Caribbean Contesting Consortium

Money and Banking

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Currency

Curacao's local currency is the Netherlands Antilles guilder. They say "guilder" but it is written "NAfl." (That translates, more or less, to "Netherlands Antilles florin.") Go figure. The exchange rate, which has been stable for years, is $1.00 = NAfl 1.77.

Buying Things

Almost everywhere gladly accepts U.S. dollars, and fair exchange rates are given throughout. Additionally, nearly everywhere accepts U.S. credit cards. The only place I have had a glitch with my Visa card is at the big Centrum supermarket. There is really no reason to carry around a lot of guilders -- it might make sense to have NAfl 100 or so, just for tips and this 'n that. One caution is that most places will give you change in guilders when you pay in dollars. Merchants on Curacao are very honest and price haggling is not the norm. 

Obtaining Guilders

If you arrive before about 6 PM, you can get guilders at the airport. From the arrival area, go out onto the sidewalk, turn right and walk past the fountain. The MCB bank will be in front and to the right. Click here for photo. You must have your passport to get money changed.

ATMs

Most ATMs work with my stateside ATM card, and they will give you your choice of US dollars or guilders.