In Curaçao, there are some traffic rules and habits that might be different from what you’re used to. Whether you’re a tourist or staying longer, it’s good to know the do’s and don’ts for a safe drive.
Hi, we are Frank and Femmie!
We live in Curacao and run our small-scale adults-only resort here. We like to share our favorite insider tips, away from the crowd.
Do’s & don’ts for Curaçao car rental
Do’s
- Take photos of the car before you drive it away so you know exactly what condition you received it in. Even though you might be tired from your journey, you don’t want to be held responsible for any existing damage.
- Check if there is a spare tire and ask about its condition. Especially in Curaçao, flat tires are more common than in many other countries, so make sure the spare tire has enough air.
- Make sure you have the rental company’s phone number on hand so you can call quickly if needed.
- If you damage the car, stay where you are and call 911. Do not move the car, even if you are on a busy road, and try to keep the other vehicle’s owner at the scene. Insurance usually doesn’t cover damage if the vehicles have been moved. An officer must come first unless you have made other arrangements with the rental company.
- Adjust your driving style to the local traffic. The principle of “keep your lane,” like in the USA, applies here too. You can stay in your own lane and don’t need to keep shifting to the right lane. Overtaking can be done on either side, depending on the situation.
Don’ts
- Don’t leave valuables in the car when you park. There is always a risk of break-ins, but by keeping your belongings out of sight, you reduce the chance and minimize any potential damage.
- Don’t rush. Nobody is in a hurry on the island, and frankly, it’s too hot to rush.
- Don’t expect automatic right-of-way. The rules are different than what you might be used to. Usually, the car going straight has the right of way. The rules at roundabouts can vary, and there’s even a roundabout where the right-of-way differs by exit, so stay alert.
- Don’t honk if you’re annoyed. Honking is common on Curaçao, but it’s mostly not to warn others or tell them to move. It’s often just a way to greet someone you know.
Other traffic tips
- Turn signals are often not used, so be extra alert to other drivers.
- Speed limits are: 40 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h outside built-up areas, and 80 km/h on larger roundabouts with four lanes (two in each direction). However, most people don’t strictly follow these limits. Tip: Go with the flow!
- Wearing seat belts is not always a given, so make sure you prioritize your own safety.
- Despite recent repairs, some roads are in poor condition, so be prepared for bumpy rides.
- Fueling is different than you might be used to. You need to pay at the cashier first before you can fuel up. The pump automatically stops once you’ve reached the paid amount or when your tank is full. Overpaid? Just return to the cashier to get the difference back.
- For offline navigation, it’s best to download the app maps.me. This app doesn’t require an internet connection because you can download the full map of Curaçao in advance.
Public transport
Public transport is available, but the buses run irregularly, and it’s hard to know when or where they will stop. Public transport is mainly used by locals, as many people cannot afford a car or a driver’s license. There are no information boards, timetables, or bus shelters, so you might have to wait for a long time in the full sun, hoping a bus will come.
Commonly asked questions
Pay close attention, as traffic here is often more chaotic than in the Netherlands. Here are a few traffic rules to keep in mind:
In Curaçao, they drive on the right side of the road, and it’s common to overtake on the left. However, on roads with separate lanes and two or more lanes in each direction, overtaking on the right is allowed. At an intersection, traffic coming from the right usually has the right of way, unless traffic signs or give-way markings (shark teeth) indicate otherwise. This does not apply to a T-junction: the driver on the main road has the right of way. The driver leaving the road must yield to others.
Roundabouts generally work the same as in the Netherlands, but there are a few exceptions. At certain roundabouts, you’ll find give-way markings and priority signs. In this case, the driver already on the roundabout must yield to the vehicle entering. So, pay close attention!
If you want to keep it really cheap, you can rent a car from €25 per day. But beware: cheap doesn’t always mean good! Car inspections on the island are not always strict. Some cars might not be in top condition, which increases the chance of breakdowns on the road. My advice is to compare the car rental companies mentioned above.
Yes, each unit has a parking spot for one car. This makes it easy for you to park your car close to your accommodation, so you always have direct access to your stay.
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