Mains water on the island is distilled from sea water and is safe to drink. Bottled mineral water is widely available. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Restaurant styles vary from informal bistros to the very expensive. Local specialities include traditional Dutch food (particularly using fresh seafood and cheeses) and Creole food (criollo) which makes good use of the great variety of locally sourced fresh fish.

French, Italian and other international cuisines are also on offer.

Bar staff, waiters, porters and doormen typically expect a 10% tip.

The rainy season in Curaçao overlaps with the busy tourist season, so travelers may want to bring a light raincoat along with a bottle of bug spray. For the occasional cool and breezy evening, pack a light sweater.  Outside of packing for the type of weather you'll be experiencing, it is your daily activities that will play the largest role in helping you plan what to wear. Travelers should pack their favorite bathing suits along with other beachwear such as sandals, tank tops, and hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect their skin from the sometimes harsh Caribbean sun. Eco-tourists and outdoor adventurers should also plan to bring active wear such as hiking shoes and durable pants. Travelers who plan to participate in other outdoor activities such as snorkeling or mountain biking may wish to bring some of their own equipment and attire.  For all of these activities, pack lightweight, light colored, and breathable fabrics to help keep you cool when the temperature is high.

Beachwear and activewear should only be worn at a beach or pool. Casual and relaxed but neat clothing should be worn when in shops, the city, or restaurants. Many restaurants do not allow sandals or shorts, and some of the nicer establishments and casinos may require a jacket. For the most part, you'll be compelled to wear clothing that is resort casual, also known as resort wear.  Think collared shirts, sundresses, and linen or khaki bottoms.

Electrical sockets in Curaçao are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.

Electrical sockets in Curaçao usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.  If your appliance is not compatible with 220-240 electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Currency

US Dollars are accepted everywhere but at the moment the official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG; symbol ƒ) which is going to soon be phased out and replaced by the Caribbean Guilder (CMg) by 2012-2013. Notes are in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, 1 guilder, and 5 guilder coins. The Caribbean guilder will be pegged to the US Dollar (US$ 1 = CMg 1.79).

The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Amounts over €10,000 or equivalent must be declared.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 08h00-15h30.

Major credit cards are widely accepted. Debit cards are accepted in large shops and supermarkets. There are some ATMs. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, traveller's cheques in US Dollars are advised. Currency exchange is available in banks and bureaux de change.