Driving in Curaçao is safe and easy. Buses are unreliable, and taxis can be expensive, so, thankfully, Curacao can easily be explored; all you need is a good Rental car (Note: D&D Car Rental is our preferred rental company. We drive on the right-hand side of the road, rules are similar to in Canada, and navigating is quite simple.

Here are a few notes:

• You need a valid driver’s license…Canadian is fine. An international license is absolutely not needed here at all.
• Seat belts are mandatory.
• Children under 5 require a proper car seat (equipment rental here)
• Motor cyclists need a helmet
• There are no right turns at red lights
• 40-50kph in urban areas, 60-80kph in rural areas (in my experience these limits seem to be only suggestions)
• If you come to a T-intersection, traffic from both left and right have right of way
• Drivers have right of way over non-drivers (except goats…they always win)
• Learn European Road Signs!!
• IMPORTANT: The roundabouts (traffic circles) do not all function in the same way. Usually, the car on the roundabout has the right of way. In Curacao, there are a couple of roundabouts where you must yield to traffic coming from the right. There will be a yield sign, but you need to pay attention!!
• Download the offline maps of Curaçao from Google maps or Maps.me
• Gas stations: First, once you are at a pump, go to the window, give them CASH (USD or NAF), and tell them which pump. Next, go gas up. Each pump will have 2 nozzles; black is diesel, yellow is unleaded. Nine out of ten mechanics recommend using the correct gas. The tenth guy is an idiot. !! If they owe you change, go back to the window to collect it.

Have fun and drive safely!!

NOTE: If you are in an accident, DO NOT MOVE THE CAR. Call 9233 (or +5999 461 3282). An accident “inspector” will come to assess the scene, the vehicles, and take statements. If your car has been moved, insurance may be declined.

Lastly, here are a few of the most common signs you’ll see:

And the most important one…

This means NO U-TURN!! I know it seems crazy, but trust me!! lol