Curaçao for First-Time Visitors: 15 Things to Know Before You Visit
Last updated: September 2026
Planning your first trip to Curaçao? Our island offers beautiful beaches, colorful neighborhoods, excellent snorkeling and a rich local culture.
Here are 15 simple things American travelers should know before visiting Curaçao.
1. Bring a valid passport
American travelers need a valid passport to enter Curaçao.
Before traveling, always check the latest entry requirements. Your airline may also have its own document requirements.
2. Complete the Digital Immigration Card
Foreign visitors must complete Curaçao’s Digital Immigration Card before arrival. You can complete it online within seven days before your departure.
Use only the [official Curaçao Digital Immigration Card website](https://dicardcuracao.com/portal). Save a digital or printed copy of your confirmation.
3. Curaçao uses the Caribbean guilder
Curaçao’s official currency is the Caribbean guilder, written as Cg or XCG.
The official fixed exchange rate is US$1 = Cg1.80. Some local businesses use Cg1.80 per U.S. dollar for payments. Banks have different buying and selling rates, and fees may apply.
At MCB, US$100 cash gets you Cg177. To buy US$100, you pay Cg182. Bank fees may apply.
Many businesses accept U.S. dollars, but you may receive your change in guilders. Ask which exchange rate applies before paying.
Bring small bills for beaches, snacks and local businesses.
4. English is widely spoken
The local language is Papiamentu, but Dutch, English and Spanish are also spoken.
Most American visitors can communicate easily at hotels, restaurants, beaches and attractions.
A friendly local word to remember is *“Dushi.”* It can mean sweet, lovely, beautiful or dear.
5. Curaçao is bigger than many visitors expect
Curaçao is not an island where every attraction is within walking distance.
The beaches on the Westside, Willemstad, Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel are in different parts of the island. Driving from one side to another can take time.
Plan each day by area instead of driving back and forth across the island.
6. Decide how you will get around
You can rent a car, use taxis or reserve a private driver.
A rental car gives you independence, but you must handle directions, parking and local traffic. Public transportation is available, but it may not be convenient for visiting several beaches in one day.
A private tour is a comfortable option when you want to see the island without worrying about driving or planning the route.
7. Visit more than one beach
Every Curaçao beach is different.
Grote Knip is famous for its beautiful view. Playa Lagun is a small bay that is good for snorkeling. Playa Porto Mari offers facilities and clear water. Playa Piskadó is known for sea turtles, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Some beaches are free, while others charge an entrance or chair fee.
8. Bring water shoes
Some Curaçao beaches have soft sand, but others have rocks, coral pieces or uneven entrances.
Water shoes can make it easier and safer to enter the water. They are especially helpful when you plan to visit several beaches or snorkeling locations.
9. Protect yourself from the sun
The Curaçao sun is strong, even when the wind makes the temperature feel comfortable.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Drink enough water and take breaks in the shade.
Reef-conscious sunscreen and a reusable water bottle are good additions to your beach bag.
10. Curaçao is excellent for snorkeling
You do not always need a boat to enjoy snorkeling in Curaçao. Several beaches allow you to reach clear water and marine life directly from the shore.
Popular locations include Tugboat Beach, Playa Lagun, Playa Porto Mari and Playa Piskadó.
Never touch coral or marine animals and check the water conditions before entering.
11. Use normal safety precautions
Curaçao is generally a comfortable destination for visitors, but normal travel precautions are still important.
Do not leave phones, wallets, passports or bags unattended on the beach or visible inside a vehicle. Stay in well-lit areas at night and arrange reliable transportation when going out.
12. Explore both Punda and Otrobanda
Willemstad is more than the colorful Handelskade waterfront.
Walk across the Queen Emma Bridge and visit both Punda and Otrobanda. You will find historic buildings, murals, local shops, restaurants and excellent photo locations.
The bridge sometimes opens for ships. When it remains open for a longer time, a ferry normally carries pedestrians across the harbor.
13. Make time for local culture
Curaçao is not only about beaches.
You can discover local art in Scharloo and Otrobanda, learn about Tambú heritage, visit the Curaçao aloe farm and experience the island’s music, food and history.
Respectful cultural experiences can help you understand the real Curaçao beyond the resort areas.
14. Try local food
During your visit, try local dishes and snacks such as pastechi, kroket, fresh fish, funchi, tutu, yuana, kabritu, yambo and kadushi.
Ask local people for recommendations. Some of your most memorable meals may come from a small local restaurant.
If I’m your driver, just tell me what you’d like to eat! I’ll help you find a local place that suits your taste.
15. Do not try to see everything in one day
Curaçao deserves more than a rushed visit.
Choose a comfortable combination of beaches, history, culture and food. Leave enough time to swim, take photographs and enjoy each location.
A private itinerary can be adjusted to your interests, available time and group size.
Discover Curaçao with a local guide
Novus Escapes offers private island experiences for couples, families, friends and cruise visitors.
Choose a Westside beach and snorkeling experience, explore Willemstad, discover the Eastside or create your own private island tour.
Your itinerary can be personalized around the places you want to experience—without the stress of planning every road, stop and parking location yourself.
*Ready to explore Curaçao? Contact Novus Escapes to request availability for your private experience.*
Travel requirements, entrance fees and opening hours can change. Always verify important information before your trip.