The Best Currency To Use In Curaçao

Understanding the currency used in Curaçao is important when traveling to the island. The official currency of Curaçao is the Caribbean Guilder, and it plays a crucial role in the daily transactions and financial affairs of islanders and tourists.

The currency used in Curaçao is the Caribbean Guilder (CGX). The Caribbean Guilder is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 1 USD = 1.80 NAFl. In addition, the US Dollar is accepted everywhere as legal tender.

The best currency to use in Curaçao largely depends on your preferences and travel plans. While paying with the Caribbean Guilder is most common, US dollars are also widely used and often preferred in tourist areas.

In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive overview of frequently asked questions regarding currency and payment options in Curaçao.

What is the local currency in Curaçao?

In Curaçao, the official currency is the Caribbean Guilder (CGX). The value of the Caribbean Guilder is fixed to the US Dollar, maintaining a stable exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.80 Cg

This pegging system ensures financial consistency and facilitates international trade. Interestingly, despite the local currency, the US Dollar is universally accepted across the island as a legal tender, offering convenience for tourists visiting the island.

Prices across the island are denoted in the official currency, the Caribbean Guilder (CGX).

Also read: Is Curaçao Expensive to Visit?

Caribbean Guilder to USD

Is the Dollar strong in Curaçao? The response might deviate from expectations. The currency in use, the Caribbean Guilder, is pegged to the U.S. Dollar, resulting in a stable and unchanging exchange rate. The variation primarily hinges on bank transaction fees, which include:

• Selling rate (USD to CGX) $ 1,00 = CGX 1,77
• Buying rate (CGX to USD) $ 1,00 = CGX 1,82

Can I pay with US Dollars in Curaçao?

Yes, you can pay with US Dollars in Curaçao. US Dollars are a widely accepted form of payment on the island. Whether settling a restaurant bill or making purchases in a store or supermarket, it’s common for the final amount to be presented in both Guilders and US Dollars.

However, navigating transactions in stores may pose a slight challenge, as prices are typically quoted in Guilders. Familiarizing yourself with the exchange rate can be advantageous.

In addition, it’s important to note that US Dollar coins are not accepted for transactions in Curaçao.

The dual-currency acceptance provides a seamless experience. However, there is a possibility that when making a cash payment in U.S. Dollars, you might receive Caribbean Guilders as change.

Can I pay with Euros in Curaçao?

In general, the answer is no. A handful of hotels and restaurants accept payment in Euros, but they do not freely circulate like the Caribbean Guilder and the US Dollar. Visitors traveling from Europe should exchange their euros for Guilders or Dollars if they want to pay with cash.

Can I pay with Crypto in Curaçao?

A few places in Curaçao welcome cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but this payment method is not widely adopted yet. However, if you want to spend your cryptos on the island you can use a prepaid Crypto Card like the one offered by Crypto.com. We have been using our Crypto Card in several supermarkets and establishments and the payment process went smoothly and fast.

Should I bring cash to Curaçao?

It is advisable to carry cash when visiting Curaçao, as many small local vendors may not accept debit or credit cards. If you opt to use your credit card, it’s prudent to have a minimum of 50 guilders or 35 dollars in cash per person readily available.

How much money can I bring to Curaçao?

You can bring less than 10.000 US Dollars in cash to Curaçao. The amount above 10,000 US dollars- or its equivalent must be declared upon arrival.

Keep in mind that it applies to the whole amount of money including different currencies. E.g., if you bring 7,000.- US Dollars and an extra 5,000.- Euros to Curaçao, the total amount of all the currencies together will surpass the maximum, therefore it must be notified and declared at the customs desk upon arrival.

This is just an example stating that you will be charged with a fine when carrying more than the allowed amount of money without declaring it. Even if you just have some extra change in your pocket.

Can I pay with cash everywhere?

You can pay with cash, whether it is in Caribbean Guilder or US Dollars, almost everywhere on the island of Curaçao. But I have to inform you that there is a change to that.

More and more establishments are becoming cashless, debit/credit card-only places. Cabana Beach, Mood Beach, and Wet & Wild Beach Club are popular places with cashless policies.

Where can I exchange money in Curaçao?

You can exchange your currency at any local bank. Upon arrival at Hato Airport, you can exchange your cash at the branch of Maduro & Curiel’s bank. You can find their office between arrivals and departures. This is a list of popular local banks in Curaçao:

• MCB (Maduro & Curiel’s bank)
• Banco di Caribe
• Orco Bank

How much should I tip in Curaçao?

Tipping is very common in Curaçao. It shows appreciation for the service that is given to you. In restaurants, it is recommended to tip around 10-15% of the total bill.

Many places will put an additional service charge to the bill. This is not the same as a tip. Some employers keep the service charge to pay for expenses like wifi or electricity. Always tip in cash. This way it is more likely that your tip goes to the right people.

Tipping is important. Wages in Curaçao are not that good and nowadays not keeping up with inflation. When I worked as a waitress in Curaçao, I used to earn around 9 Guilders per hour. With that amount of money, you cannot even buy two of the cheapest loaves of bread, so let alone pay the rent, utility bills, and other fixed costs. A good amount of tip could make someone’s day.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Curaçao

ATMs in Curaçao

ATMs are fairly distributed all over the island. You can pick up your cash in many touristic areas and supermarkets. Some of the larger hotels also have an ATM in their lobby.

Both Caribbean Guilders and US Dollars can be withdrawn from the ATMs in Curaçao.

ATMs can be recognized by the ‘Bankomatiko’ sign. This is the Papiamentu word for ATM. You can withdraw money from the ATMs of Maduro & Curiel’s Bank, RBC, and Banco di Caribe.

Read: A list of all ATM locations in Curaçao.

Paying with a credit card in Curaçao

Paying with a credit card in Curacao is easy and convenient. You might be wondering which credit cards are accepted. Let’s dive into that!

Visa or Mastercard

Many credit cards are accepted by merchants on the island but the most common credit cards used in Curacao are Visa and Mastercard. These cards can be used at any store or restaurant that accepts credit card payments, as well as at ATMs.

Visa crypto cards are becoming popular as they support deposits from cryptocurrency and offer rewards programs to customers who use their cards regularly.

American Express

People who use an AMEX card are less well-off in Curaçao. This card can only be used in certain places. It is often a matter of trying, but always have another payment option at hand just to be sure. American Express is the least favorite one by the average merchant, due to its high transaction fees.

Check with your bank for transaction fees as this may vary from the area.  Ask the store employee or Cassiere about the type of credit cards they accept to avoid unpleasant situations.

The Best currency to use in Curaçao

While the US Dollar is widely accepted, it is more customary to transact in Caribbean Guilders. Consequently, when paying with US Dollars, you might receive change in Guilders.

This might become a bit confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the exchange rate between the two currencies.

That’s why I would recommend using Caribbean Guilders as the primary currency in Curaçao.

Adjusting to the use of two different currencies may be challenging initially, but after a few days of converting and calculating, it becomes second nature.

Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly used on the island; however, American Express is not universally accepted.

While ATMs allow withdrawals in both Caribbean Guilders and Dollars, it’s advisable to carry cash, especially for purchases from small businesses.

ATMs, known as Bankomatiko’s, are conveniently located in tourist spots and supermarkets across the island.