Curacao Avila Beach Hotel

Curacao is an island in the Caribbean which, along with Aruba and Bonaire, forms part of the ‘ABC’ Dutch Caribbean islands group. While most travellers experience Curacao as a brief stop on a Caribbean cruise, those who dig a little deeper will discover a vibrant cultural melting pot complete with Dutch colonial architecture and mouth-watering Creole cuisine. On the east side of the island, you will find the bustling UNESCO heritage capital city of Willemstad, adorned with pastel-coloured houses and cobblestone plazas brimming with wonderful shops, fascinating museums and charming little cafes. Travellers seeking less action and more tranquillity can head to the west side with its rolling hills, picturesque plantation houses, secluded coves, and quaint old fishing villages. Whether you are after idyllic secluded beaches, a lively cultural scene, or some of the world’s best scuba diving, you are bound to find all you could wish for on this colourful Caribbean island paradise.

Currency

US Dollars are accepted everywhere but at the moment the official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG; symbol ƒ) which is going to soon be phased out and replaced by the Caribbean Guilder (CMg) by 2012-2013. Notes are in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, 1 guilder, and 5 guilder coins. The Caribbean guilder will be pegged to the US Dollar (US$ 1 = CMg 1.79).

The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Amounts over €10,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08h00-15h30.

Major credit cards are widely accepted. Debit cards are accepted in large shops and supermarkets. There are some ATMs. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, traveller's cheques in US Dollars are advised. Currency exchange is available in banks and bureaux de change.

International and local car rental companies are located at the airport and in the main hotels, as well as in the capital. The speed limit is 60-80kph (37-50mph) outside town and 45kph (28mph) in built-up areas.A valid national driving licence is required. You don't need an International Driving Permit.

Taxi are in good supply and are recognisable by their signs and also the letters TX on registration plates. Taxis have no meters but fares are standard and are based on one to four people with a 25% surcharge for a fifth passenger and/or after 2300. Always agree on the price in advance. Tipping, while not obligatory, is usually about 10% of the fare.

Tuk-tuk mini-taxis (motorised rickshaws) are available in Willemstad from Sinustra taxi association; some hotels offer them free to their guests.

There's a limited public bus service. It covers most parts of the island, but services usually only run about once an hour.

Small vans (with 'bus' on their number plates) carry up to nine passengers and cover routes within the capital.

Mains water on the island is distilled from sea water and is safe to drink. Bottled mineral water is widely available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Restaurant styles vary from informal bistros to the very expensive. Local specialities include traditional Dutch food (particularly using fresh seafood and cheeses) and Creole food (criollo) which makes good use of the great variety of locally sourced fresh fish.

French, Italian and other international cuisines are also on offer.

Bar staff, waiters, porters and doormen typically expect a 10% tip.

Hot throughout the year, but tempered by cooling trade winds though humidity is still around 75%. The main rainy season is from October to December. The annual mean temperature is 27.5°C (81.5°F) with rainfall is 515mm (20 inches). Curaçao lies outside the Caribbean 'hurricane belt'.

The rainy season in Curaçao overlaps with the busy tourist season, so travelers may want to bring a light raincoat along with a bottle of bug spray. For the occasional cool and breezy evening, pack a light sweater.  Outside of packing for the type of weather you'll be experiencing, it is your daily activities that will play the largest role in helping you plan what to wear. Travelers should pack their favorite bathing suits along with other beachwear such as sandals, tank tops, and hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect their skin from the sometimes harsh Caribbean sun. Eco-tourists and outdoor adventurers should also plan to bring active wear such as hiking shoes and durable pants. Travelers who plan to participate in other outdoor activities such as snorkeling or mountain biking may wish to bring some of their own equipment and attire.  For all of these activities, pack lightweight, light colored, and breathable fabrics to help keep you cool when the temperature is high.

Beachwear and activewear should only be worn at a beach or pool. Casual and relaxed but neat clothing should be worn when in shops, the city, or restaurants. Many restaurants do not allow sandals or shorts, and some of the nicer establishments and casinos may require a jacket. For the most part, you'll be compelled to wear clothing that is resort casual, also known as resort wear.  Think collared shirts, sundresses, and linen or khaki bottoms.  

Electrical sockets in Curaçao are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.

Electrical sockets in Curaçao usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.  If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.