One of the most common questions asked in the Curacao forums is “Where should I rent a car?” Is there the best car rental company? What should you look out for when choosing your rental car? How do you get a fair price? We answer these questions in this article and also give you some useful information about driving in Curacao.

Where should I book my rental car?

From our experience, the prices you can get on the spot are often much cheaper than what you can book in advance at your travel agency or online. There’s one exception: if the landlord of your apartment makes you a good offer, you might want to think about it.

Where can I get my car?

Where you can pick up and drop off your rental car is just as important as who you’re renting from. All the big car rental companies (Alamo/National, Sixt, etc.) have counters at Curaçao Airport. You’ll find them in the arrivals hall, and the car will be ready for you just a few meters away. It’s simple and stress-free – relaxed Curacao.

Stands of the car rental companies at the vehicle handover – at the back is the arrivals hall

On the other hand, there are lots of smaller car rental companies that don’t usually provide the car at the airport. Instead, someone picks you up there and drives you to a station that’s either quite far away or not that convenient. Then you have to complete the paperwork and get your car. We’ve already had this experience. It took a lot of time, was stressful, and the return was anything but smooth.

It’s even worse if you get the car at your accommodation. Then you have to pay 50-100 EUR for a cab (and again on departure). You might as well book with one of the reputable car rental companies, right?

What happens if there’s an accident or the car breaks down?

It might seem like a good idea to accept the rental company’s offer, but it can also be risky. What if the car is damaged and breaks down due to a technical fault? Can the rental company provide you with a replacement car immediately? Nothing is worse than suddenly being stuck and being “tied” to your accommodation for the rest of your vacation. One thing you need to understand is that If you need a car fast in an emergency, people will tell you that it’s high season, everything is fully booked, and it’ll cost you a pretty penny. Make sure you choose a provider with a big fleet and can get you a new car right away if you need it.

We really hope you won’t have to use this, but if you do have an accident or break down, you can find the relevant information and numbers here.

What about insurance?

You can always get fully comprehensive insurance (collision damage waiver, theft protection) with the major rental car providers for an extra charge. It’s worth doing this unless, like us, you already have excellent insurance. We have a German American Express Platinum Card insurance cover and have already had to make use of it due to an accident on Curacao. We’ll be writing a separate article soon about this – hands down – best travel credit card and its benefits.

What kind of car should I take?

You’ll often get a small car like a KIA Picanto, especially as an extra booking option at some places to stay. This is fine for two people if you’re staying around Willemstad, have little luggage and only want to travel on paved roads.

However, if you’re planning trips to Watamula or Shete Boka, you’ll have to deal with bumpy, sandy roads and potholes. Even some well-known beaches (like Cas Abao) can only be reached this way. A slightly larger model (like a KIA Rio Sedan with automatic transmission) is a good choice for a carefree and relaxed exploration of the island.

Pick-up with diving equipment on the bed

Are you a scuba diver and want to go underwater on your own at the various beaches? Then a pick-up is a good choice. Simply put the plastic tubs with the equipment and the tanks with the pre-assembled jackets on the back of the loading area and off you go. The interior and boot stay dry, and loading and unloading are easy in the 30-degree heat.

Book from your home but in Curaçao

If you want the best price, call or email one of the car rental companies at the airport well in advance of your trip. Don’t search on the international websites of the major providers; look up the provider’s local station in Curacao on the Internet and contact the station directly.

Once you’ve made your booking, you’ll get a confirmation email. Then, you can go straight to the counter in the arrivals hall of the airport. Everything is ready for you: just a check of your driver’s license (a European driving license is fine), sign the contract, and you’re off! You’ll be handed the vehicle in less than 30 minutes, and you can relax and start your vacation!

Don’t let them sell you a pile of scrap 🤣😎

Be aware!

Curaçao is a popular tourist destination, and the number of visitors has increased since the pandemic. It’s not a good idea to arrive on the island and then look for a cheap deal at the counters at the airport. You’ll definitely have to pay a high price to even get a rental car. This has already happened to us. Don’t make the same mistake!

Our advice

We’ve rented cars from different companies in the past, but for the last few years we’ve only used Alamo, Enterprise, and National Car Rental. You can reach their office at the airport on Curacao by calling +599-9-869 4433.

Headquarters of Alamo, National and Enterprise in Curacao

How to get your tank filled in Curacao

Refueling is a little different on Curacao than it is here in Germany, for example. In our article “How to fill up on Curacao,” we explain how to do this. Please visit also our suitable YouTube video here.

Traffic rules on Curacao

On Curacao, you drive on the right side of the road. The speed limit in urban areas is 45 km/h, and 60 km/h outside urban areas.

You can overtake on the left or right on two-lane roads.

At a T-junction, vehicles on the through road have right of way, even if the vehicle on the through road is coming from the left.

Just a heads-up: There are lots of traffic circles on the island, and the traffic on the circle doesn’t always have the right of way. So, it’s important to keep an eye on what’s going on around you!

Just a heads-up: Using your phone while driving is against the rules.

Pick-up with cool box on the loading area – a very practical tool for shopping in the heat

There are only rare traffic checks, which are usually just to check the vehicle owner’s registration or year of ownership. We’ve never been checked and have had consistently positive experiences with the police officers on the island. There’s more likely to be a friendly smile or a wave from the coastguard boat than tourists being harassed.

The salt from the sea

If it’s really rained heavily, you’ll feel it under your car afterwards. The asphalt will then be slippery for some time. In this case, be extra careful on the very steep Koningin Julianabrug. Driving over this bridge is a challenge even in the best weather, as you’re practically driving into the sky. You’ll know what we mean when you drive across the island on Curaçao.