Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
For visiting Curaçao, ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and varicella (chickenpox). It’s also recommended to have the Hepatitis A vaccine, as you might be exposed through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is advisable if you plan on any risky activities. No specific vaccines are mandated, but it’s wise to stay informed. Always consult with a healthcare professional before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Curaçao, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for CuraçaoCulture & Customs
Respect the Dutch influence and local Papiamentu language by greeting locals with a smile and a simple ”Bon dia” (Good morning). Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10-15% is standard if service charge isn’t included. Public displays of affection are generally accepted, but it’s wise to be discreet in more rural areas. LGBTQ+ travelers usually find Curaçao welcoming, especially in Willemstad. Women should feel comfortable, but as always, stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid discussing politics or criticizing the local way of life openly.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Curaçao.
- Keshi Yena: This dish is a cheesy delight where a large round of cheese (usually Edam or Gouda) is stuffed with spiced meat, often chicken, mixed with onions, olives, and other goodies. It’s a staple on the island because it reflects the resourceful nature of Curaçao’s culture, using leftovers to create something delicious.
- Stoba: A hearty stew typically made with beef, goat, or chicken, slow-cooked with vegetables and spices. It’s popular because it’s comfort food that showcases the island’s blend of African, Dutch, and Spanish influences.
- Funchi: Essentially polenta, this side dish made from cornmeal is a local favorite, often served with stews or fish. It’s a cultural staple that ties back to the island’s African heritage, providing a simple yet filling accompaniment to many meals.
- Pastechi: A savory pastry filled with cheese, meat, or fish, and deep-fried to perfection. It’s a popular snack and breakfast choice because it’s quick, tasty, and portable, reflecting the island’s love for hearty, on-the-go bites.
- Ayaka: A traditional Christmas dish that features cornmeal dough wrapped around a filling of meat, raisins, and capers, all wrapped in banana leaves. It’s culturally important as it’s part of the festive celebrations, bringing families together with its labor-intensive preparation.
Yes, the tap water in Curaçao is safe to drink and locals do consume it regularly. It’s desalinated and meets high-quality standards, so tourists can drink it without worries. No need for bottled or filtered water unless you prefer the taste.
The main language in Curaçao is
Papiamento. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Papiamento skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Curaçao includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Curaçao,
English is widely spoken and understood, making it a convenient destination for English-speaking travelers. The island has a multicultural population, and English is one of the official languages alongside Dutch and Papiamentu, the local Creole language. Many residents, especially in urban areas and tourist spots, are fluent in English, and you’ll find it commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Curaçao’s tourism industry has contributed to the prevalence of English, with many workers trained to cater to international visitors. Additionally, English is often used in educational settings, further enhancing its familiarity among locals. While Papiamentu is the primary language for everyday communication, you’ll have no trouble navigating the island or interacting with its people in English.
Overall, whether you’re exploring Willemstad’s colorful streets, enjoying the beaches, or dining at local eateries, you can expect to communicate effectively in English throughout Curaçao.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Curaçao is ANG (ƒ).
When backpacking in Curaçao, it’s wise to carry a mix of cash and cards. ATMs are widely available in urban areas like Willemstad, but they might be scarce if you’re exploring more remote parts of the island. If you withdraw cash, you’ll get it in Antillean Guilders (ANG), but US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere.
Credit and debit cards are generally accepted at most restaurants and shops, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for local markets or smaller eateries. Avoid carrying Euros, as they’re not as widely accepted, and exchanging them can be a hassle.
For currency exchange, your best bet is to hit up local banks or authorized exchange offices in Willemstad. Steer clear of airport exchange counters if possible, as they tend to offer less favorable rates.
In Curaçao, tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 10% to 15% for good service is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding a small tip is a nice gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.