Whether you fly in from Amsterdam, Miami, Bogotá or New York, arriving on a new island always comes with the same questions: what do I need to arrange beforehand, what happens at the airport, and how do I get to my accommodation? Here is what to expect when you land at Curaçao International Airport (Hato) — and how to reach Jan Thiel without stress.
Before you fly: the digital immigration card
Curaçao works with a digital immigration card (the “DI Card”) that travellers fill in online before arrival. It replaces the old paper embarkation card. Complete it at home before your trip — it only takes a few minutes, and your airline may ask about it at check-in. Each traveller needs their own card, and you will need your passport details and the address of your stay: for us that is Hibiscus Beach House, Kaya Adriatiko N8, Jan Thiel, Willemstad, Curaçao. Note that Curaçao does not use postal codes, so leave that field empty if it is optional.
At the airport
Hato is a small, easy airport. After immigration and baggage claim you walk straight into the arrivals area, where you will find ATMs and car rental desks. Two practical things worth knowing: the local currency is the Caribbean guilder, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and cards are widely used. For internet, a local SIM or eSIM is inexpensive — though if your plan includes roaming in the Caribbean, WiFi at your accommodation may be all you need.
Getting to Jan Thiel
Jan Thiel is on the southeast side of the island, about 30 to 40 minutes from the airport. There is no Uber on Curaçao. Your options: an official taxi from the stand outside arrivals (set rates — ask the fare before you get in), a rental car picked up at the airport, or a pre-arranged transfer.
For our guests, the easiest option is our own airport pickup. In most cases Daniel, Diana and Martin’s son, picks you up personally. He tracks your flight number — so a delay is no problem — and the price is agreed with you in advance. If you would rather drive yourself, we can also arrange a rental car, often delivered to your accommodation.
Arriving at Hibiscus Beach House
Let us know your arrival time and we will make sure you are welcomed properly. On arrival we will happily walk you through the island: where to eat tonight, which beach fits tomorrow’s weather, and everything else you would normally spend the first two days figuring out. If you plan to drive into Willemstad, read our guide on parking in Curaçao first.
Diana & Martin
Hibiscus Beach House Curaçao