ATM's in Curaçao (recognizable by the "Bankomatiko" sign) accept major credit cards as well as debit cards. For the latter they use the Maestro, Cirrus, and Cashnet systems; if you plan to use your debit card, make sure your card has at least one of their symbols on it. You can withdraw either US Dollars or Antillean Guilders from ATMs in Curaçao.
Curaçao is home to branches of many international banks for business and personal banking. Check with your bank to find the name of your local representative.
In Curaçao we use a sales tax of 6% (or 7% for accommodations) on every transaction. If a price is posted on a product you want to buy, that price will include the sales tax.
Service charge is normally around 10% in restaurants and 12% in hotels. The services charges are included in the bill. This is not the same as tipping. Tipping is left to your own discretion at all times and shows your appreciation for hospitality and services. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 10% of the fare, porters 1 ANG per bag, and waiters can be tipped between 5% and 10% of your bill.
You can use US Dollars everywhere in Curaçao, but Euros can only be used to exchange at a bank. The Antillean Guilder's exchange rate is fixed to the US Dollar at a price of 1 USD = 1.80 ANG. In stores and restaurants, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 1.75 ANG for ease of calculation. You will usually get your change in guilders.
You can exchange your currency at any of our local banks; at Hato International Airport, there is a branch of Maduro & Curiel's bank near the arrivals hall (exit the hall to your left and go left again). Banks usually close at 3:30 PM but the airport branch is open until 6 PM. You will be required to show a valid ID to be able to exchange money.
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. Taxis generally can't accept credit cards or debit cards either, but they will be more than happy to drive you to an ATM.
Visa and Eurocard/Mastercard are accepted everywhere credit cards are accepted, but American Express is not accepted everywhere. If you plan to use American Express, be sure to check if your card is accepted before racking up a large bill.
Regular opening hours for banks in Curaçao are weekdays from 8 AM to 3:30 PM.
The banks in Curaçao offer all the services your banks at home offer: currency exchange, personal and business banking, loans, mortgages, etc.
If you plan to use your credit or debit card during your stay in Curaçao, be sure to inform your bank you'll be using your card abroad, including the dates you'll be traveling. You do this to make sure that your bank doesn't flag your own transactions as suspect.
At the time of writing Western Union has 3 branches in Curaçao. You can find their address and contact details on the Western Union website.
The currency used in Curaçao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG), also called the Florin. The Antillean Guilder's exchange rate is fixed to the US Dollar at a price of 1 USD = 1.80 ANG. When exchanging money at a bank the exchange rate is 1.78 or 1.82 ANG, depending on if you're buying or selling.
