Travel to Curacao to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work, or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

How does public transportation work in Curaçao?

• You have a public bus service in Willemstad in two locations in Punda and in Otrobanda. Both are starting and ending points of travel routes. The bus times are stated. There are big buses and smaller vans (with the destination written on the window). 
• The schedule of the big buses you can check on the written bus schedule or on the ABC- Curacao app. I do not think it is very easy to use the app, but for me it is to get a feel of things/directions and rough schedules. The vans go when they go. Both are cheap, around 2-3 Naf (1-2 euro), you can pay cash (coins) inside at the driver. In the bus before you enter and in the vans when you exit.

What are my experiences with public transportation in Curaçao?

• I had to go to the dentist, it was an emergency appointment that I had to make, and I had 35 minutes to get there. I check first my maps.me (offline on the road maps) where I need to be, then I check the ABC Curacao app. I noticed the bus stop and I decided to take the bus. The small vans are not stated in the app. The bus was nowhere to be found at the given times and I got a little nervous and regretting my choice. I asked a woman at the bus stop, she didn't know what bus I should take, but asked someone else for me. They said something I didn't understand, but I tried to remember what she said. I went after her in the bus, she said no and screamed to others (other passengers waiting at the bus station) where I had to go and if they could let me know and put me in the bus. The next person left in his bus, and asked another person. The other person really helped me in the good van. I think around 10 people helped me. In the small van, the driver said no I don't go there which was kind of strange. I said I will go a bit with you and see from there, and walk, since I ran out of time (and a lot of small fully occupied vans already passed me). The driver became friendlier during the trip and at the end put me on the road, 100 meters from my destination, I made it! On time! I believe the vans prefer stopping at a bus stop, but are also able to drop you of anywhere. 

What is my advice when taking public transportation in Curacao?

• As I went along, I understood more and more: you have to tell the driver in the vans, before you enter, first Buen dia (matter of courtesy) and then where exactly you like to go... They will drop you off at the entrance of your destination! It is incredible, it is more like a shared taxi. That is why all the vans ride different routes. Sometimes the driver says no, but then I say... I can stop nearby and walk as well. Most of the time, they will take you.
• When you have traveled a bit on the island, you know where the vans go (in general), sometimes it is better to walk a little bit farther away and the road will be more popular, so there will be more opportunities to take a van! You will see people under trees, in the shade waiting and you can just ask if this is the right spot to wait, they will explain and help you, at least they helped me, multiple times already. I had many positive encounters, smiles on the way and nowadays I already say hi at my busstop. They asked me the other day, did you find last week your destination in Santa Rosa? 
• The way going to a more isolated place with public transportation (for example the second hand store in Brievengat) has the disadvantage that on the way back, you might have to walk a little bit further to a more popular busstop, since not many people are likely to be dropped of at the same place. Then, the positive thing is, sometimes a car stops... There was in my case a guy in the car, he was old, so I thought I could have him, in the case he would attack me, always have to be mindful and do some risk management. He only wanted to help me and dropped me of at the busstop, the busstop went to Otrabanda instead of Punda, so I had to walk back or you take the vans with the sign Rond on it, they go around... 

What about renting a car in Curaçao?

• Everyone is telling me to rent a car. It is not that I don't want to rent a car but I am not so fond of driving (lightly stated and I am alone, so what is the use to go by myself and drive a bit), so I rather wait and be less mobile than stressing in unknown traffic and roads.
• I am so lucky that I have hitching rides with people I have just met. Their take is be careful at the round about, people don't stay in the same lane.
• When the traffic light turns orange, do not stop, but speed up to make it.
• People are friendly in traffic and let you go first (in a car and wlaking) even though, rules state differently.
• Sometimes they turn on their lights to signal or honk. Honking has nothing to do with danger, but it is a friendly hey thank you, hey look at me, I give you a chance to zip in traffic.
• When you drive drunk, it is common to drive without lights, or put your direction pointers on. That is a story of a long time ago, not really appreciated nowadays or in general.
• There are places where they rent out cars, and the owners say I don't mind a scratch more, but don't ask me for help when you are at the side of the road. Okay...noted, not so bad.

Should you, or should you not take public transportation in Curaçao?

• Yes, when you have time and when you are able to walk short distances. I would definitely say yes. It was in a way in retrospect a very nice experience, I felt helped, I felt that the community cared, and I waited just like everyone else. 
• On the weekends, not sure about the schedules but why not? I always try to not travel during lunch breaks.

Should you or should you not rent a car when you are in Curaçao?

• Depends on where you are staying, how long you are staying, and what your wishes are. In the place I stay Pietermaai, chosen with the fact in mind, that I don't like driving. The place is convenient and is close to restaurants, close to a small place to go in the water, close to the action, there is a simple convenience store. For me that is enough. But when you are further away, do not have much time, and you want to see a lot or go out at night, then it might be hard without a car. I do not feel the real need to see another beach, I have seen some, and those some beaches are reached with public transportation. One of my friends said that she is afraid of driving in the Netherlands, and loves driving in Curaçao, since she drives with intuition, and you "feel" if they let you go first or not. That is also a take on it all. 

How does it work to take a taxi in Curaçao?

• The taxi app 24-7 is a local Uber or Bolt, it is not cheap, but renting a car is more expensive and drunk driving can lead to all kinds of negative outcomes. So for me, in case of emergency, it is so much worth it.

Who is Marja?

• Marja is 73 years old. She first visited Curaçao 20 years ago and fell in love with the island.

What is your motivation and what are your experiences in Curaçao?

What do people need to know about you to understand your story of spending the winter in Curaçao?

• I really hate the winters in the Netherlands. I hate having to go grocery shopping on my bike in the rain and biting wind and having to stay indoors all winter. That’s the main reason I go to Curaçao in the winter. 

How do you prepare for wintering?

• When I was still working, I would go on vacation to Curaçao once or twice a year for about eight or nine days. My husband couldn’t always come along, so over the years I’ve dragged a lot of friends and family with me. When I got more free time, I went to Curaçao for four weeks. I actually wanted to stay longer back then, but I wanted to try it out first. After that, it’s gotten a little longer every year. For the past six years, I’ve been going for three months—January, February, and March. Really just to spend the winter.

What does your life look like? What kind of work or activities make you feel like you’re truly “at home” in Curaçao?

• Life is easier. In Curaçao, you always know what the weather will be like. There’s no uncertainty—there’s always sunshine, the temperature is always the same, and there’s a steady breeze. Plus, all the colors make me really happy, unlike the gray in the Netherlands. On top of that, Curaçao is very laid-back; the people are laid-back.
• In the morning in the Netherlands, I’m always wondering what to wear and what the weather will be like. You have to plan ahead and change clothes midday because it ends up being too cold or too hot. Here, you just grab something from a rack of summer clothes. It’s perfect and you can wear it all day long. Back when I could only go to Curaçao for a week, I’d get really homesick for Curaçao in the Netherlands—I’d physically miss it. I’d often have the news or a radio station from Curaçao playing in the background. Now that I can spend the winter here for a long time, I’m totally fine in the Netherlands for the rest of the year. 
• I feel at home because we’ve been renting the same house for the past six years; you always know where everything is because we’re always in the same place.

How does your daily routine differ from that in your home country?

• In Amsterdam, I always have to go grocery shopping by bike. Here, I can take the car (cycling is really out of the question here), because it’s easy to park anywhere. You throw your clothes in the washing machine, and an hour later they’re dry. The wind irons them, so they’re neatly back in the closet the same day. In the Netherlands, you’re stuck indoors all winter. In Curaçao, the front door and the shutters open at 6 a.m. so the breeze can blow through. You can sit outside all day and evening, and everything doesn’t close again until 10 p.m.

What do you do all day when you're in Curaçao? Are you lying on the beach all day?

• I do the same things I do at home, but in shorts and flip-flops. Of course, I don’t lie on the beach every day. I think I can easily count on one hand the number of times I’ve been on the beach in the past year during those three months. I do take a nice dip in the sea now and then, but otherwise I have the same routines as at home. Work, housework, a short walk to get some exercise, reading, and socializing. Only everything is done outside, in the fresh air. Of course, I also know some (long term) visitors who do lie on the beach every day, because that’s perfectly fine and allowed, of course.

Do you have any thoughts about the future?

• Every year is another year added to our lives, and we don’t take it for granted. At our age, things can change from one year to the next. 

How is the culture and social interactions in Curaçao?

What was your first encounter with a local resident?

• Unfortunately, I don’t have much contact with the local population, though I do interact with the people I use services from—like car rental agencies, restaurants, shops, and so on.

Do you have any tips for meeting people?

• For example, you get to know your neighbor, and through that person you meet more and more people. By coming back every year, we get to know more and more people. People come and go. The pensioner’s scheme (10% scheme) stipulates that you may stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 6 months. Often, the people who officially live here under that scheme are away half the time. People who have moved here find it difficult that friends and acquaintances keep leaving.

What is the best or most inspiring thing about skipping the winter in the cold and live in Curaçao?

• People are much more relaxed, which has its pros and cons. In traffic, no one is in a hurry and everyone lets you in. At the supermarket checkout, things can sometimes move very slowly. Then I tell myself to stay calm—you have all the time in the world… No one is in a hurry. 

What is your favorite local tradition or holiday?

• The New Year’s Day dip at Jan Thiel in the warm water, with the Unox hats—that’s funny. And of course, Carnival. It’s very different from the Netherlands. You really have to see the Gran Marsha on Carnival Sunday at least once.

Are there challenges and opportunities for growth in Curaçao?

Have there been moments when you doubted your choice?

• No, never. I still find it hard to go back home. Even after three months of staying in Curaçao.

In hindsight, what would you have liked to know about Curaçao beforehand?

• The hiking clubs on Curaçao are really fun. They take you to places you’d normally never go. That way, you learn and see so much more of the island. Find a place to live that suits you and that you like. The first 10 years I was in Curaçao, everything was very cheap; not anymore. Now, only services like the hairdresser, housekeeping, and manicures are much cheaper than in the Netherlands. And gas.

How do you deal with homesickness or loneliness? What do you miss the most?

• No, I never get homesick for the Netherlands. I only miss my (grand)children, but that’s more than made up for by being able to FaceTime and call. And I do miss Hello Fresh a little bit, haha.

Are there things you appreciate more about your home country now that you’re here?

• It’s pretty complicated to order anything online here, so that’s almost impossible. But at the same time, that’s actually good for my wallet. In the summer (July, August, September), I don’t like it in Curaçao—the wind dies down, and it gets way too hot for me. In the spring and summer, I’d rather be in the Netherlands, because it’s usually lovely there… 

What are the practical rules and issues in Curaçao?

How do you deal with bureaucracy in Curaçao? Do you ever have to deal with it?

• I don’t have to arrange anything else with government agencies here, so I don’t have much to do with it.

How did you find a suitable place to live?

• During the pandemic, there was so much housing available; everyone was looking for tenants. I posted a wish list on Facebook and got about 100 responses. We were then able to get a fantastic place at a good price that had previously been out of our reach. Prices have since returned to normal levels, but now we’re attached to this place and spoiled. So we’re cutting back on other things to be able to rent it again.

What are the biggest differences in costs between Curaçao and your home country?

• Gas and services are cheaper than in the Netherlands. At the supermarket, you have to pay close attention to the price tags, because some things are absurdly expensive. Only meat is cheap here; fruits and vegetables are the same as in the Netherlands, and the rest is generally more expensive. Some supermarkets don’t display prices, so you’ll be in for a surprise at the checkout. People also say that the prices at the registers are often incorrect, so you should check your receipt very carefully.

Have you used local healthcare services (general practitioner, specialist, dentist, etc.) in Curaçao and what stands out to you?

• My own experience with healthcare has been very good. The ambulance comes when you need it. Hospitals are also very good. I’ve hardly ever had to wait. Still, many Dutch people who’ve come to live here return to the Netherlands for healthcare when they get really old. From Curaçao, you have to go to Colombia if there’s something really serious or complicated. The question then is whether you can even be transported.

What the health care in Curaçao similar to or completely different from Dutch healthcare?

• Compared to Amsterdam, I can see a general practitioner much faster here. Usually on the same day. The doctor will also make house calls if necessary. Specialized care is generally better in the Netherlands. 

What is useful for others to know or keep in mind?

• Make sure you get good cancellation insurance. Pay attention to the maximum consecutive period you’re allowed to be away. We had one for up to 90 days and were gone for 91 days. That cost us a lot of money when my husband got sick. Pay attention to what the GP prescribes.  They sometimes order unnecessary tests because they know your health insurance in the Netherlands will cover it anyway.
• You’re almost always sent to the lab for blood tests and urine tests. They also sometimes prescribe a lot of medication and/or medical devices that aren’t necessary.

Are there any specific issues or tips regarding “safety” or “health” that would be helpful for others planning to live or work at your destination for an extended period?

• Don’t always rely on GPS. For four years, guided by Google Maps and Maps.me, we drove down a certain street almost every day—a shortcut to our house. When my husband once collided with another car there, it turned out you weren’t allowed to drive down that street. The traffic sign indicating that had been bent out of shape. Still, we were held fully liable for the damage.

Whar are meaningful activities that you can do in Curaçao?

Have you developed any new hobbies or interests since living in Curaçao?

• I volunteer for a Curaçaoan nature conservation foundation, and I enjoy hiking in nature. That’s a bit harder to do from Amsterdam. I’ve also been doing aqua aerobics in the sea for years. I really love that, and of course, you can’t do that in the Netherlands.

Are there any projects or activities you’re involved in that give you a sense of fulfillment? What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your surroundings?

• Until last year, I also worked online from Curaçao for 20 hours a week for a Dutch organization. Now I volunteer for the Uniek Curaçao Foundation.

How is the communication in Curaçao?

Have you learned the local language, and if so, how?

• Unfortunately not. I would love to understand and speak it, and I’ve even tried taking lessons. But it’s harder when you’re older to pick up Papiumentu again after spending months in the Netherlands. I know very few Dutch people who speak Papiumentu. It’s also a difficult language. And there’s not really a need for it because almost everyone speaks Dutch.

How do you stay in touch with people in your home country?

• Staying in touch with home is very easy—everything works with Wi-Fi. There’s Wi-Fi everywhere. You don’t need to get an e-SIM. An e-SIM for three months is pretty expensive relative to the cost, so I don’t really buy those anymore.