The official language is Dutch but English and Spanish are spoken too. The local language is Papiamento, a mixture of Dutch, English, African and Spanish.
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The official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG or NAFl), which is divided into 100 cents. US currency is accepted everywhere; the guilder is tied to the US dollar. Large notes in US dollars and guilders may be hard to cash or find change for. Travellers cheques and most major credit cards are also widely accepted. Carrying travellers cheques in US dollars is advised to avoid additional charges. Banks and bureaux de change will change foreign currency, and ATMs are available.
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The international dialling code for Curacao is +599. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). There are no internal area codes. All local telephone numbers begin with 9 (6 for mobile phones) and are typically seven digits. Telephone cards for use at public phonescan be purchased at post offices, roadside snack bars and petrol stations. The island is covered by a GSM network. Internet cafes are available.
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A 10 per cent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but a few extra guilders as change is appreciated. Most hotels add a 12 per cent service charge, and porters are usually tipped one or two guilders. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10 per cent.
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Most visits are trouble free, but petty crime is on the increase and although tourist areas are generally safe it is advisable to take sensible precautions like not taking valuables to the beach or wandering alone off the main roads at night.
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Curacao has no tropical diseases like malaria (although mosquitoes can be a problem), and no vaccinations are necessary. Sunburn is common. A high standard of cleanliness means that gastro-intestinal complaints are rare; tap water is distilled from the sea and is safe to drink. There are a number of medical centres on the island and a modern and well-equipped hospital, but medicalinsurance is recommended.
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Electrical current is 110 to 130 volts, 50Hz.
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