Frequented Asked Questions in Oasis Curaçao

How many languages are spoken in Curaçao?
- Ninety percent (90%) of the local population speaks Papiamento, a Creole language. Most official government documents and many road and advertisement signs are in Dutch.
  
  English and Spanish are also widely spoken.
What is the political structure of Curaçao?
- Curaçao is an autonomous country which forms part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, with the Kingdom retaining responsibility for defense and foreign policy. The Kingdom will also oversee the island's finances under a debt-relief arrangement agreed on between the two. The form of government is a parliamentary democracy, based on underlying premises as freedom of association, the right to form political parties, freedom of the press and freedom of speech.
  
  The Central Government's jurisdiction covers mostly state affairs (legislation) and includes police, communications, taxation, public health, education, economic control, the establishment of enterprises, labor legislation, money and banking, and foreigncurrency.
  
  The Island Government is responsible for the island territory affairs; it manages its own territorial affairs and has the power to enact laws. The island government is responsible for the infrastructure, harbors, etc.
Is the Island safe for children?
- Yes, Curaçao is regarded as a safe destination and, therefore, you and your children will feel at home. Most places have special children programs, which help keeping them entertained during your stay. Beaches are also a safe and fun place to go to and may be enjoyed by the whole family.
Is the water drinkable?
- Yes, Curaçao's water is pure, refreshing and flows from a salt-water processing plant (desalination). It is completely safe to drink; you may take it directly from the tap as it is soft, contains no chloride and little calcium, it is tasteless and odorless and has a good bacteriological composition.
Can I bring my pet to Curaçao?
- Dogs and cats from most countries are allowed to enter Curaçao if they are accompanied by a valid animal health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate issued by a veterinarian. Pets from Central and South America are not allowed.
Which are the most important holidays in Curaçao?
- » Carnival (Depends on the year)
  » Easter Sunday (Depends on the year)
  » Dutch Queen's Birthday (30^th April)
  » International Labor Day (1^st May)
  » Curaçao Flag Day (2^nd July)
  » Curaçao's Day (Octuber 10^th)
  » Christmas (25^th December)
  » New Year's Day (1^st January)
  
  Stores, Public offices and banks are closed on official holidays.
How do I get to Puerto Oasis from the airport?
- There are taxis always available and many car rental agencies.
Where do tourists mainly come from?
- Tourists come mainly from Europe (163.863), followed by South America (75.250), then United States and Canada (56.345) and other Caribbean islands (39.175).
Should I exchange my money for local currency?
- U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, along with all major credit cards and traveler's checks (valid ID required).
  
  Currency from other countries can be exchanged at the banks, but traveler's checks and credit cards may be more convenient. ATM machines are found in many places throughout the island, with locations at banks, hotels, supermarkets, gas stations among others.
Is there free-currency convertibility?
- The local currency in Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin), which is abbreviated as Nafl. Or Ang. U.S. dollars circulate freely, so it is possible to get by using only American dollars or credit cards. The U.S. dollar is at a stable rate in relation with the Nafl.
  
  US$ 1 = Nafl. 1.77 (cash)
  US$ 1 = Nafl. 1.78 (traveler's check)
Is financing available from local banks for buying real estate in Curaçao?
- Yes, some local banks finance to non-residents for the purpose of buying real estate. Generally, the financing granted is between fifty percent (50%) and 70 percent (70%) of the value of the real estate property usually for a ten-year period, and at very competitive interest rates.
Tax Information
- Capital Gains derived from sale of real estate in Curaçao are exempt from income taxes if the unit is acquired by a non-resident natural person or if it is acquired by a foundation dedicated to investment and not domiciled in the Island (non-profit organization).
Electricity
- Electricity is 127/120 VAC at 50 cycles. This means that most appliances made in the USA (60 cycles) will work well, except for electrical devices with internal time mechanisms. For electrical appliances from the USA you do not need an adapter plug. We use the same two-pronged flat plugs as in the States.
  
  Visitors from Europe will need an adapter plug for their round-pronged plugs. These can be found anywhere on the island and most hotels keep them in stock and in the rooms as well. Only dual-voltage appliances from Europe can be used on the island.