This question seems to get asked almost daily, so we though we should do a Blog post about it!!

The Currency in Curaçao is known as the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (or Florin) and is abbreviated ANG, or, more commonly, NAF. You cannot “buy” NAF in Canada (not sure about in the US).

This is not a problem though. 

Usually, I just bring my credit card (Visa or Mastercard…Amex is not accepted widely in Curaçao) and then withdraw some guilders from an ATM with my bank/debit card. (Note: Credit Card charges will be in USD unless the point of sale machine is from RBC or Banco di Caribe. These two machines will allow you to be charged in NAF which will save you a conversion fee.)

Most stores and restaurants, and almost all “activities” will take credit cards, but for smaller stores, market kiosks, gassing up the car, and tips, you need some cash.

If you bring USD, you will be paying the conversion fee to change your CAD to USD, then, in Curaçao, they will convert again to NAFL, so you lose again.

So, in summary:

Should I buy NAF in Canada before my trip?
Nope. You can’t anyways. I’m not aware of any Canadian bank that has NAF available.

Do I need to bring USD with me for spending?
Nope…you can if you choose to, but it isn’t necessary, and is more “expensive” once you factor in multiple currency conversions.

Can I get money out of an ATM?
Yup!! You can withdraw NAF or USD (not sure why you’d want to take out USD though) from almost any ATM. Some ATMs only accept 4 digit PINs, and there will be transaction fees as high as 10-15 NAF, so take out a few hundred Guilders at a time.

Mike, do you bring USD with you?
Nope. When I land, I go straight to the ATM at the airport just outside the arrival gate, withdraw a few hundred Guilders, go directly to the little restaurant that’s right where you come out, buy a couple of Amstel Bright, and toast what is about to be another amazing vacation!!

Quickie conversion Chart…just in case…
(CAD to USD/NAF varies. NAF to USD is pegged at 1.79)
US to CAN x 1.33 (10US = 13.3 CAD)
CAN to US ÷ 1.33 (10CAD = 7.5US)
NAF TO CAN ÷ 1.35 (10NAF= 7.39CAD)
CAD TO NAF X 1.35 (10CAD= 13.5NAF)
NAF TO USD ÷ 1.79 (10 NAF = 5.59 US)
USD TO NAF X 1.79 (10US = 17.90NAF)

Note: Despite the official rate being 1.79, as above, Curaçao Banks will give you a rate of 1.77 to convert USD to NAF, and most local stores will only give you 1.75 NAF for 1 USD.