Currency:
The official currency on Curaçao is the Caribbean guilder (Cg or XCG).

In many places, you can also pay with US dollars (USD), as long as the banknotes are clean and undamaged. A commonly used exchange rate is approximately XCG 1.75 = US$ 1. When paying in dollars, you will usually receive your change in Caribbean guilders.

Euros are rarely accepted. Exchanging money is only possible at a bank, which often takes time. Banks typically charge a fee of XCG 15 to 25, and you can exchange a maximum of €300 per day. Don’t forget to bring your passport and flight ticket.

Useful rule of thumb:
The exchange rate is roughly €1 = XCG 2      USD: $1 = XCG1.75 

Paying on Curaçao:

Debit card
In most supermarkets, shops, and restaurants, you can use a debit card. Keep in mind that your bank will usually charge a small currency exchange fee of about 1–2%.

Credit card
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is accepted less frequently. Credit card payments are usually processed in US dollars, which often results in about 5% extra costs.

Apple Pay
Apple Pay is not yet accepted everywhere on Curaçao, but the number of locations is growing.

Cash
Cash payments are accepted almost everywhere, in Caribbean guilders or US dollars.
For taxis, small beach bars, local guides, or some excursions, cash is sometimes the only option.

Cash & ATMs:
It is difficult to obtain Caribbean guilders in other countries. If you want to have some cash upon arrival, it’s best to bring US dollars.

There is an ATM at Hato Airport, but it is not always operational. Fortunately, there are plenty of ATMs across the island.

When withdrawing money with a foreign debit card, both the local bank and your own bank will charge fees. Together, this can quickly add up to about $ 10 per withdrawal, regardless of the amount. Since the local bank charges a fixed fee per transaction, it is often cheaper to withdraw a larger amount at once.

Important! Enable your debit card & bring your reader

Tipping:
Tipping is appreciated on Curaçao, but not mandatory. It’s mainly a way to show appreciation for good service—similar to the Netherlands.

🛒 Supermarkets:
In many supermarkets, young boys help pack your groceries and often walk with you to your car to load them. They mainly work for tips. A small tip of about 2 to 5 guilders, depending on the amount of groceries, is common.

🚕 Taxis:
Taxi fares are fixed. A small tip is appreciated.

Helpful local tips:

🚕 Taxis have fixed prices
Taxis on Curaçao do not use meters. The government sets fixed rates for different routes. Always agree on the price in advance.

⛽ Fueling on Curaçao
At most gas stations, you need to pay at the cashier before fueling. You tell them the amount you want to spend.

If your tank cannot hold the full prepaid amount, you can simply return to the cashier to receive the difference.

Another option is to leave your credit or debit card with the cashier while you fuel. Once finished, you return to pay the exact amount.