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| Curacao |
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| Curaçao is where
tropical charm, Latin style, a proud African heritage
and European sophistication meet in the Caribbean. The
fun shines night and day on 38 beaches, 65 world-class
dive sites, unique family attractions, historic monuments,
museums and more. Explore by day feeding sharks and
ostriches, discover a secluded white-sand cove, or ride
horseback through a national park. By evening be ready
to dance the night away, listen to hot jazz and enjoy
some of the Caribbean's best cuisine under the stars.
All this plus year-round events and festivals from Carnival
to Salsa and a welcoming people make Curaçao
an ideal Caribbean vacation destination. |
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Curacao Hotels
10 Ways to Enjoy Curacao
- Divers will love Curacao with its more than 68 dive sites.
- Year-round winds provide great surfing conditions.
- Tee off at Blue Bay Golf Course.
- Shop in Willemstad, the island's capital, for great deals on jewelry,
perfume and electronics.
- Spend time wandering streets lined with Dutch-influenced colorful
houses.
- Visit Museum Kura Hulanda and see hundreds of artifacts from the
island.
- Take home some liqueur named for the island.
- Enjoy the island's Carnival, which lasts from New Year's through
the day before Ash Wednesday.
- See the famous floatins market where Venezuelans dock their boats
and sell their wares.
- Tour Hato Caves, and see unique underground formations.
Documents Needed for Travel
United States passport holders must have a valid passport,
or other proof of citizenship, such as an original birth certificate
and official photo ID (driver's license is acceptable), plus marriage
certificate if your name has changed. A visa is not required for stays
of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of
charge by airlines.
Language
The official language is Dutch, however many Curaçaoans
also speak English, Spanish and their own unique blend, Papiamento.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of EST).
Beaches
Curacao has a wide varity of beaches, from small and
secluded, to long and full of activity. Most are situated on the Southwestern
coast where calm surf and crystal clear water make for excellent swimming.
Climate
Curacao is outside the “Hurricane Belt”, and enjoys year-round
temperatures over 80 degrees. The rainy season is between October and
February, however the rain usually occurs at night.
What to Wear
Due to Curacao’s tropical climate, light casual dress
is appropriate year-round. Some restaurants and casinos require pants,
and jackets for men in the evening.
Currency and Credit Cards
The official currency is the Florin, although US currency
is widely accepted, as well as major credit cards.
Electricity
110-130 volts/50cycles. US appliances such as hairdryers
may overheat if used without an adapter, which are readily available
on the island.
Marriage Requirements
Marriage licenses must be applied for in writing, and
take approximately 2 months to obtain. Applicants must be non-Antillean
residents. There's also a three-day residency requirement.
To apply for a non-resident marriage license, couples
must present a birth certificate and passport, as well as proof of a
legal divorce decree if divorced or a death certificate if a spouse
has died.
No blood tests are required. The cost of the license
is US $167.
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