Great evergreen content. Update: Curaçao keeps innovating & improving their systems in order to make it a bit more easier. I love all food, so I had no problems adapting to the Curacao cuisine. Curacao is a particularly inviting country due to its wonderful climate, charming capital city of Willemstad and great sailing and diving. What is it like living on Curacao? But if you start with a minimum of 1600 guilders a month, you should be able to sufficiently get around. From there I moved to a compromise : having my own studio within a student compound. A lot of times people do get fortunate and love their student houses. The islands are East of Aruba, off of the Northern coast of Venezuela. I may well see you out there x, Wow! Curaçao is a party to FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). Or you pay upfront digital, depends on what works best for you. Surely Iâm not the only person who knows about it but it has such an amazing view overlooking Caracas Bay. Still, for US$20 a head you can eat a restaurant meal here, and if you enjoy fresh fish you will have plenty of options. In only 3 weeks of preparations I made the decision, arrangements & hopped on a plane to this Caribbean paradise. Even when itâs raining, the sea is that colour. We just need to take one step! But what else would you expect from becoming a expat? Make sure you have an international insurance upon the day you emigrate until you can get your local one after your permit has been approved. I was so excited for everything, I did not keep in account for the risks it may hold. You’re officially a Curaçao resident! So many people message me saying they wish they could live my life. I looked on the internet and was not able to find any accommodations in this range - 500 USD per month, is it really realistic? You’ve landed on Dushi Korsou, the beautiful island of Curaçao. Located on the east coast of Central America, the Caribbean has 17 dependent territories.Though small in total size, the Caribbean has a favorable tropical climate, a mixture of culture with different influences such as French, Spanish, and English, as well as beautiful beaches that make this region a natural choice for expatriates to live, work and retire. I know right, the beaches here are like from a movie or magazine, couldn’t believe my eyes that the ocean is REALLY that blue. Phuket Expat Guide: Having a Blast in Southern Thailand January 17, 2021. While Curacao enjoys a very high standard of living, especially for the Caribbean, the actual cost of living there is reasonable. My name is Eva Mulder from the Instagram profile @evamldr. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. What an amazing experience. Aruba is a tropical island with a marine climate. That’s what I did nearly 2 years ago. Shows that even with a less fortunate start, if you are open to it, it will only get better. From the 12 applications I send, I received 7 invitations, on which 2 were very kind of hiring me on the spot. Everyone can pack their life into suitcases and move to the place they feel most at home. My favourite local dish is actually just grilled chicken with moro, which is rice and beans. Great article and some really good advice. Most times this appointment is 3 weeks ahead. It’s mandatory if you work in a restaurant or in other sectors that make you work with food / hygiene. During these moments, I count my blessings and realise how great my life is. We’ve all been there: scrolling through your instagram feed & seeing all those amazing shots of foreign places. Iâm hoping to finish the Curacao Expat Ebook next month. Expats on Curacao. Thank you for sharing such awesome tips. I booked a separate ticket to Venezuela. This is a waaaaaaay cheaper option than booking Round-Trip ticket! Is 2500 USD per month + 500 USD per month for accommodation a good salary for living and working in Curacao? Just make sure to let us know when you do make a big move – would love to read about that! - Duration: 5:22. Beaches, cocktails.. spots full of tourist or the more relaxed places where you can take a break from all of it. So by entering the country you do not have a citizenship and are therefore being dealt with as a tourist. Your email address will not be published. Personally I love the island. I’d say stay tuned, I’ll definitely post more Curaçao related content – now from a local perspective. The best part? Chris, a University of Miami graduate, had a very simple business plan -- introducing aluminum rain gutters to the island -- and that business ended up being very good. Read our expert guides and friendly community forums to gain important advice on housing and the job market, as well attending exclusive events with other expats. For this you bring your receipt of the payment, your passport, certificate of birth, certificate of conduct, copy of an entry in the Registry of Marriages, your Employers Declaration & a previous filed in form of the VVR agency. Most will ask you to stop by for an interview while you’re on the island, and if that works for you, great! I feel like the Curacao locals definitely respect you more if you can speak their language. In my second month I got my own apartment. Hey! I applied by sending e-mails containing a CV and a personal motivation letter. I never used to be a morning person, but waking up to the sunrise and opening my window to see the palm trees in my backyard and feeling the warmth of the sun completely changed that for me. There are 234 real estate listings found in Curaçao. Make sure you’re choosing a place that is in a nice & safe neighborhood, as well on a easy accessible spot to get to work. Thank you! Next up is making the appointment for your Sedula. Food purchased at roadside snack bars (“Snèks”), the market, or anywhere else is safe to eat; the tap water is pure and drinkable. Cost of living in Curacao is 0.80% lower than in United States (aggregate data for all cities, rent is not taken into account). People from all across the world living the dream. People who dare themselves to go on adventures abroad. I will announce on my Instagram where to buy it, so for those interested, keep an eye out for that! It might be the nice weather, the famous Happy Hours or the tropical vibe around you. Which means there is more to discover. They have the time of their lives. When I was at university, I had the chance to go on an internship abroad for five months. Geweldig geschreven en heel duidelijk !! After living in many countries during my younger years we choose Curacao and emigrated from the Netherlands in 2008. I always tell them: stop wishing, start doing! Get in touch with a Curaçao real estate agent who can help you find the home of your dreams in Curaçao.. Not ready to buy yet? Wow, 50 countries – that’s amazing! Curacao is definitely on my list of places to visit now, it’s amazing that you had the confidence to move there! Curacao Expat Guide: Living in the Dutch Kingdom, Caribbean-Style January 22, 2021. Along with the steady population growth, clubs, events, and activities have expanded as well. Loading ... Migration to Curaçao - Building a life, building a nation. Very welcoming & friendly. Tourists from the Netherlands have a maximum of 6 months per year they’re permitted to be on Curaçao. Required fields are marked *. Those beaches though! A small-town atmosphere prevails across the island. The main thing like you said is to change the cannots to cans, and sets some goals and go after it! If you are coming from a country that has Dollars or Euros, your money is going to be worth a lot here. I’m sure that if you set your mind to your goals, you will achieve them. As soon as I could walk, I was on skis and we would go to Austria every winter with our family. With love, We learned the language have wonderful friends and indeed, who does not, regret the awful pollution of the isla. First thing you do at Kranshi is register your VVR. This is the Civil Registry of Curaçao, where you apply for you Sedula. GIRL be my damn best friend please you are my literal GOALS. Thank you so much for sharing! Meid blijf genieten en leef je leven en geniet . You are definitely a pro in this. Even more so if you are Dutch. … Curacao Expatriate Guide, community useful Resources. I however find it more convenient to have a job upon arrival, so you’re more prepared and know what to expect in order to plan your budgeting. I learned Spanish due to previous internships in the Canary Islands, so I easily picked up some Papiamentu. Love your thoughts on the matter, everything is possible if you just dare to take action for it. Perfect way to meet awesome people – I had the bonus of meeting someone with whom I rented our own house with garden & our two adorable pups. I have the most incredible memories from these holidays. Just make sure to consider this when choosing a place to live. For those that wonât be able to read it, I can give three key tips: Eva Mulder grew up in a small city called Emmen in the Northeast of the Netherlands. No direct roommates but you aren’t quite alone either. Expat Adventures in Stunning Spain October 23, 2020. – so yeah a car doesn’t have to be a priority. Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca, This sounds amazing. You’ll have to come back for that in a couple of weeks. You are an incredibly talented writer. Your email address will not be published. As a just started writer, this really means a lot. Barbados Travel Guide: A Beautiful and Brilliant C, Adventures in Halong Bay: Exploring Emerald Waters, 9 Amazing Things To Do in Ksamil - The Maldives of. No need to register, buy now! So happy for you! Good stuff! Expat Exchange: Curacao - Getting to Know Extensive advice, country forums and expatriate resources for moving overseas, international jobs, international living, international real estate, culture shock, expat clubs and local expatriate events. I used to despise the city as a teenager but I learned to love it as I got older. Expensive restaurants tend to be, well, expensive. Motivates me to travel the world!! © 2021 Magnificent World. âIsla Cristina is located in the south of Spain, âCochem is a charming medieval town in Rhineland, âWe travelled to Egypt during COVID-19 which was, Expat Adventures in Bali: Your Guide to Living in Paradise, Phuket Expat Guide: Having a Blast in Southern Thailand, Starting a New Expat Life in Sentosa Island, Singapore, Japan Expat Guide: Life in the Land of the Rising Sun. Basically I realized that the instagram ‘she’ had become ‘me’ – never would I’ve imagined that MY life could look like this. Thank you so much for your kind words! I moved here when I was 21 and at that moment I felt comfortable by starting out in a student house. This sounds like such an exciting adventure. I’m always as optimistic as possible – seeing it as another great adventure. Answer 1 of 8: Hi, I will arrive in Curaçao in june to stay at least one year. This is awesome! I would grab something to eat at one of the local food trucks and make sure to always catch a sunset by the beach. Share your experiences with others like minded internationals. Thank you and all the best! There are definitely some similarities but the food Iâm used to back home is a bit more spicy. Curaçao is also one of the Caribbean’s premier diving hotspots, and the island features amazing coral reefs, walls, and sunken ships, all protected from strong currents in waters that stay warm all year round. Find the perfect expat lifestyle stock photo. Just be creative: hop on a bus, rent a scooter instead or be a bit more sporty and walk – during the daytime! Curaçao is a pleasant, safe place for families with children. And you’re in the Caribbean? Curaçao is the largest island of the former Netherlands Antilles, has a surface area of 444 square kilometres (171 square miles) and has 151,000 inhabitants. The islands get little rain during the year and plenty of sunshine. Be aware that you can only apply for a VVR when you have found a job. It does make living here a lot easier tho. You can live the dream of your own makings. The local people of Curacao are amazing. We also took road trips which were mostly to Italy and Croatia, and on the way we would cover a big part of Europe. Please keep in mind you’ll need additional paper work in order to get your permit. You need a lot of documents to get your work permit and eventually your local ID. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. This is such a brave and awesome thing to do! ... Small-Town Living. The moment you ‘unsubscribe’ from your former address you’re local insurance is no longer valid. Besides Dutch and English, the spoken language is Papiamentu. Meet new people and make new friends, discover Curacao and beyond. With the Sedula in your wallet you can come and go off the island as much as you please. I miss traveling and 2018 should be a good traveling year for me, but this post was great. Very beautifully and meticulously curated. Even after living here for almost 2 years the beaches still amaze me – Vacation feelings all over again. I am so curious about Curacao as a city itself. I chose this life! There are so many possibilities! My family used to own a caravan so we would stay at campsites, never at hotels. Offcourse Yes. On Curaçao you can always find work in hospitality. Whatever you do or whatever your motivations are, never forget to celebrate life. You just need a work permit. But when you’re already here on the island it is so much easier to find a new place for yourself. To play it save I would recommend an insurance with the duration of at least 3 months. Aruba’s weather is extremely pleasant and comfortable. You’ll need your passport, certificate of birth, extract of population register – the proof you unsubscribed from your previous address and your VVR. My advice: if you can drive a car, make sure you get yourself one. If you are visiting Curacao or moving as an expat, I recommend renting a car and exploring the west side of the island. Hope you have the most incredible time and love to hear more about what you do x, Thank you so much! When it comes to arranging things, everything goes five times slower than what you are used to back home. St Martinus University Faculty of Medicine. Belgium is high in my to go list to be honest – might move there one day! If only you are bold enough to dare yourself in making it happen. I remember being the kid in my class that had seen the most countries. Discussion Forums for Expatriates living in or moving to Curacao. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wonderful pictures taken! The good news is that compliance is relatively simple. As soon as I arrived on the island, I felt at home. Or, as I did, a ticket out of the Dutch Caribbean – so not to Aruba/Bonaire/St. Answer 1 of 8: Hi, I will arrive in Curaçao in june to stay at least one year. Cost of Food. So I decided to finish my studies and two years later I moved back to stay for an indefinite period of time. Dat komt helemaal goed ðâ¤. On Curaçao your basic insurance is being payed for you by your employer. You either rent / buy a car to get around or locate yourself within walking distance from where you need to be. Yay! Informative and detailed post with perfect guidelines!!! Together the 144.000 inhabitants form a melting-pot of cultures. Bonaire covers an area of 294 square kilometres. A detailed review of Caribbean retirement locations, from Aruba to the US Virgin Islands. How much approximately will I be able to save per month on this salary, if I live there as a single person (no family)? After all the bureaucratic arrangements you’re finally where you want to be: living your Caribbean adventure. Another important feature of this island are it’s locals. Iâm sure this is where my love of travelling and taking adventures comes from. That city looks so darn dreamy!! – to your go-to spots. To become an expat you do need to do your homework. Yes life here is great, such a different lifestyle than back in Europe! As I mentioned, Curacao is part of the Dutch Kingdom which makes it easy to move and work here for a Dutch person. http://preparetoserve.com/trinidad-port-of-spain-mission Living in Curaçao (interesting facts, travel tips, etc. Curaçao has lots to offer: sun-drenched beaches, a pleasant climate, nice hotels, a varied nightlife and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities to discover the wonderful underwater world. Most people from outside the country (or even inside) donât know the place because tourists are mainly interested in bigger cities. My advise: go with your guts. As well as Karakter and my secret picnic spot, the beaches on the west side (Curacao has 38!) Thank you for sharing with us! Ah great – in that case I’ll write more Curacao related content â¤, I’m not bold enough ð At least not at this current moment ð Well done to you! The only way of getting your Sedula (your permit/Visa) is to apply for it in person on Curaçao. But I try to make the most of my time here and spend as many days enjoying the Island life. I’m going to have to use those once I convince my husband that we should move to a foreign country, haha! Buses, mini-buses, taxis and ferryboats offer transportation in Curaçao. Oh you should – it’s one of Caribbean’s most colorful destinations! Aruba is perfect for boating… Costs of eating out vary dramatically. Firstly, I always wake up at 7am. Go you for living your dreams! Put yourself on that plane and fly sky-high – off to your Caribbean adventure. Wow! I grew up in a small city called Emmen in the Northeast of the Netherlands. Wat heb jij je droom laten uitkomen en je leven een mooie draai gegeven . This was very enjoyable to read, itâs so amazing to see that you took a chance and decided to go after your dreams, really motivates me aswell! Curacao is incredibly expat friendly. Third, the languages. The second reason to pick Curaçao over the other islands in the (Dutch) Caribbean is that it is the biggest … You only need to stop by the SVB office in Otrobanda to get your insurance card. Of course, not all days are like that. You’ll go to the immigration desk in Punda – it’s the glass building across from the McDonald’s – and ask for the payment form. Last thing is optional, and only if your employer requests it from you. http://www.sincerelybalanced.com, Thank you so much Nicky! Some of the above papers you can now request online! Why living in Curacao is special. The second reason to pick Curaçao over the other islands in the (Dutch) Caribbean is that it is the biggest one of them. It’s likely everyone will know everyone and everything living in such a small community. I have survived nearly 2 years on this island without driving a car – I’m finishing up my driver lessons as we speak & have my exam next month! To be fair, you will get used to simple island living but itâs good to have certain things such as enough clothing, cosmetics and home decorations. Itâs a mix of Dutch, English, Spanish and Portuguese. It’s always hot – around 30º C , even during it’s annual raining season. And if you are nice to them they will most definitely be nice to you! But those really are great tips that I’ll use when I’m traveling as well. It’s a easy test you have to make on annual base and cost 50 guilders. Curacao: Curacao Pros and Cons - See 195,789 traveler reviews, 13,667 candid photos, and great deals for Curacao, at Tripadvisor. Island life will be vastly different to what you’re used to if you have lived in a small town or village before. Right now, Curacao has been my base for the past year and a half. Locals speak 4 different languages fluently: Papiamentu, Spanish, English and Dutch. Thank you! The Netherlands Antilles are made up of two islands, Curacao and Bonaire. What a very detailed post! The fact that I never planed on taking that flight doesn’t matter. All Rights Reserved. I truly believe that when you put your mind to something, everything is possible. If it is just for working within the holiday permitted stay it’s a different price then if you’re planning on staying beyond that. You’ll receive a proof of administration, which allows you to start working already. As far as living on Curaçao goes – not that bad. Some of the papers you now can request online, but you still have to go to the offices to receive them yourself. More info about Curaçao beaches & how to get there –> Lifeâs a beach: the Curaçao âVitamin Seaâ guide. Maarten etc. Its average rainfall is less than 20 inches, and usually occurs in late fall. I need to start going after my dreams like you have. What if I told you there’s just one thing that needs to change in order to achieve such a goal: you. Turn your can’ts into cans & your dreams into plans. Curaçao is the home of the blue Curaçao liqueur, and you can tour the distillery here. It’s not your VVR yet! Start to build your life in the Lesser Antilles with InterNations. The atmosphere here is so relaxing and itâs located by the bluest sea you will ever see! It’s always hot – around 30º C , even during it’s annual raining season. Cost of Living in Curacao. Starting a New Expat Life in … I love your blog!! This article is so enlightening and very useful for purpose. If you are coming from a materialistic place, you will feel like you are missing a lot of things. It only took me 3 weeks from making this unbelievable decision to getting on board & being flown to paradise. I decided to start living the life I’d always imagined. We have the answers! Wauw Nikki . There is little change in the temperature, which ranges from the mid 70’s to the low 80’s. Wait your turn, let them make a splendid picture of you and your Sedula is being printed while you wait. You just have to see what works for you. When live hits you down, hit right back. Thank you! Not able to? It will be full of expat tips and information about moving here. This can be very bad for your mood haha! Mostly when Iâm driving around the island, with the windows down, looking around and feeling the warmth of the sun. But I have experienced hard times financially that I have never experienced before. You’ll find all the expected conveniences of home. My grandmother was born in Indonesia and my family likes to cook Indonesian dishes. De Nieuwestraat is a street full of student housing, apartments or studio’s. Goalssss xx, I like the sound of becoming a Caribbean expat! Nothing special there but the way they prepare it is so delicious! This of course within the validation time of your Sedula – mine is valid for 5 years. Do you have something to suggest me? One of the main reasons people move to the Caribbean would be the weather. Take a cap to your new residence and sleep off your jet-lag. You can walk right in, grab a number and wait your turn. The island knows more or less 60 different Nationalities. Curacao Expat Guide: Living in the Dutch Kingdom, Caribbean-Style, My name is Eva Mulder from the Instagram profile, I grew up in a small city called Emmen in the Northeast of, As soon as I could walk, I was on skis and we would go to, One of my favourite places in Curacao is the beach club called. I love how detailed and helpful this post is too. Thank you! Expat living is exciting, but we don't want to make it too exciting. Expat Life: What to Expect from a Caribbean Lifestyle. Thank you for the insight and great information. Curaçao has an incredible island vibe, which means you don’t have to stress & you can just take it slow. The ultimate guide to Retiring in the Caribbean. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. She has been living in Curacao in the Caribbean for the past year and a half. Great! All the best ð. On the day of your appointment you’ll only have to bring your passport and 15 guilders. First thing you’d like to have arranged is your VVR. Even more so if you are Dutch. Next up: the laid back ambiance. You’ve made it sound so accessible too….some more ideas to add to the dream pile ð xx. What is holding you back?Â. They also have an infinity pool which is perfect if you donât like the sea. For someone who had never left Europe before, you can imagine it holds quite the adventure. After some major bummers I decided to turn my life around & to move to the other side of the world: Curaçao. A typical day for me in Curacao looks like this. The warmth is not only radiating from the sun but also from the locals. For those who wish, there are concerts, lots of nightlife , special interest groups, such as the chess club, as well as a variety of cultural , educational, or historical events. Welcome to our community. I spend a lot of my free days here, also because the food is great. Before I do so, allow me to introduce myself. Groetjes Gea, Hi Gea, dankjewel! Thank you for commenting! Expat retirees benefiting from the pensioner’s scheme have the advantage of no capital gains tax, and income taxed at just 10 percent. Despite being from the Netherlands, Iâm not used to eating typical Dutch food. Curacao is incredibly expat friendly. You’re basic insurance has been fixed. We have a welcoming expat community waiting for you in the Lesser Antilles. Aruba experiences far less rain than many other Caribbean islands. Unfortunately, the start of my own shared house experience was not a success – bad luck with the roommates. I knew that five months wouldnât be enough time. I have been in multiple situations where I had to come back three times because I was missing a document. Letâs also pretend itâs normal times: I would go to work, normally from 8am â 4.30pm, and after work I would go and have a drink on the beach at one of the happy hours. I'm looking for something to rent with 2 bedrooms, gate area, near the beaches and my budget is near 2200$ per month. The longer you work for one employer, the bigger the changes are you’re salary will grow in time. Thank you for your kind words! In this expat guide I will provide a summary of what itâs like living on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Note: incomes on Curaçao are low. You don’t have to start by moving around to a foreign place right away – it can start with the small things. You don’t need to have saved all your life to be able to live here, however you should be able to take care of yourself with a regular income. Since I was a baby, my parents took me on all of their adventures. ). I would say that I have embraced it rather than overcome it. The following can get your attention afterwards: Just a few things to take care off. Do you have something to suggest me? It’s the part of the city that’s the most alive. Congratulations! The thing is, not everyone has the balls to do it, and those people probably regret it. Bonaire has a population of 16,541 and a population density of 56.26 people per … The reward is that I get to experience an island paradise every day. Find and compare apartments for rent in Curaçao.. Curaçao: Homes For Sale Curaçao: Homes For Lease Curaçao: Commercial For Sale Curaçao: Commercial For Lease Curaçao: Land For Sale Rent in Curacao is, on average, 47.51% lower than in United States. Discover a world of travel blogs and destination guides from our community of passionate travellers. on Become a Caribbean expat: Start living the Curaçao Dream, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), EVENT ALERT! Please note that I have a Dutch passport, and by moving to an island in the Dutch Caribbean my preparations could differ from yours if you’d emigrate from a different country. Thanks for sharing your experience ð. The first thing of importance would be getting a job. I havenât seen any here without perfect white sand and blue sea. Temperatures range from about 76 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.The water temperature is quite warm as well and the sea is blue and clear. Thinking of retiring abroad? Wow, thank you! I earn about half of what I would earn in the Netherlands doing the same job. Madero Sunsets: the Bands of Curaçao, Lifeâs a beach: the Curaçao âVitamin Seaâ guide. I always make sure to speak it whenever I can on the island. This is just in case you donât like it and want to fly home or in case something breaks (like your car) and trust me, thatâs going to happen.