Curaçao, a vibrant Caribbean island with Dutch influences, is known for its colorful architecture, crystal-clear waters, and thriving marine life. Whether you’re exploring the UNESCO-listed streets of Willemstad, relaxing on the beaches of Blue Bay, or diving in the island’s world-class coral reefs, understanding how to access cash is important. While credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, cash is still useful for smaller businesses, local markets, and transportation. This guide covers everything you need to know about cash and ATMs in Curaçao, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Where to find ATMs in Curaçao?
Urban Areas: In Willemstad, the capital city, ATMs are widely available, especially in commercial districts, shopping centers, and near bank branches. Major banks such as Banco di Caribe, Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (MCB), and Vidanova Bank operate extensive ATM networks throughout the island. For instance, Banco di Caribe has multiple ATMs across Curaçao, including locations in Barber and along the Weg naar Westpunt Road.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations like Mambo Beach, the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, and the historic Punda and Otrobanda districts have ATMs in their vicinity. Additionally, Curaçao International Airport is equipped with three ATMs: one in the Arrivals Hall, another next to the Check-In Hall, and a third in the Departure Hall between gates 4 and 5.
Rural Areas: In smaller towns and remote regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling outside major urban centers.
Best ATMs to use in Curaçao for foreigners
There are not a lot of choices of ATMs in Curacao. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Curaçao are those owned by popular banks such as:
- MCB Bank
- Banco Di Caribe
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Curaçao.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Curaçao, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in USD).
— If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and pay extra fees for this
— If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in USD’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Curaçao?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs here. ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs are operational 24/7.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Curaçao are usually found by a signage of word Bankomatiko’ or ‘ATM’.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically present Dutch and Papiamento as the primary languages along with English. Some also offer Spanish. If you’re not familiar with these languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be handy; but proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Curaçao?
ATMs in Curacao dispense cash in the local currency, Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), and many also offer the option to withdraw US Dollars (USD).
ATM withdrawal limits in Curaçao?
ATMs in Curaçao have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of US$ 1,000.
ATM Fees in Curaçao
There are no fee-free ATMs in Curaçao.Curaçao has some of the highest ATM fees in the world. Bank ATMs in Curaçao charge between US$ 7.5 to US$ 7.95 as ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders, so you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Curaçao. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s forex markup fee
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Curaçao
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Curaçao?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Curaçao. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Curaçao.
Safety at ATMs
Curaçao is considered a safe destination for travelers, and ATMs are commonly found in tourist areas, hotels, and shopping centers. While there are no widespread reports of ATM-related crimes, it’s advisable to use ATMs during daylight hours and in well-populated areas. Be mindful of your surroundings and promptly secure your cash after withdrawal.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Curaçao takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retrieve your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retrieve and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
No, its not possible. There are no fee-free ATMs in Curaçao. Bank ATMs charge between US$ 7.5 to US$ 7.95 as ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Curaçao.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Curaçao
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
