Bonaire Travel Tip Flight & Resort Packages:: BonairePros.com

Here are some practical tips and suggestions for traveling to Bonaire:

Don't leave home for your flight to Bonaire without proper proof of citizenship. For U.S. and Canadian citizens, a valid passport or certified copy of a birth certificate with photo I.D. is all you need. Children traveling with parents only need a certified copy of a birth certificate.
Be sure and reconfirm your international flights (both directions) at least 24 hours prior to departure (72 hours recommended). On Bonaire, we suggest you do this at the airport at the reservation booth.
Pack a carry-on bag with items you must have in your first 24 hours, just in case your baggage does not make it when you do. This includes medications, eyeglasses, and the all-important swimsuit!
Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure from Bonaire. You can take advantage of a visit to the duty free shop or a bite to eat with the spare time!
Pay your Bonaire departure tax of $20 US or $36 Netherlands Antilles florins (NAf) before checking in for your flight. The booth is located at the airport. If you have an early morning departure, you may want to do this the day before.

Taxis are the least expensive way to get from the airport to your lodging if you don't have a car. We can arrange pre-paid airport transfers to your hotel if desired. There is no public transportation.
You can arrange for car rental once you have arrived on Bonaire (except during peak periods when cars may be all reserved). We suggest arranging your rental car in advance for best availability and rates.
Car rental agencies offer Collision Damage Waivers (CDW) for about $10 per day. Read the agreement carefully as to what the deductible and terms are. Check with your car insurer at home or credit card company to see what might be covered for the type of vehicle you plan to rent on Bonaire.

Dollars are accepted everywhere - but you will get change in N.A. florins (also referred to as guilders). Exchange rate is typically $1 US = $1.77 NAf
Automated Bank Machines are available at the ABN-AMRO Bank and Maduro & Curiels Bank in downtown Kralendijk and open 24 hours. Bank hours are 8am-3:30pm.
A 10% service charge is added to many bills at restaurants. Check with your waiter.

Be sure and leave your phone number and itinerary with family or friends so you can be contacted in case of emergencies. Call Bonaire from the states by dialing 011-599-717 and then the four-digit phone number.
Bring an AT&T or MCI calling card to phone the states. To call the states dial 001 then the area code and number.
Stay connected! E-mail access is available at a public terminal at the Lourdes Mall in downtown Kralendijk. A VIP hook-up can be arranged through Bonaire Live, a local provider. For more information contact them at www.bonairelive.com or 011-599-717-5180.

The Cultimara supermarket in Kralendijk is large and well stocked. There are several mini-markets around town.
You can also get fresh fruits and vegetables right off the boats from Venezuela at the harborfront pavilion in Kralendijk.
Restaurant choices include everything from local fast food (called snacks) to all types of cuisine. Prices can be very reasonable to expensive depending on where you dine.
An ice chest (heavily duct taped) makes a nice piece of luggage for transporting specialized foodstuffs and can double as a portable cooler for adventures on Bonaire.
Store hours vary but most are open by 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. (Cultimara is open until 8 p.m. and thru lunch) Monday thru Saturday. Many close for two hours at lunch. Some may be open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Bonaire is a safe, friendly place, but thefts do occur.
Don't leave anything in your car (or at least in view) that someone might want. Translation - don't tempt a thief. Lock your car at night.
Don't leave anything laying around your room, condo, etc. (or at least in view) that someone might want. Lock doors and windows when you are away and at night. Check to make sure that sliding glass doors are secure.

Stuck in the Miami Airport for an eternity? Check out the Miami Airport Hotel's rooftop pool, bar and grill. You can grab a bite and relax by the pool. Or pay the $8.00 and you'll get a towel, locker, access to the pool, exercise room and shower facilities.
On Bonaire, check to make sure your flights have not been delayed before you turn in your rental car, as you may have time to go eat, sightsee, etc.


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