How to get International Driving License in Curacao

There is no such thing as an International Driver’s License/ IDL in Curacao. The right document which is used to translate your valid driver’s license into 12 of the widely used languages worldwide is called an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you want to know how to get yours processed, refer to the following steps.

International Driver's Permit Curacao Online Application

1. Press the Start My Application button in the upper right corner of the page.
2. Fill out the application form.
3. Once you’ve filled out the form, attach a copy of your valid driving licence and a passport-sized photo.
4. Input your credit card details to pay for your IDP fee.
5. Wait for your printed/ digital IDP to arrive at your shipping/e-mail address.

Our IDP is recognized in 165+ countries like the following:

• Antigua
• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Cayman Islands
• Congo
• Indonesia
• Jamaica
• Lithuania
• Malaysia
• Mauritania
• Nepal
• Mozambique
• New Zealand
• Peru
• Portugal
• Romania
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Netherlands
• Aruba
• Barbados
• Canada

Although it is not required to get an IDP, many foreign drivers highly recommend getting one. This is to ensure that local authorities will allow tourists to drive a car rental in another country as per the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic.

Curaçao is a small piece of island country that sits north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. Even as pint-sized as it is, many tourists couldn’t help but admire the alluring nature of this paradise of a country. Its metropolis of Willemstad catches eyes with its striking, colorful architecture, making it the most colorful capital in the Caribbean region. With stunning beaches, picturesque mountain views, and lovely people, Curaçao truly is the epitome of a hidden gem.

Christoffel National Park

First called home by the Arawak Indians, the Christoffel National Park is the largest national park in Curaçao. It is used to be comprised of Plantage Savonet, Plantage Zorgvlied, and Plantage Zevenbergen in 1978, but was later merged into one and became the national park that tourists love today. Christoffel is home to over 450 species of plants like the wild orchid, animals like the endangered white-tailed deer, and diverse indigenous flora and fauna, rare elsewhere on the island.

Within the Christoffel lies the picturesque mountain that can be hiked by early morning. From the summit, is a beautiful view of the green hills. You can go on a safari drive through the park and do bird and deer sightings. If you’re a history geek, you can go into the Savonet Museum and learn more about this natural wonder.

Willemstad’s Punda and Otrobanda

Curaçao’s vibrant capital of Willemstad will take you to the candy land. Punda district is a World Heritage site, displaying its Dutch-Caribbean influence with preserved and colorful colonial buildings, which were originally painted by the Dutch to alleviate the glare of the harsh sun. Explore art galleries, fashion boutiques, and take a walk in the cobblestoned alleys. Aside from Punda’s vibrant buildings, the Wilhelminaplein’s giant Curaçao and Dushi signs are a good photo backdrop.

The district of Otrobanda is referred to as the heart of Willemstad by the locals, having a history of rough past with collapsed buildings in the ruin, now displays colorful and restored colonial buildings. This quarter is located on the opposite side of Punda and is easy to get to if you want to explore many other quarters in Willemstad. Wander around Brionplein and admire Hoogstraat’s colonial homes. Exploring the Penha Building and Wilhelminapark feels as if you’re walking through Curaçao’s vibrant history.

Shete Boka National Park

The Shete Boka National Park is just next to Christoffel. It consists of seven inlets, and tourists love spotting green sea turtles that nestle here. It’s considered one of the best spots in Curaçao, and once you get here, you’ll be able to tell why it’s easy to get lost in this breathtaking natural wonder: the sight and sound of waves crashing against coves are enough to make you fall in love with this place. You can climb up the cliffs, which allow you to have a better view of the wild Caribbean Sea.

Hato Caves

The Hato Caves was once called home by native Indian tribes that settled in the cave. It was made publicly accessible in 1991, showcasing colossal stalagmites and stalactites and marine coral limestones that were naturally formed through millions of years of exposure to atmospheric corrosion and karstic processes after sea levels dropped. Hato Caves is a popular attraction among tourists and is perfect for a peaceful subterranean adventure.

Santa Martha Bay

This spot is one of those hidden gems you need to see when visiting Curaçao. Due to its lesser popularity among tourists, Santa Martha Bay is hailed as one of the island’s best-kept secrets. The peak offers an overlooking view of the ocean -- a view you cannot sight elsewhere on the island. Aside from nature, you can explore the neighboring village of Soto and the Landhuis Groot Santa Martha plantation house. You can buy crafts made by the physically and mentally disabled locals the house shelters and cares for.

Klein Curaçao

Also known as “Little Curaçao,” this tiny piece of an island that lies 10 kilometers southwest of the mainland is a perfect getaway spot for when you want an escape from the cities. This inhabited land is where you can find the iconic pink lighthouse. When you sail your way here, you’ll be stunned by the views of the shoreline, and you may see some sunbathers just enjoying the calmness of the open Caribbean Sea.

It’s not just the sailing part that is enjoyable; Klein Curaçao is also an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Underneath the water are dolphin pods that offer an excellent sea safari. The journey to the island is an adventure itself, and because of its remote location, you cannot drive to Klein Curaçao, but you can always rent a boat to get here.

The Curaçao driving rules are largely in line with the standard EU traffic laws, which many people may already be familiar with. These rules are rigorously enforced to maintain order on Curaçao's roads and also to ensure the safety of all drivers and passengers. The Curaçao driving rules, when violated, are subject to appropriate penalties. Hence, it's always prudent to adhere to these rules to avoid any potential mishaps while on the road.

Only drive on the right side of the road

Like most countries in the European Union, vehicles should be driven only on the right side of the road. International traffic signs in Curaçao will guide you on which traffic has priority; if no signs are present, always yield to traffic coming from your right when approaching intersections and roundabouts. Failure to follow and neglect the traffic law will get you fined or get your car confiscated, along with your licenses.

Don’t drive above the speed limit

Driving above speed limits is a dangerous and irresponsible move; this is one of the leading causes of road accidents. The speed limits in Curaçao are 45 kph in town and well-built areas and 60­-80 outside the urban areas. Going above the indicated speed limit will get you ticketed, though it still depends on the speed limit marking of the roads you are traversing. As much as possible, follow the traffic laws, especially when you’re driving as a tourist.

Always fasten your seatbelt

Seatbelt laws are enforced to keep you and your passengers safe. If you’re driving with a child in Curaçao, there is a special law where kids under the age of 12 must be seated at the back of the car, and those under the age of 4 must be seated at the back of the car with a proper seating system. As part of the safety measure for safe driving, local cops are always keen to check if you’re wearing your seatbelt. Failure to adhere to the law will result in getting your licenses confiscated, or you may end up paying fines.