Willemstad, Curacao Report of what it's like to live there - 05/26/26
Personal Experiences from Willemstad, Curacao
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I have lived overseas for the last ten years clustered in Europe and then South America.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Home city is Washington DC ; flights are easy with a transfer in Miami or Atlanta no direct flights. The daily direct flights to Amsterdam provide convenient access to Europe.
3. What years did you live here?
2025 - present.
4. How long have you lived here?
Approximately 1 year.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is spread around the island with a number of families clustered in a suburban gated community. These tend to be large family style homes with pools. This is a bit of a commute to the consulate through fairly heavy traffic but given Curacao’s size the heaviest of traffic is still only about half an hour. Other residences are more scattered and vary considerably in size and are in gated communities with either personal pools or a community accessible one. Carribean style housing is generally single story.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most everything is available, though you may need to try several different locations. Because it is almost a desert island, however, almost all items need to be imported resulting in high prices. Most people do their grocery shopping at either the Carrefour or at Centrum Supermarket which is supposedly cheaper but I didn't notice any significant difference in my grocery bill.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None, everything is available.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are a few delivery services, Dushi food and Click eats.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Small ants are not uncommon. Mosquitos can be a problem when the air is still and depending on your residence.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
A number of locals use household help, not clear how common it is for the consulate community. It is available at varying levels of quality and price.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Completely safe, only concerns are the heat, stray dogs, and a lack of sidewalks.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Consulate has a small gym, there are others.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards are widely used.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, most residents speak an impressive list of English, Dutch, Spanish, and the local language Papiamentu. Spanish can be helpful both for the considerable vocabulary overlap with Papiamentu as well as communicating with any transplants from close by Venezuela, Dominican Republic, etc.,
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, the city is not designed for mobility issues. On the positive side almost all residences are single story.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
All are safe and allowed by RSO but taxis are almost non-existent and very expensive. No Uber, Lyft or equivalents. Life requires a POV.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Heat and salt air is hard on vehicles, they do not last long here. Recommend not to bring Nissans there are no parts and no mechanics want to deal with them.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available and usually installed before arrival.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No quarantine, kennel and daycare services available. Plenty of pet stores with a variety of products. One issue in importation is animals too large to fly in cabin. Commercial airlines will not allow animals to fly if at any point the temperature will be higher than 80 degrees. The temperature in Curacao is ALWAYS at least 80 degrees year round. Some employees have used dedicated cargo shippers to get around this issue such as Amerijet.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Only one job at the consulate currently, but a BWA is in place. Most jobs on local economy require all three of English, Dutch and Papiamentu. The American school sometimes has openings. A number of EFMs telework with being on EST.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Lots of volunteer opportunities, animal shelter, local school, beach cleanup, etc.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual, it is very hot outside. In general Curacao is a very laid back country and someone dressed in business formal wear would stick out.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None, simply common sense.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Mosquito borne illnesses can occur. Health Unit alerts if dengue is a current issue. Hospital is small and there are only two ambulances for the whole island.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Moderate.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
The consulate is currently very understaffed and a lot of people are wearing a lot of hats, which definitely has affected morale. It can be very high stress.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
80 degrees year round.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Two international schools, though only one currently attended by consulate children: ISC (sponsored) and CAPS. ISC has very small classes at some levels which is a blessing and a curse. No transportation. The school days in general end very early and finding aftercare options is a huge issue for single or two job parents.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ISC offers "teacher time" for one on one tutoring once a week as needed, Speech therapy is available for additional support.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Preschools and day care are available. School is compulsory for age 4 and up, but the department will not fund below kindergarten. The process for applying for daycare is somewhat opaque and transportation from school is often needed to be negotiated separately. ISC has afterschool problems but they are not many and can fill up and only run until 3:15 while the standard work day runs through 5:00.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Plenty though language of instruction may vary.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Expat community is small but growing. Many tourists form a constant revolving door effect. Morale is generally good among expats though there is definitely an adjustment period in getting used to the slower pace of island life.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Get involved in the community, the school or volunteering.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good city for everyone.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Locals are very welcoming and friendly but specifically making friends can be difficult.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Curaçao is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, especially for tourists, with a vibrant gay scene, Pride events, and inclusion in major gay cruises.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Curacao is a wildly diverse place and while it would be foolish to say these things don't exist it doesn't present as a major problem.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The beautiful weather, clear waters and perfect beauty you can find here.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Go zip lining at HoFi Mango! Get involved with some of the fun celebrations that are local to Curacao. Celebrate Kings Day!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Get your custom driftwood sign and requisite painted lizard.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Everything is close by, the office, the school, the beach, the grocery store. Beautiful crystal-clear water wherever you look. The painted buildings and murals and vibrant colors fill the whole city, not just the spaces for tourists. Everywhere you look there is something eye-catching and unique just waiting for you to discover it.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How slowly everything moves here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
100%.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter clothes. Sense of Urgency.
4. But don't forget your:
water shoes. Patience.
