Renting a car in Curaçao is the best way to discover the island at your own pace. Beaches are scattered, public transportation is limited and cabs add up fast. This guide tells you everything you need to know-frominsurance and deposit to traffic rules, do’s & don’ts, and handy checklists. (Looking for car rental Curaçao airport? You’ll find that below, too.)
Why a car on Curacao is indispensable
- Freedom & time savings: beach hopping (Grote Knip, Cas Abao, Porto Mari) in one day.
- Flexibility: spontaneous stops at viewpoints or local eateries.
- Comfort: air conditioning and luggage space for snorkeling gear & groceries.
Search terms to help you compare and find a suitable rental car: car hire Curaçao, Curaçao car hire, car hire Curaçao, car hire Curaçao, cheap car hire Curaçao.
Quick overview – what do you need?
- Driver’s license: a valid national driver’s license (Latin alphabet) is usually sufficient. Non-Latin alphabet? Bring an international driver’s license.
- Age/experience: often min. 21-23 years and 1 year driving experience (check conditions per rental company). At Cura Explore you can rent a car from 18 years old.
- Payment method deposit: credit card (often) in the name of the main driver (pre-authorization). Cash is sometimes possible; ask in advance.
Identification: passport or ID (plus flight information if car rental Curaçao airport).
Insurance explained (short & clear)
- Third Party Liability: required by law; covers damage to third parties.
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): limited deductible for damage to the rental car.
- Super CDW / All-Risk / Zero Excess: reduces or removes deductible (exclusions often remain: tires/rims, glass, underbody, key, interior, water/fuel defects).
- Breakdown assistance: check if this is 24/7, island-wide.
Tip: always ask for a policy summary on 1 A4: what is/isn’t covered, deductible, glass damage, off-road exclusions, key costs.
Deposits & payments (very important)
- Pre-authorization on credit/debit card: the amount is reserved, not debited.
- Release time: banks usually release a reservation automatically within ~12-20 days after the car is returned. The lessor cannot force this.
- Cash deposit: get refunded immediately upon return (if everything is okay).
Fuel policy: “full-full” or “same level back” (stated in contract). Take a picture of the fuel gauge on departure.
Pick up at Hato (CUR): car rental Curacao airport
- Desk or meet-and-greet: check confirmation email for exact location.
- Documents ready: driver’s license, passport/ID, credit card, reservation.
- Inspection with photos: circle the car, take photos/video of paint, rims, windows, interior, mileage and fuel level; get signed off.
- CarPlay/Android Auto: test USB/Bluetooth, A/C and lights before departure.
Driving on Curacao: rules & customs
- In Curacao, we drive on the right.
- In Curacao, we drive on the right.
- Speed: inside built-up area ± 40 km/h; outside 60-80 km/h (there are few safeguards but keep an eye on them).
- Traffic circles: right of way varies by traffic circle; look carefully at the signs/hare signs.
- Parking: in Punda/Otrobanda often paid (during the day). Beaches: usually free/low rate.
- Roads: main roads are generally good; beach roads can be bumpy. Always watch for potholes in the road, though. Especially in the dark
- Fauna on the road: goats/dogs; drive slowly, a crossing dog can come out of nowhere.
- Safety: leave no visible items in the car; always lock.
Do’s & Don’ts (tourist proof)
Do’s
- Photograph at pickup/drop-off: damage, mileage, fuel.
- Request confirmation by WhatsApp/mail in case of changes (additional driver, return time, fuel level).
- Check tire pressure (comfort & consumption) and spare tire or repair kit.
- Bring beach gear in the trunk (not loose in sight).
- Always read the contact carefully.
- Always call forensys with any kind of damage. Without a damage report, you are not insured.
Don’ts
- Do not go off-road where prohibited/advisable (risk of damage/exclusion).
- No wrong fuel (gasoline/diesel)-doubt? Ask first!
- Don’t just park on the handbrake on inclines; also use the P position.
- Do not put wet swimwear in the car. This gives permanent stains to the upholstery.
- Do not leave items visibly in the car at beaches or around town.
How to find “cheap car rental Curacao” (without hassle)
- Compare total price, not just daily rate (including insurance, extras, mileage).
- Mileage: unlimited? If not: what is the extra cost?
- Excess & deposit: note amounts and conditions.
- Second driver/child seats: request in advance (sometimes free promo).
- Flexible drop-off: at hotel/airport, outside business hours.
- Read reviews: pay attention to service in claims handling, clarity on deposit and fuel.
Helpful extras
- Child seats/booster seats (required according to age/weight).
- Phone holder + USB cable (CarPlay/Android Auto).
- Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) to make worry-free .
- Cool box. Always bring plenty of water to the beach (sun & heat!).
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hat/cap, microfiber towel.
Common mistakes (and how you avoid them)
- Only compare price → look at coverage, deductible, service.
- No pictures at pickup → always take pictures/film.
- Ignore fuel policy → deliver as agreed; keep fuel receipt.
- Late return too tight → plan margin for fueling/traffic/inspection.
- No world coverage card → set your bank card/card to world (fraud block may refuse payments). Don’t forget to bring the cards as well.
Mini-checklist (print or screenshot)
When booking
- Total price + deductible
- Mileage policy
- Fuel Policy
- Deposit amount & payment method
- Additional driver/child seat attached
- Pickup/return location (airport/hotel)
On collection
- Photos/movie all around + interior
- Mileage & fuel level recorded
- Insurance & emergency number noted
- CarPlay/Android/air conditioning/lights tested
- Jack, wrench, spare tire/repair kit
Upon return
- Fuel as per agreement
- Photos car + km + meter
- Deposit: cash back
- Deposit: automatic release 12-20 days
Rent a car from Cura Explore (airport or accommodation)
- New, well-maintained cars with air conditioning & CarPlay/Android Auto
- New, well-maintained cars with air conditioning & CarPlay/Android Auto
- Flexible delivery: car rental Curacao airport or at your hotel/villa
- Fair all-in rates, fast WhatsApp service
- Fair all-in rates, fast WhatsApp service
- 24/7 roadside assistance and clear insurance options
How to make car rental Curacao a worry-free experience
In short: with the right preparation, transparent conditions and a reliable rental company you will drive around the island without stress. Have fun and safe travels!
