Money and Currency in Curaçao: Payment Guide 2026
Managing your travel budget can quickly become complicated, especially when a destination uses two currencies in parallel. The guilder (XCG) is the official currency in Curaçao, but the US dollar (USD) is also widely used. Should you withdraw cash, use a bank card, or exchange money before you leave? As operators on the island, we see many travelers get caught out. Here is everything you need to know to pay the right price and adopt the correct local habits.
Money in Curaçao: Dollar or Guilder?
The best option is to have a bank card and small cash bills. Pay by card in XCG (the local currency) whenever possible, but some payment terminals only accept USD with a foreign card. Keep some cash in USD or XCG for small vendors and beach fees. On our side, with THE LITTLE GREEN BOAT expeditions, we accept both USD and XCG, whether for our scuba diving experiences or our boat excursions.
The basics of money in Curaçao
Local currency: the Netherlands Antillean guilder (XCG, formerly known as ANG).
Fixed exchange rate: the XCG is pegged to the US dollar (approximately 1 USD ≈ 1.79 XCG), so prices are often also displayed in USD.
What to carry: a main card (Visa or Mastercard preferred) plus a bit of ANG for markets, snacks, parking, and small beach fees.
Pay by card (and save a few percent).
Choose XCG on the payment terminal. If a terminal asks you “pay in your currency?”, always select XCG (if the terminal allows it) to avoid hidden conversion fees.
Contactless payment works in most places in town and in beach clubs; Amex is less widely accepted.
Keep a physical backup card in case a terminal refuses mobile wallets..
ATMs: where and how to withdraw money in Curaçao
Utilisez les DAB situés dans ou à côté d’une agence bancaire.
Fees: local charges vary (expect around $6 per withdrawal at RBC and $10 at other banks); your own bank may also add its own fees. It is better to withdraw a reasonable amount less frequently to reduce fixed per-withdrawal costs.
Security tip: cover the keypad and wait for your card before taking the cash. If anything feels off, cancel and use another ATM.
Currency choice: most ATMs dispense XCG, and some also offer USD. XCG is accepted everywhere. USD is widely accepted too, but change is usually given in XCG.
Tipping: Made simlple
Restaurants: in some places you’ll see a service charge added to the bill, usually around 10 to 12.5%. This is not a tip. It covers the use of the tables, chairs, and general service. For takeaway food, for example, this charge usually doesn’t apply.
In Curaçao, tipping isn’t really an obligation. It’s appreciated if the staff have been especially attentive or if you genuinely enjoyed the service, but it’s not something you’re expected to do every time. The idea is to reward real effort, not turn tipping into a mechanical habit. In snack bars or for small services, rounding up the bill is usually more than enough.
Bars/cafés : arrondir ou laisser une petite pièce.
Taxis: not required; just round up to a convenient amount.
Hotels: bell staff usually receive USD 1–2 per bag. For housekeeping, USD 2–5 per night is appreciated depending on the service, but it’s not required.
Excursions / outings:
For The Little Green Boat: we do not accept cash tips. The best “tip” is to tell people around you that you had an amazing day.
If you really want to contribute, please consider making a donation to STCC (Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao).
Beach clubs, markets & small vendors
Beach access and loungers: some beaches are free, while beach clubs may charge for entry, parking, and sun loungers. Many accept cards, but some prefer cash, so it’s worth carrying small bills.
Markets and snack bars: cash is often preferred. Keep 10 XCG notes and some coins handy.
Receipts: ask for one so you can see what’s for entry, sunbeds, and food.
Price ranges (approximate).
(Typical price ranges, not guaranteed; they vary by location and season.)
Small rental car: $35–60 per day in low season.
Airport taxi to central Willemstad: $30–45.
Beach-club entry: $3–10 per person; sunbeds: $10–25.
Local lunch at Plasa Bieu or a snack stand: $8–15.
Coffee or soft drink: $3–5.
Simple dinner (without alcohol): $15–30 per person.
Cash or card: which to use when?
Card: hotels, car rentals, supermarkets, sit-down restaurants, and beach clubs with clear card facilities.
Cash: small vendors, isolated kiosks, local buses, places with minimum charges, or when card terminals are down.
Tips that genuinely save money.
Book your car and popular restaurants in advance during high season to avoid last-minute prices.
Refill your water bottle, the tap water here is excellent quality.
Share dishes or choose the catch of the day to keep the bill lighter.
Plan your days by area to cut down on fuel and taxi time.
If you’re given the option, always refuse foreign currency conversion on the terminal and choose XCG instead.
In summary
Bring a card that does not charge excessive foreign transaction fees, keep some ANG for small purchases, always pay in ANG on payment terminals, and check that service has actually been provided before leaving a tip.
For boat trips with The Little Green Boat, skip cash tips, talk about us to others, or make a donation to STCC.
Money in Curaçao: FAQ
Can you pay in US dollars (USD) everywhere in Curaçao?
Yes, the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout Curaçao at a fixed exchange rate (1 USD = 1.75 ANG). It is also the currency we use for settling our diving courses in Curaçao, whether for introductory dives, guided dives, or boat trips, making it easier to manage your travel budget.
What currency is shown on restaurant menus in Curaçao?
Prices are mostly displayed in Guilders (XCG). If you are looking for authentic places, check our selection of the best fish restaurants in Curaçao: we highlight value for money without “tourist” pricing.
What are the tipping rules in Curaçao?
Tipping in Curaçao is not a cultural obligation like it is in the United States. Many establishments add a service charge to the bill when you dine in (table, chairs, service). This fee does not apply to takeaway orders. If the service has been exceptional, a tip is always appreciated, but it remains a voluntary gesture of gratitude rather than a fixed rule.
The same approach applies to our private cruises and diving trips: satisfaction is the only guiding principle.
How much cash should you budget for daily activities?
It is advisable to carry some cash for beach entrance fees or small purchases. To estimate your total travel budget, read our full guide on the travel budget in Curaçao.
Do you need cash to rent a car or pay for fuel?
Some car rental companies require a credit card for the deposit, but not all of them do.
At gas stations, expect to use cash, as payment is often made before fueling, and most terminals only accept Mastercard. Discover our tips for driving and renting a vehicle in Curaçao with complete peace of mind.
What payment methods do you accept to book an excursion?
We offer flexible payment options: bank transfers, cash (USD/ANG).
To confirm the booking terms for your next sea excursion or scuba diving trip.
Please contact us directly and we will explain the process.
Have other logistical questions? Our general FAQ is here to help.