Rent a car on Curacao

Renting a car in Curaçao is ideal for exploring the island. It is also one of the safest ways to move in traffic on Curaçao. Because there are no bike paths and the roads are sometimes dusty or poorly maintained, it is not recommended to use a scooter or bicycle to move around. On Curaçao are many places to rent cars. In almost every neighborhood you can find a car rental company. Although it is tempting to rent the first car that comes along, it can not hurt to orient yourself on car rental in Curaçao. Curaçao's small size and friendly people make it fun to explore the island. Whether you have two hours or two weeks, several places are definitely worth a visit. In the center of Willemstad almost everything is within walking distance. Even the distances throughout the island are short, as you can drive from Willemstad to the far western tip of the island within an hour. Armed with a map and a sense of adventure, you can easily go out on your own. The hiking and driving routes give you a general overview of what the island has to offer. Use them as a reference or create your own itinerary. Or follow one of the routes described in this chapter.

Traveling by rental car

Driving is on the right. At intersections and traffic circles, you must give way to traffic coming from the right unless signs indicate otherwise. At all T-junctions, straight-through traffic has the right of way. The maximum speed is 45 km/h in the city and residential areas and 60-80 km/h outside the city and on the four-lane Ring Road. Most gas stations offer full service; only a few are open alternately until late evening or on Sundays. Please note that there are only two gas stations in all of the western part of the island. A liter of gasoline costs about NAfl. 1.20. (This is, of course, subject to price changes).

There are many car rental companies on Curaçao. You can also consult the yellow pages in the telephone book for a complete overview. Some rental companies have desks in major hotels. Most car rental companies have a representative at the airport. In a few places you can also rent bicycles, scooters and motorcycles.

Rental rates can vary considerably. You will pay about US$ 30 per day for a standard car without air conditioning; at least US$ 40 per day for a sedan with automatic transmission; and about US$ 45 per day for a jeep. An international credit card is a requirement. Ask about special rates if you want to rent a vehicle for a week or more. Ask the rental company what to do in case of an accident or emergency. You may need a statement from the police. The normal procedure is that you immediately notify the rental company and wait for them to arrive at the scene. It is likely that you will need to have a police report drawn up by the police.

Safety and security

If you want to drive safely on Curaçao, you should observe the following: As of January 1, 2001, it is permitted to overtake on both sides of a two-lane road. It is forbidden to drive on public roads with a cell phone at your ear. Straight through roads have priority, coming at a T-junction the through road has priority. The roads become slippery after a rainstorm. Moderate your speed! The Curaçaoan is very friendly, also in his driving style. They are not in a hurry. Adapt your European driving style to that, so don't rush. Be friendly and give each other space. In case of a collision, leave your car parked until the police arrive.

Tips Car Hire Curacao

If you don't want to depend on the (massive) bus transfers to the various resorts, hotels and apartments on the island, it's best to rent a car at Curacao airport immediately upon arrival. This not only gives you the freedom to drive to your vacation destination at your own leisure, but also the opportunity to make nice trips around the island. There are several companies that offer car rental at Hato Airport, most of which are Hertz Car Rental Curacao and Sixt Car Rental Curacao.

There are many reasons to rent a car on Curacao, but there are some general tips you should pay attention to before you start your search for a good car rental on the island or when you reserve a rental car at home via the Internet. Below are some general tips that can help you in your search for a good and reliable car rental company on Curacao.

Whether you want to rent a car on Curacao or at home it is important to compare prices, for example one car rental company charges a reservation fee and costs for insurance, etc. separately and another company charges all the costs already included in the car rental (so compare what is and what is not included in the price and not unimportant how many kilometers can be driven freely).
Ask when renting a car in Curacao how the car insurance is regulated, think of an (all risk insurance, passenger insurance, excess and certain exclusions) Because you should not think of causing an accident and later find out that you are not properly insured.
Have you made a choice and you take the car in receipt, check the car immediately for damage, etc. If you see something please report it immediately to prevent much fuss and possible (excess) costs afterwards.