The official currency of Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), also known as the Florin (NAf). The official exchange rate of the ANG is fixed to the United States Dollar (USD) at a price of USD 1 = NAF 1.80.
The Netherlands Antillean guilder is available in both banknotes and coinage. That said, the United States Dollar is accepted throughout Curaçao. In fact, the vast majority of transactions involving visitors to Curaçao are in USD.
In this article, we’re going to answer the most common questions we receive about the currency of Curaçao and share important currency-related considerations if you are planning on banking in or visiting this tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao.
This article is part of our free series on how to open a bank account in Curaçao, which you can access here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- What is the Currency of Curaçao?
- Where Can You Exchange Money in Curaçao?
- Can You Use Foreign Credit Cards in Curaçao?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open an Offshore Bank Account?
What is the Currency of Curaçao?
The official currency of Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG or NAf). The Netherlands Antillean guilder has been tied to the United States Dollar (USD or $) with a fixed exchange rate of 1.80 NAf to 1USD for over 35 years.
However, if you plan on visiting Curaçao, it’s important to note that USD is accepted everywhere in the country. In most cases, reasonable exchange rates are offered by banks, money changers, and even retailers and restaurants. When using USD to complete a transaction, you should expect an exchange rate between ANG 1.75 to 1.78 per USD.
In the following sections of the article, we will provide more detail on currency exchange, local payments, and answer common questions we receive from our members on the topic. These factors will be especially important to anyone considering individual savings accounts, personal banking in Curaçao, or investing in local real estate.
Likewise, entities considering local operations that require Curaçao business banking will want to compare how their home currency compares to ANG. The same goes for anyone looking for customized financial planning or Curaçao private banking.
But first, it’s important to note that even though Curaçao is a dollarized economy, registered financial groups and the list of banks operating in Curaçao do offer foreign currency and multi-currency accounts. So, if you are looking for an international account with access to USD and other currencies, Curaçao banking services could be an option worth considering. This is especially true if you are looking to make fast transfers to send money to Curaçao frequently.
That said, offshore banking in Curaçao is not a suitable financial jurisdiction for everyone. In most cases, there are better account opening options available elsewhere. Likewise, there are challenging compliance requirements and risks to banking in Curaçao that you should consider before opening. Not to mention, monthly account fees and Curaçao banking costs that you should also consider before applying to open an account here.
With that said, there are account-holding incentives and Curaçao banking benefits that most non-residents can tap into. Of course, not all the highly respected banking groups, including the best banks in Curaçao, offer the same benefits, so it’s important to understand the specific benefits you can unlock before applying.
To get more insight into banking in Curaçao, access any of our free resources covering the account maintenance policies and the Curaçao banking requirements, and much more.
Where Can You Exchange Money In Curaçao?
When visiting Curaçao, you can exchange money at any of the local financial institutions, including the largest banks in Curaçao, money service providers, and many of the larger hotels. That said, the availability of these options will depend on the amount you want to exchange, the fees you’re willing to pay, and the currency you are looking to exchange.
Of course, exchange rates and fees will vary slightly. However, because the ANG is fixed at a rate of USD 1 = ANG 1.80, you can usually expect an exchange rate of ANG 1.78 at banks and ANG 1.75 at retail locations, hotels, and restaurants when converting from USD.
However, if you are planning to convert to other international currencies, you will have fewer options, and the exchange rates offered vary. With this in mind, it is often best to bring USD with you or use an international credit card.
Can You Use Foreign Credit Cards in Curaçao?
Yes, you can use foreign credit cards in Curaçao. In fact, all major credit cards are accepted throughout this Dutch Caribbean Island. That said, there may be local restaurants or tourist attractions that do not accept payment cards. On the other hand, all other locations will accept major foreign credit cards.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that if you are using a foreign credit card to complete a purchase in Curaçao, you will likely be charged foreign exchange fees. However, if you have a foreign credit card that has zero foreign exchange fees, this won’t apply to you.
Can You Use Foreign Currency in Curaçao?
Yes, you can use foreign currency in Curaçao. In fact, as a major tourist destination, it is common for visitors to use foreign currency when completing a purchase. However, the only foreign currency accepted across the island is the United States Dollars.
With this in mind, if you have currency from another country, you may want to convert it to USD before arriving. Alternatively, you can try to exchange it at one of the local banks after arriving in Curaçao.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few common questions we receive from people asking about the official currency of Curaçao. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What Is the Best Currency to Use When You Travel to Curaçao?
The best currency to use when you travel to Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG or NAf). That said, you can also choose to use the United States Dollar. Both ANG and USD are accepted across the island. The ANG has been fixed at a price of USD 1 to ANG 1.80 for over 35 years.
When Was the Netherlands Antillean guilder Adopted As the Currency in Curaçao?
The Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG or NAf) was adopted as the official currency in Curaçao in 1821. The ANG is also the official currency of Sint Maarten. In 1940, the fixed exchange rate to the USD was adopted due to the German occupation of the Netherlands.
Is Curaçao Using Euro as Their Currency?
No, Curaçao does not use Euro as their currency. The official currency of Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) and the alternative currency that is widely accepted throughout the Dutch Caribbean is the US Dollar. That said, Euros can be exchanged into ANG or USD at any local bank in Curaçao.
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