From rental cars to public transportation, Curacao is accessible and easy to get to. You can get from one side of the island to another fast, especially around Willemstad. These are just a few of the many draws that Curacao has that will have you visit in the summer.
Is It Safe to Walk Around Curacao?
Curacao is known to be one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, second only to Aruba, its little sister. According to the UK government, and US state advisories, Curacao and the resort of the ABC Islands are relatively safe, with minimum risks, and low-level threats. Government agencies urge people to only maintain a normal level of caution when traveling in Curacao.
Personal testimonies of those who have been to the island have almost all said that it doesn’t feel dangerous and that it’s generally safe to walk around, even at night. The only thing you have to be cautious about is letting your guard down, while it might be safe, but sometimes people’s complacency gets them in trouble.
Practice caution, and common sense everywhere you go, just like you would back in your city.
Are There Taxis in Curacao?
You can get around Curacao in 3 common ways, taxis being one of them. In Curacao, taxis are ideal for short-distance travel around the city, if you have a budget to stick to. If you’re getting from one side of the island to another via taxi, that might cost you big. It’s best to think about how you’re going to get around the island first.
Taxis in Curacao are unmetered and regulated. There are certain amounts or predetermined prices that correspond to your destination around the city, or the island. Cab drivers have fare these fare sheets available for different destinations. Taxi fares can only accommodate a maximum of four passengers, there will add charges if you exceed the supposed number.
In regards to payment, fares are charged per taxi, not per person.
How Much Is a Taxi in Curacao?
Taxis prices in Curacao have been regulated and have specific prices depending on your destination, or the area you’re going to. You don’t need to haggle taxi prices in Curacao just like you would in Mexico. A ride costs from 20 to 60 USD depending on where you’re from and where you’re going. Usually, the most expensive prices are from the airport to any point in Willemstad.
How Do I Get From Curacao Airport to Willemstad?
There are 3 common ways to get to Willemstad from the airport, however, some are even easier than the others. First off, is by taxi, a taxi from the airport to various hotels and resorts in Willemstad can cost you up to 60 USD.
Another famous option is by airport shuttle or private transfers. Shuttles usually cost around 12 to 26 USD, however that could change depending on your destination. Buses are also available for newly arriving tourists and passengers. One-way trips can cost you around 1 to 26 USD with buses depending on where you’re going.
How Much Is a Taxi From Curacao Airport to Willemstad?
Taxis, despite being regulated and unmetered, can be costly, especially the farther you get on the island. Typically, taxis would charge you prices according to the zone your hotel or resort is in. If you’re staying around Willemstad, it would cost you around 45 to 60 USD per trip.
Is Uber Available in Curacao?
Unfortunately, for ride-sharing/hailing app lovers, they aren’t available in Curacao, be it Uber, or Lyft. The best way to get around is either by a rental car or public transport like a bus or taxi. Rental cars can get you anywhere faster, anytime, however, fees might hurt your budget a little. Taxis and buses have their pros and cons, but they’re the most common way to get around.
Do You Need a Car in Curacao?
If you like to go around the island, on your own route, and at your own pace, and don’t mind the fees on top of the rental prices, renting a car might be ideal for you. Plus, car rentals are a thing in beautiful explorable islands like Curacao.
If you like to get to one side of the island, and on the other in no time, rental cars are less of a hassle, than hailing for public transport. Curacao is bigger than Aruba and Bonaire, after all. Paying for public transport in vice versa trips would cost you almost the same.
The cheapest car rental would cost you around 13 to 17 USD per day. However, you need to consider driving requirements, like international licenses, and IDs for legalities and such.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Curacao?
Rental car prices in Curacao, just like many different tourist places, vary depending on the type of vehicle, or model. The cheapest you could go is the economy types, which are fit for 2 adults, and 2 large luggage – they can cost as cheap as 13 USD/day.
Mini cars are also available in various rental companies in Curacao. These small-sized vehicles are only appropriate for a couple of adults can cost around 17 USD/day. If you’re a family of four, compact cars are perfect which can only cost around 27 to 40 USD/day.
If you’re traveling as a group of friends, you can rent out intermediate, standard, and full-size types for around 36 to 48 USD/day, and can fit up to 5 people. Some notable car rental companies in Curacao are Budget, National Car Rental, Enterprise, Economy Rent a Car, and Ace Rent a Car.
What License Do I Need to Drive in Curacao?
A valid driver’s license is required when renting and driving a car in Curacao. Other documents might also be needed to operate a vehicle like valid IDs as proof of your age, on top of your national driver’s license, you don’t need to have an international one.
However, driving and renting requirements might differ for different rental companies, other than your valid ID and driver’s license. It’s best to look up in advance before renting in different companies.
Do You Need an International Driver’s License in Curacao?
According to previous visitors in Curacao, Dutch, Canadian, UK, and US driver’s licenses are widely accepted in Curacao, however, it’s because police officers and other authorities understand these languages, but it’s not a cause for confidence.
If you’re traveling in any tourist-heavy areas or islands, you tend to go for rental cars or motorcycles, like mopeds and scooters. To avoid a run-in with the local laws, it’s best to have your International Driver’s license, just in case.
Is It Easy to Drive in Curacao?
Curacao is as developed as its smaller sister, Aruba when it comes to roads which means it’s accessible and safe to drive around the island. Roads within Willemstad are especially well-kept and maintained as it is primarily the island’s hub.
However, just like driving on unfamiliar roads, you need to be watchful when driving. According to those who have been to the island, there are only a few road signs in Curacao, and driving outside the city center, and towards the not-so-populated areas can have few road hazards.
What Side of the Road Do They Drive in Curacao?
If you come from the US, Canada, and most of Europe, you’ll find that driving in Curacao is as easy as driving in your own country. In Curacao, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Is It Safe to Drive in Curacao?
With well-kept roads of good quality, and an extensive network that takes you from one side to another, driving in Curacao is generally safe. Those who have been to the island have said that it is easy and safe to drive around, even in the least populated areas at the edges of the island.
