LACNIC CARIBEEAN 2008 meeting, 21 and 22 July 2008 - Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles)

Curaçao is the greatest island of the Dutch Antilles. It is located in the south of the Caribbean Sea, near the western coast of Venezuela. It is recognized by his liquors of diverse colors, in particular the Curaçao liquor made from oranges crust of the island. The island is rocky and the agriculture is poor. The main industries are petroleum refinery and tourism.

General Information

Capital: Willemstad

Official languages: Dutch, Papiamento, Spanish and English

Surface:444 square kilometers

Population: 137.100 inhabitants

Currency: Netherlands Antillean florin

Climate: Curaçao has a barren climate throughout the year with a lot of sun and very little rain. The average temperature is of 27,5°C with almost none variation throughout the year.

Interesting places to visit:

The Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue is the oldest one in the American continent that is still in operation (1651)
The slavery museum Kura Hulanda (Otrabanda)
Places for snorkeling and diving: Port Marie, Lagun Beach, Klein Knip Beach, Klein Curacao, Kas Abou, Kalki Beach

Money Exchange offices and cash machines are available at the airport

The currency has been directly coupled to the American dollar which is also accepted everywhere.
At cash machines you have the choice of getting American dollars or Antillean guilders (also named Netherlands Antillean florin).

Departure taxes

At departure of Curaçao Airport taxes are levied of NAf 12.50 for internal flights (Bonaire and St. Martin) and NAf 41.50 for all other flights.

If you fly with American Airlines, American Eagle or KLM this tax is included in your ticket.

Car and bus from Airport

At the exit of the airport you go right. After 1.5 kilometers you come to a roundabout. To go to Willemstad you go halfway around the roundabout. The buses are located on the east side of the terminal building (by the Departures Hall).

Car rental Curacao Airport

In the terminal you can find counters of many local car rental companies as well as the international car rental companies Avis, Budget, Hertz and National.

You can also reserve a rental car in advance using the service EasyTerra provides. They compare the rates of several providers in a single quote.

Taxi

Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall. On Curacao the taxis do not have meters. Therefore you must negotiate your price.

A ride to the centre of Willemstad costs NAf 22-28. An extra 25% is charged for a fifth passenger. That also applies for night rides (between 23.00 and 06.00).