Curaçao Vacation Tips: How To Plan an Affordable Curaçao Vacation – Episode 28
Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island only 40 miles from Venezuela. Known for its colorful capital, voluptuous ChiChi souvenirs, blend of cultures and picturesque beaches, Curaçao is the perfect destination for those seeking culture, delicious food, and relaxation. Curaçao has been on my travel wish list for a while and I’m so excited to share that I finally got a chance to visit. In this episode, I share my top Curaçao vacation tips and how to planning an affordable Curaçao vacation.
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Tips For An Affordable Carribean Getaway to Curaçao
In this episode we cover:
- Where to stay in Willemstad, Curaçao
- Languages spoken in Curaçao
- Things to do in Curaçao
- Ways to save money on your trip
- Tipping culture in Curaçao

Why travel during Spring?
Spring is one of my favorite times to travel.
Not only do you get to enjoy the warm weather but if you travel before and after the Spring Break crowds, you will likely find good travel deals.
My favorite times to travel are between April and May.
How much did my flights cost to Curaçao?
Flying with JetBlue was the most affordable way to fly from New York City to Curaçao.
I used my JetBlue TrueBlue points to redeem a round-trip flight from New York City to Curaçao for $65 USD (taxes and fees only).
What languages are spoken in Curaçao?
Curacaons speak several languages including:
- Papiamento (Creole language) – spoken more than written
- Dutch – official language spoken in Curaçao
- English
- Spanish
What currency to use in Curaçao?
The Netherlands Antillean Guilder (NAFI) is the national currency of Curaçao.
You can also use US Dollars.
If you’re coming from the U.S., there is no need to exchange your money, just bring some cash with you.
Major credit cards are also accepted widely accepted on the island.
Should I tip in Curaçao?
Yes, absolutely!
Tips are greatly appreciated in Curaçao.
It’s customary to tip taxi drivers and restaurant waitstaff 10%.
Be mindful that some places include a “service charge” in your bill which is equivalent to a tip.
Curaçao Vacation Tips For Saving Money In Curaçao
- Bring cash with you to avoid ATM fees (credit cards are widely accepted in Curaçao)
- Stay at a centrally-located hotel like Curacao Suites Hotel which offers free breakfast and free parking
- Rent a car only if you want to explore outside the city center – Willemstad is a walkable city
- Buses (9-person vans) cost $2 USD cash
Overall I had a wonderful time exploring Willemstad and I hope that you will consider visiting Curaçao sometime soon! Have you been to Curaçao, what Curaçao vacation tips would you share?
Want to explore more of the Caribbean?
Listen to Episode 26 for travel tips to Cuba and Episode 10 for travel tips to Puerto Rico.
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Danielle Desir Corbett paid off $63,000 of student loan debt in 4 years, bought a house at 27, and has traveled to 27 countries, including her favorites, Iceland, China, and Bermuda. Go here to learn Danielle’s incredible story, from struggling financially and in debt to finding creative ways to earn more and live on her terms. Listen to The Thought Card Podcast, where Danielle shares how you can creatively travel more and build wealth regardless of your current financial situation. Reach out to Danielle by contacting: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
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