Caribbean Netherlands

Travel tips for Caribbean Netherlands: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, dive shops, and sit-down restaurants, travelers report needing USD cash for popular food trucks, taxis, small vendors like gelato shops, and tipping.

Try the food

  • Iguana Soup (Sopi di Yuwana): A hearty, savory broth filled with tender pieces of iguana meat and local vegetables.
  • Keshi Yena: A large round of Edam or Gouda cheese stuffed with spiced meat, olives, and capers, then baked until gooey.
  • Funchi: A thick, comforting cornmeal mush often served fried alongside rich stews and fresh fish.

Say it in Dutch

  • Hello: Hallo
  • Thank you: Dank u
  • Please: Alstublieft
  • Excuse me: Pardon
  • How much is this?: Hoeveel kost dit?
  • The bill please: De rekening alstublieft
  • Yes / No: Ja / Nee
  • Goodbye: Tot ziens

Essentials

Voltage
110V-127V, 50Hz/60Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Purchase a local Digicel or Flow SIM card at the airport or download a regional eSIM before arrival for immediate connectivity.

Etiquette

A 10 to 15 percent tip is customary in restaurants if a service charge has not already been added to your bill.

Airports in Caribbean Netherlands