How to stay safe while visiting Curacao - Avila Beach Hotel Curacao (2024)

Curacao Tips > How to stay safe while visiting Curacao

Reading Time: 2 min

Is Curacao safe? Short answer: yes.

How to stay safe while visiting Curacao - Avila Beach Hotel Curacao (1)
But that doesn’t mean you should put your own personal safety on the back burner. Curacao is not that well known. Perhaps it could be one of the best kept secrets of all theCaribbean Islands.

Of course, if you’re traveling anywhere around the world, your safety will always be your number one priority. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you are safe and sound on this Caribbean Island that is home to well over 160,000 people:

Road Rules:

When you travel to a foreign country, it’s normal to ask which side of the road the locals drive on. In Curacao, people drive on the right side of the road (the same as the United States). Also, they use the metric system here, so remember that it is kilometers, not miles per hour when you see speed limit signs. When you’re navigating the island, you can always download maps of Willemstad and Curacao, even without data or Wi-Fi in case you ever get lost. If the road conditions are wet, please use caution as they may be slippery.

Taxis:

You can travel via taxi in Willemstad and most of the island. Before you take a taxi to your intended destination, be sure to reach a deal with your driver as taxis on Curacao do not have electronic meters. Taxi drivers are usually very honest; however, we recommend setting a price ahead of time.

Theft:

Although pickpocketing is very rare here in Curacao, pickpocketing can happen just about anywhere you travel to. It’s recommended to be observant, in any destination you travel. When parking your rental car, be sure to lock your car doors and never leave any valuables inside of them. Most hotels have an in-room safe where you can store your valuables.

Going out at night:

It’s no secret that a Caribbean island can be a little bitlively at night. So have fun. But remember to stay on the main streets while you venture out by foot at night. Be sure to stay in well-lit and lively areas. If you decide to have a drink, know your limits. It’s never good to be intoxicated and venture in an unfamiliar area.

Always be aware of your surroundings:

Get a good idea of what the normal behavior of people is here in Curacao. They are usually good-natured people who are friendly to visitors and will go out of their way to help you if and when you need it. If you see something that seems a little out of the ordinary, don’t be too alarmed. Just be aware and use your gut instinct.

The languages in Curacao:

It’s easy to navigate an island like Curacao. If you get lost or in trouble, you should know that most people in Curacao do speak English. Overall, they also speak Dutch, Spanish, and local language Papiamento. If you don’t speak either of these languages than it’s also good to know some words for survival purposes (i.e.: Such as “police” and “hospital”). In case of an emergency the alarm number is 911.

Conclusion

Curacao is a unique place to visit. You should have no trouble enjoying your time here. Overall, it has no dangers present that can threaten tourists. In the end it all comes down to using your common sense. When noticing that an area is a bit too quiet or dodgy; avoid going that direction, like you do in all parts of the world. Enjoy your time in Curacao!

You May Also Like:

Subscribe For More Travel Tips& Offers

To receive updates from Avila Beach Hotel about exclusive offers, please enter your details below.

"*" indicates required fields

How to stay safe while visiting Curacao - Avila Beach Hotel Curacao (2024)

FAQs

What should I be careful of in Curacao? ›

Crime rate: Crime in Curacao mostly affects the local residents; tourists need only worry about petty theft and car theft. Dangerous areas: Tourists should stay away from Stone Rich, Koraal Specht, Otrobanda, Marie Pampoen, Seru di Kandela, and Kanga—all of them located in the capital.

Is Willemstad safe at night? ›

Willemstad, does have a reputation for being relatively safe, especially in well-known tourist areas. However, safety can depend on the specific neighborhoods. It's always a wise practice to avoid desolate areas, particularly at night, and heed local advice on districts to steer clear of after dark.

What is the safety rating of Curacao? ›

Curaçao - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions in Curaçao.

What to watch out for in Curacao? ›

Petty theft and street crime are a concern. There are violent crimes related to the illegal drugs world, but the main tourist areas are generally safe. Take precautions such as: avoiding isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.

What can I not bring to Curaçao? ›

Customs restriction in Curaçao are similar to just about everwhere else in the world. Prescription drugs, particularly if they contain narcotics, should be clearly marked. Unlike in the Netherlands, possession of even the smallest amount of marijuana or other illegal drugs is a serious offense.

What to know before going to Curaçao? ›

You will need to present a valid passport to enter and leave Curaçao, and you may be asked to show your return ticket and proof of sufficient funds, as well as proof of lodging. Upon departure to the U.S., you will be required to pay an airport departure fee of $65.74.

Are mosquitoes bad in Curaçao? ›

Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever have all been reported in Curaçao, so take care to avoid mosquito bites. Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and use a reliable mosquito repellent.

When should you not go to Curaçao? ›

🌪️ Hurricane Season: Curaçao is located outside the hurricane belt. But during hurricane season (June until November) there can be a couple of thunderstorms. If you want to be safe from storms, go outside this time.

What is the beach etiquette for Curaçao? ›

Beach Etiquette and Environmental Awareness:

Protect Curacao's natural beauty: Avoid littering, trampling on vegetation, or disturbing wildlife during your beach visit. Embrace eco-friendly practices: Use reusable water bottles, biodegradable sunscreen, and recycle waste to minimize your environmental impact.

Where not to stay in Curaçao? ›

Areas that are traditionally considered unsafe (especially at night) are: Koredor, Punda, Otrabanda, the Mambo Beach parking lot, the neighbourhoods of Scharloo, Fleur de Marie, Seru Fortuna, Marchena, Seru di Kandela, Souax, Koraalspecht, Seru Loraweg, Dein, Kanga, and most beach areas.

What is the best part of Curaçao to stay? ›

10 Best Towns and Resorts in Curacao
  • Willemstad. Visit the capital. ...
  • Jan Thiel. Enjoy the sun, sea, and dining. ...
  • See also. 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Curacao. ...
  • Sabana Westpunt. Find fun in the water. ...
  • Piscadera. Relax at a resort on a bay. ...
  • Sint Michiel. Check out a quaint fishing village. ...
  • Soto. ...
  • Sint Willibrordus.

Should I bring cash to Curaçao? ›

Most stores, restaurants, and hotels will accept credit cards and debit cards. Most gas stations and some attractions require cash, especially the attractions further away from Willemstad, so it's always a good idea to keep a small amount of cash with you in US Dollars or Antillean Guilders.

What should you be careful of in Curacao? ›

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in Curaçao. Residential break-ins and theft from vehicles, hotel rooms and rental units also take place. Crime typically increases during annual celebrations such as Carnival, which takes place from January to March.

What do you wear in Curacao? ›

Light, breathable clothing: Curacao's tropical climate calls for light, breathable clothing like shorts, tank tops, and sundresses.

What are the downsides of Curaçao? ›

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in Curaçao. Residential break-ins and theft from vehicles, hotel rooms and rental units also take place. Crime typically increases during annual celebrations such as Carnival, which takes place from January to March.

How bad are the mosquitoes in Curaçao? ›

There are a lot of mosquitoes on Curaçao, because of the tropical climate. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do about that. Especially the rainy season, the period from September to the end of December, is known as the season with the most mosquitoes.

Is it OK to drink the water in Curaçao? ›

Not only is Curaçao's water safe to drink, it is of the finest quality. Around 1890, American wind turbines were imported to Curaçao for irrigation of the land. In 1928, a seawater distillery for production of drinking water was put into production.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 5966

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.