for the first few days (for taxis, small shops or markets).
• You can also use your debit or credit card in many places.
• Care: a coral-friendly sunscreen with a high factor (certainly 30+) is a must if you don't want to turn into a lobster.
• Outdoor and practical items: cap or hat and sunglasses. Essential in the Caribbean sun.
• Clothing: light clothing made of cotton or linen, bikini/swimsuit, shawl for style and extra sun protection, cardigan or sweater for that freezing air conditioning.
• Shoes: sandals/slippers for the beach and closed shoes for walks. Insects and animals: mosquito repellent such as DEET, icaridin or a natural remedy.
• Medicines and travel kit: a small medical kit in case you make friends with sea urchins or scrape the coral (don't do that!).
• Safety: money belt or fanny pack, that feels a bit safer. Waterproof case for your phone during beach days.
• Technology and equipment: plug type A and B.

What else can you take with you?

• Reusable water bottle, so you can at least stay hydrated!
• Power bank for when you are driving around for days and use navigation.
• Underwater camera for all the splendor.
• Snorkeling set, because otherwise you won't get much use out of that camera.
• Water shoes are also handy to take with you if you have them. Then you won't need your first aid kit as quickly!
• International driving license, if you want to rent a car.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Curaçao? Knowledge of petty crime and how to protect yourself against it.

• Where it is safe to swim, and the waves are not too big or the current to strong. 
• Knowledge about the multiculturalism on the island.

Are there mosquitoes in Curaçao?

• There are mosquitoes in Curaçao, which increase significantly in numbers during the rainy season from September to December.
• Mosquitoes are mainly found around sunrise and sunset. Protection against mosquitoes is important because they can transmit various diseases.

Are there sand flies in Curaçao?

• Sand flies are found in Curaçao, but only rarely. People often confuse the “no-see-ums” and mosquitoes, which are much more common, with sand flies.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Curaçao?

• DEET, picaridin and other mosquito repellents (such as eucalyptus & lemon oil) are easily available at supermarkets, pharmacies and drugstores.
• “OFF!” is the most popular spray in Curaçao.

Where can you get food and drinks in Curaçao?

• There are large supermarkets such as Carrefour, Vreugdenhill and Van den Tweel.
• Minimarkets can be found everywhere in and outside the city.
• Restaurants are available in all cuisines and sizes.
• Vegetarian and vegan food is mainly possible in Willemstad.
• There is little real “street food”, but you will find food trucks and local markets.

Can you buy a beer or wine in Curaçao, or take it to Curaçao?

• Yes, that is certainly possible! Beer and wine are available everywhere.
• Customs allows a maximum of 1 liter of spirits, 3 liters of beer or 2.25 liters of wine upon arrival.

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

• Weed is illegal in Curaçao. You run the risk of a fine, arrest or even imprisonment. Medical marijuana with a doctor's prescription is also not recognized.