Bonaire Travel Tips

Good things to know before you travel to Bonaire.

Flights

• Don't leave home for your flight to Bonaire without proper proof of citizenship. For U.S. and Canadian citizens, a valid passport is required.
• It’s a good idea to reconfirm your flights prior to departure. On Bonaire, we suggest you do this at the airport at the reservation booth. Check ahead on all baggage allowances for carriers.
• 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 120-90 minutes before your international flights’ scheduled departure from Bonaire.
• Pay your Bonaire departure taxes of $34 (cash or most major credit cards) at the departure tax booth located at the airport. Check with them on arrival to see if you can purchase your tax receipt prior to having your boarding pass for departure (if so, you can purchase prior to your departure date).
• We suggest checking in for your flight first, and then turn in your rental car in (just in case there are flight delays that might allow you to leave the airport for some additional vacation time).

Ground Transportation

• Taxis are the least expensive way to get from the airport to your lodging if you don't have a car. Fares are government controlled. 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-$15 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.
• Upon arrival, we suggest sending the person that the vehicle is reserved under to get your car while others are collecting baggage.

Money

• Dollars are accepted everywhere - but you may 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 several banks in and around Kralendijk and open 24 hours. Bank hours are 8am-3:30pm (although this can vary).
• A 10% service charge is added to many bills at restaurants. Check with your waiter.

Communications

• 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.
• To call the states from Bonaire, dial 001 then the area code and number.
• Internet access is available at most resorts and some public cafes. Cell phones with reasonably priced pre-paid calling can also be arranged. Check with Chat N’ Browse for additional access solutions and cell phone rentals at 599-717-2281.
• Electrical is 127 volt/50 cycle and most U.S. appliances will work. We suggest a portable surge protector for laptops and chargers.

Food

• The Cultimara and Warehouse supermarkets in Kralendijk are 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 harbor front pavilion in Kralendijk.
• Restaurant choices include everything from local fast food (called snacks) to all types of cuisine. Prices vary from inexpensive 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 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. Many close for two hours at lunch. Some may be open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Crime

• 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. Use resort safes for valuables.

Attitude

• Relax and slow down. Things don't move fast in the islands.
• Try a few Papiamentu phrases for talking to locals (even though most everyone speaks English):
  • Kon ta bai (hi, how are you).
  • Bon dia (good day).
  • Bon tarde (good afternoon).
  • Bon nochi (good evening).
  • Danki (thanks).
  • Masha danki (much thanks).
  • Ayo (goodbye).

  Visit www.tourismbonaire.com for more details on island information.