New Currency Coming soon

[tkaelin]

I understand from a Lion's Dive mailer than a new currency is coming soon replacing the current ANG guilders they have been using. See below. Not sure this means much for tourists other than to be informed and if you have pile of ANG you may want to look into how and when you need to convert.

Big news! Curaçao is introducing a brand-new currency! Starting March 31, 2025, the Caribbean guilder (XCG) will officially replace the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). But don’t worry, both currencies will be accepted until June 30, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition. What does this mean for you? When paying in cash, your change will be given in Caribbean guilders, so you’ll get to see the brand-new bills and coins in action! The exchange rate remains 1 USD = 1.79 XCG, making it easy for travelers. So, on your next visit, you might be among the first to use Curaçao’s fresh new currency! Feel free to contact our front office for more information.

 

[tkaelin]

 

[TravisD]

The exchange rate remains 1 USD = 1.79 XCG, making it easy for travelers

This seems like anything but an exchange rate to make it easy for travelers. I just can't figure out if the inevitable rounding up/down is in said traveler's favor or not...

 

[Zane]

This seems like anything but an exchange rate to make it easy for travelers. I just can't figure out if the inevitable rounding up/down is in said traveler's favor or not...

Either bring a calculator (aka your phone) or practice doing basic math in your head, otherwise you will get taken advantage of

$1 = 1.79
$10 = 17.9
$5 = half of $10
$20 = 2x $10 = 36 (rounded up here, you get short changed 0.20 xcg or basically a dime)
18+36 = 54 is equiv. to $30

it's not difficult with a minimal amount of practice, memorization, or just use a calculator

 

[MarkA]

This seems like anything but an exchange rate to make it easy for travelers. I just can't figure out if the inevitable rounding up/down is in said traveler's favor or not...

I agree, it should be 1:1 with BRL.

On a serious note. When have merchants used an exchange rate in the travellers favour. I have never seen it.

On Curaçao, is it better to take a bunch of USD and just spend them? Or convert to XCG? Are credit cards used much where the visa or Mastercard rate can be had?

 

[iointerrupt]

On Curaçao, is it better to take a bunch of USD and just spend them? Or convert to XCG? Are credit cards used much where the visa or Mastercard rate can be had?

Cash exchange rate is universally 1.75 to 1. Visa/Mastercard accepted everywhere, but if they have a preferable rate or not, I never could figure out. Official rate is suppose to be 1.8 to 1, but it varies by the bank you are dealing with. MCB is 1.78, RCB is 1.77.

In the end, the last decimal place is a matter of pennies and not really worth putting any mental effort into.

Easy way to do the conversion to USD is: Divide by 2, and then add 10%. Gets you close enough.