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Best Time to Visit Willemstad

Cost Levels

Budget traveler daily costs: Accommodation: €40-€80 (US$45-US$90) for guesthouses/hostel dorms. Meals: €20-€40 (US$22-US$45) for local eateries/street food. Transportation: €10-€20 (US$11-US$22) for public buses/shared taxis. Activities: €10-€30 (US$11-US$33) for free public beaches/self-guided tours. Full Day's (Excluding flights): €80-€170 (US$90-US$190).

Mid-range traveler daily costs: Accommodation: €90-€200 (US$100-US$225) for mid-range/boutique hotels. Meals: €40-€80 (US$45-US$90) for casual/nicer dining. Transportation: €25-€50 (US$28-US$56) for taxis/car rental/group tours. Activities: €30-€70 (US$33-US$78) for attractions/snorkeling/single dive. Total Daily (Excluding flights): €185-€400 (US$206-US$449).

Luxury Traveler Daily Costs

  • Accommodation: €250+ (US$280+) for luxury resorts, high-end villas, or premium boutique hotels.
  • Meals: €100+ (US$112+) for fine dining, eateries in the resort, and drinks.
  • Transportation: €60+ (US$67+) for private transfers, consistent car rental with insurance, or personalized excursions.
  • Activities: €80+ (US$90+) for diving packages, private boat charters, or spa treatments.

Gratuity Guidelines

Tipping is customary in Curacao. For good service in restaurants, 10-15% is standard. Some restaurants might have a service charge automatically. If they do, additional tipping is optional.

For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding 10% is appreciated. For hotel staff (housekeeping, bellhops), a few dollars per day or per service is appropriate. Tour guides and dive instructors also appreciate tips for good service.

Accommodation Ranges

Daily Cost per Person

Hostel/Guesthouse Bed

US$25-US$50

Luxury Resort

US$300-US$800+

Meal Expenses

Per Person

Local Snack Pastechi

US$2-US$4

Fine Dining Dinner

US$50-US$100+

Transportation Costs

Per Service/Day

Public Bus Ride

US$1-US$2

Taxi from Airport to Willemstad

US$30-US$40

Budget Savvy Tips

Dining & Shopping

Explore "Marshe Bieu" (Old Market) in Willemstad for low-cost and true local dishes. Look for "snèk" (snack) bars throughout the island for budget-meals suitable for families like pastechi or local sandwiches. Staying in accommodations with kitchenettes and buying food from local supermarkets like Centrum Supermarket or Van den Tweel Supermarket lowers food prices greatly.

Transport & Activities

Utilize the Konvooi buses or colectivos (shared mini-vans) for cheaper transportation than taxis; this is especially good for paths along the main roads, with cash payment directly to the driver. Willemstad possesses a lot of no-cost municipal beaches. Explore the Handelskade waterfront and Queen Emma Bridge on foot. Visit the floating market (though less active for fresh produce than historically). Many bars and resorts hold happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers. Agreement on a taxi fare before beginning avoids misunderstandings.

Smart Travel Tools

Cost Reminders

  • Prices are highest during peak season (mid-December to April) and public holidays.
  • Car leasing fees typically range from US$40-US$70 per day, excluding fuel and insurance.
  • Taxi fares lack meters; always agree on a price beforehand.

Currency Information

The fixed exchange rate is 1 USD = 1.79 ANG. US Dollars are widely accepted.