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

Curaçao is part of the Dutch Antilles in the Caribbean area which also consists of islands like Aruba and Bonaire. It is a small island of just 10 miles across, compromising 160,000 inhabitants. Because of Curacao's colonial history it is culturally and demographically very diverse, boasting some typical Dutch cultural elements as well. The island has one of the world's most beautiful beaches with pearly white sand and crystal clear water. For the active visitor the island is a water sport paradise. If you plan on visiting Curaçao, have a look at this mini travel guide with tips and information about visiting Curaçao.

Highlights of Curaçao

• Snorkeling and diving: Curaçao's maritime world possesses a great biodiversity, with stunning coral reefs to explore. It is one of the most popular locations for diving in the Caribbean. You can also dive and swim with wild dolphins and other sea creatures.
• Kite surfing. The prevailing winds make Curaçao a popular kite surf destination. The season starts around March or April.
• Sailing. Curaçao is home to several international sailing competitions and is a very good sailing destination.
• Night life: from the African Tumba to the South American Merengue, Curaçao’s rich heritage plays a big role in its energetic music scene and nightlife. There are beach parties on a regular basis, but there are also enough bars and clubs where you can dance and party.
• Carnival: The annual carnival is the highlight of the year for many Curaçaoans. Streets are filled with vibrant colours and exotic music. The colourful event lasts for almost a month, and it is definitely a must-see!
• International Jazz festival: One of the biggest music festivals of Curaçao which takes place in September.
• Willemstad: From the floating market in the old town of Punda to the colourful houses along the Handelskade and amazing Antillian food at Marshe Bieu (the old food market). The capital of Curaçao has a rich history, lots of museums, shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture.
• Mambo-beach: This is probably one of the most popular beaches. As such it's pretty busy but also very well facilitated with cocktail bars, live music and an open air cinema.
• Klein Curaçao: 25 kilometres southeast of Curaçao, lies its small sister Klein Curaçao. It is a very peaceful island where you can enjoy beautiful white beaches and stunning coral reefs.
• Christoffelpark: For the adventurous types there are a lot of active opportunities at this park which includes a mountain you can explore by car, quad, mountain bike, horse or by foot.
• Kura Hulanda: Impressive museum dedicated to Curaçao’s history as one of the biggest slave trade posts in the Caribbean.

Health and safety in Curaçao

Generally speaking, Curaçao is considered as a safe country, but there are a few areas to be aware of:

• Mosquitoes love Curacao's climate too. So don't forget to pack your insect repellent!
• You will only need a vaccination when you have visited a yellow fever area.
• Tap water in Curaçao is safe to drink, it falls within the World Health Organisation quality standards. The water supply consists of distilled seawater.
• From June to November hurricanes can occur in the Caribbean area. Yet they rarely reach Curaçao.
• Despite the village like feel, Curaçao has areas where vigilance is required. 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. Avoid alleys, unpatrolled beaches after dark and other quiet or dark streets because these can be unsafe.
• The traffic is mostly safe in Curaçao. Yet Curaçaoans often don't take traffic rules too seriously
• 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.
• In case of emergency you can call the tourist emergency number: 917.

Transport in Curaçao

How does the healthcare system work in Curaçao?

What is the quality of healthcare in Curaçao?

• Healthcare in the Netherlands Antilles is generally good. Most medical treatments can be performed.
• In urgent situations, patients are transferred from Aruba and Bonaire to hospitals in Curaçao.
• However, not all specialist procedures are possible on the island. In the case of specialist procedures or serious or complicated cases, the air ambulance service is used to travel to the United States or Latin America, for example.

How does the public healthcare system work in Curaçao?

• There are several hospitals in Curaçao, including the Curaçao Medical Center (formerly the Sint Elisabeth Hospital), the Taams Clinic and the Antillean Adventist Hospital.
• Curaçao has a national healthcare system, the so-called Basic Health Insurance (BVZ), which offers mandatory healthcare coverage for residents and persons with a residence permit. This is arranged by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).
• The BVZ covers basic healthcare, including visits to the general practitioner, hospital admissions, medicines and some specialist treatments. Dental care and optical care are included to a limited extent.
• The premium is automatically deducted from the wages of working residents. For expats who do not work, access to BVZ depends on their residence status.
• Waiting times in the public system can sometimes be long, especially for specialist care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Curaçao?

• Private care in Curaçao is of high quality, with modern facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many expats choose private clinics because of the shorter waiting times and personal attention.
• Private care is more expensive than public care, but still considerably cheaper than in many Western countries.
• Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) is the largest and most modern hospital on the island. Private clinics such as Vidanova and Medwork also offer quick access to specialists.

How is the GP arranged in Curaçao?

• It is useful to know that for almost all care, you need a referral from your general practitioner or from a specialist. In the public system, you have to register with a specific GP, while in the private system you are free to choose.
• With private GPs, you pay a considerable amount per consultation. So make sure you are well insured!

How is the dentist arranged in Curaçao?

• In Curaçao, you have plenty of choice between different dentist(s) and practices, with different specializations and treatment options.
• Basic dental care is covered by the BVZ, but advanced treatments are not.
• Private dentists offer advanced treatments at reasonable prices. Expats with private insurance often choose private dentists because of the flexibility and quality.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Curaçao?

• Pregnancy care in Curaçao is generally well arranged. Both public and private care options are available.
• Prenatal care, ultrasounds, and deliveries are covered by the BVZ. Deliveries usually take place in the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC).
• Many expats choose private care because of the personal attention. Costs for a private birth start at around $2,500.
• Breastfeeding is encouraged and socially acceptable, including in public places.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Curaçao?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Curaçao?

• Petty crime, such as theft, does occur. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in tourist areas and on beaches. Also be aware of the risks of (car) burglary.
• Walking in dark, remote areas is not recommended, as street lighting is sometimes lacking.
• Curacao is known for its clear water and beautiful snorkeling spots, but be alert for sea urchins and fire coral, which can cause painful injuries.
• Watch out for Portuguese man-of-war (a type of jellyfish with painful stings). They are sometimes spotted while snorkeling or swimming.
• Hiking trails and nature reserves are beautiful, but come prepared. Bring enough water and ask locals about the safety of specific areas.
• Curacao is outside the hurricane belt, but heavy rainfall can cause flooding during the rainy season (October-December).

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Curaçao?

• Mosquitoes are a problem, especially during the rainy season. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• The tap water in Curacao is safe to drink and of excellent quality, thanks to desalination plants.
• Due to the intense sun, sunscreen is essential to prevent sunburn and skin problems. Also, make sure you don't get dehydrated, drink enough!

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Curaçao?

• The main roads are well maintained, but many side roads have potholes or are poorly lit.
• A car is quite essential on the island. Traffic rules are sometimes not strictly followed, so be alert.
• Parking in Willemstad can be difficult. Paid parking is available, and pay attention to where parking is prohibited (recognizable by yellow lines).
• Minibuses and taxis are available, but the system is less reliable. Many expats opt for a rental or own car.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Curaçao?

• Is the trip to Curacao and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? It is obliged to have a valid health or travel insurance for medical expenses. The minimum coverage is US$15,000. Your insurance needs to cover hospital treatment, emergency treatment and repatriation (including in case of death). Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Curaçao if you are going to live there for a while?

• Health insurance is mandatory in Curaçao for long-term stays. Emigrants with a residence permit can register with the SVB. Expats without a residence permit do not have access to the public system and must take out private or international health insurance (not all of which are accepted). If you have your own private insurance that covers as much as the BVZ, you can also be exempted from the BVZ. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

Travel in Curacao?

• Curacao is relaxed, sunny and quiet, until the nightlife starts. This means that young and old sometimes don't get back before six in the morning. A must for sun worshippers, swimmers, snorkelers, divers (with or without dolphins) and other bon vivants. Both for a short stay and for several years! Curacao is also a great destination for those who want to get their hands dirty or are less focused on the nightlife.
• Go snorkeling and/or diving - Curacao has beautiful coral reefs and a diverse underwater life. It is not without reason that it is one of the favorite diving destinations in the Caribbean. You can also dive and swim among the wild dolphins here.
• Nightlife - Curacao has an excellent nightlife. The island only really starts to live in the evening! There are regular parties on the beach or at a beach club (and there are plenty of them on the island). Carnival - Early February is the biggest event that Curaçaoans look forward to for a long time. The streets are filled with bright colors and exotic music.
• Visit Willemstad - Stroll around the floating market, eat typical Antillean food at Marshe Bieu and admire the colorful houses along the Handelskade. The city center of Willemstad not only has a rich history, there is also plenty to do. In addition to the many museums, shops and restaurants, Willemstad also has a wide range of entertainment venues.
• Mambo beach - This is probably the most popular beach and therefore also busy. As a result, this beach is extensively equipped with cocktail bars, live music and an open-air beach cinema.
• Kura Hulanda - Very impressive museum about the history of slavery.
• Kokomo Beach - Beautiful and cool beach (formerly Vaersenbaai) where no entrance fee is required (but you are also not allowed to bring your own food/drinks) and there is also a restaurant/beach bar with excellent food. Klein Curaçao - 25 km southeast of Curaçao lies the little sister of Curaçao, called Klein Curaçao. On this small island you can seek peace and quiet and enjoy the most beautiful white sandy beaches and admire beautiful coral reefs.
• Christoffel Park - Discover Christoffel and Mount Christoffel by car, quad, mountain bike, horse or on foot.
• Be aware that despite the not too humid heat, there are still quite a few mosquitoes.
• Despite the village character of the island, in some neighborhoods there is an almost South or Central American atmosphere in terms of safety.
• Although the surface area of ​​the island is limited, some parts are still difficult to reach without your own transport.

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