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Nights Publications

Publisher of lifestyle and travel magazines for Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten / St. Martin

Island Information

Island Information

Located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea off the west coast of Venezuela, Curaçao is the largest of the five islands of the Dutch Caribbean. Rich in culture, diversity and history, Curaçao is a 180-square-mile island paradise blessed by beautiful scenery, crystal clear turquoise water and picture-perfect weather.

The capital city, Willemstad, figures on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Featuring buildings of 17th- and 18th-century Dutch colonial design, the city’s two main sections, Punda and Otrobanda are joined by the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.

Curaçao is blessed with many pieces of public art, and each piece expresses different aspects of Curaçao’s culture and heritage. Watch for works by Yubi Kirindongo, who recycles and transforms scrap material into fantastic works of art. A fine example can be seen in front of the Fundashon Kas di Kultura in Scharloo. In Punda, take the time to explore the alleyways in search of beautiful murals by local artist Nena Sanchez. Stroll through the grounds of the Sea Aquarium Beach and meet Chichi, a colorful and striking sculpture by Serena Israel.

From connectivity and transportation to medical and banking, Curaçao offers an abundance of modern services.

Explore this section to discover a wealth of practical information to better plan your visit to Curaçao.

Helpfull Information

General Information
Banking Hours Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Climate Annual averages: temperature 82°F, rainfall 22", water temperature 81°F.
Conservation Please respect the environment by not littering, not touching marine life or wildlife, and leaving rocks and shells in their original spaces. Also ensure souvenirs are not made from protected species like sea turtles, black coral, and the lignum vitae tree. And please reuse and refill drinking containers to help reduce the plastic trash problem.
Currency US dollars or Antillean guilders. One US dollar equals between 1.78 and 1.80 NAf.
Drinking Water Desalinized seawater. Bottled water is also available.
Electricity 110-130 volts AC (50 cycles).
Geography Approximately 180 square miles, the largest island in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao’s highest point is Mt Christoffel at 1,239 feet. Located 1,710 miles from New York, 35 miles north of Venezuela.
Languages Dutch is the official language but Papiamentu is spoken by nearly everyone. English and Spanish are also widely used.
Religious Services Curaçao offers a variety of houses of worship to its visitors. For information on locations and hours of services, please inquire at your hotel’s front desk.
Shopping Hours Stores are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores close over the lunch hour, though most stores in Punda and in the shopping malls are open all day. Some stores stay open until 8 p.m. and also open on the occasional Sunday, on holidays, and when cruise ships are in port.
Time Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of New York, except during Daylight Savings when the time is the same.

Duty Free

Duty Free
United States

US citizens, regardless of age, who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have not used their respective duty-free allowance within 30 days are entitled to an $800 duty-free tax exemption. Family members who live in the same home and return together can pool their exemptions, meaning a couple with two children can bring home $3,200 worth of articles, duty-free.
Alcohol: The duty-free allowance for US citizens age 21 and over is two liters (67.6 US fl oz) as long as one of the liters was produced in Aruba or the Dutch Antilles, and the value of which is included within the $800 exemption. For more information on other possible exemptions visit www.cbp.gov.
Canada

Canadian citizens who have been outside Canada for seven days or more are permitted a duty-free exemption of $800. With the exception of tobacco and alcohol products, the goods purchased can follow at a later date. Citizens are permitted the same duty-free exemption of $800 if they are out of the country for 48 hours or more, provided they have all the goods with them when they arrive in Canada. Citizens are permitted a duty-free exemption of $200 for an absence of 24 hours or more; all goods must accompany them and the exemption does not apply to tobacco or alcohol products. Personal exemptions cannot be pooled with your spouse and/or children, nor can the 48-hour exemption be combined with the seven-day exemption.
Alcohol: The duty-free allowance for Canadian citizens (who meet the legal age of the province they re-enter) is 1.5 liters of wine or 1.14 liters of alcohol or 8.5 liters of beer or ale. For more information on other possible exemptions visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance 912
Coast Guard 913
Fire Department 911
Hospital 910
Police 911
SOS Line 127
Tourist Emergency Line 917

Telephone Assistance

Telephone Assistance
AT&T Accessible from public phones. Dial 001 800-872-2881 for an AT&T operator.
United Telecommunication Services (UTS) Offers fixed phone, fixed and mobile Internet, and Chippie mobile phone services, as well as TDS digital TV and business communication solutions. UTS provides reliable, high-quality service at affordable rates. Please visit one of their four UTS Stores conveniently located around the island. Tel: 9242. www.uts.cw
Directory Assistance 9221
Inter-island/International Operator 021
International Directory 022

Services Listing

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  • Dive Center Aquarius

    Dive Center Aquarius is a family-run dive center. Located at the Trupial Inn Hotel, Dive Center Aquarius has easy...

  • Sjalotte

    You are invited to experience exquisite cuisine and exceptional service at Sjalotte, The Floris Suite Hotel's signature...

  • Banco di Caribe

    Banco di Caribe has a long standing tradition of providing quality financial services to their community for more than...

  • Gallery Alma Blou

    Located in beautiful 18th-century Landhuis Habaai is Curaçao’s leading gallery for authentic local and Caribbean art,...