New to Bonaire and need to know the ropes

[pdive]

If you do bring $100's can they be "broken" at a bank?

Why don't you look into something like Travelex and see if they can convert the money before you leave Beantown.
Actaully I should look into that as well.

What fees/commisions do the banks in BON charge to conver USD to NAf?

 

[BEM]

pdive:

We used US$ every where we went (22 Feb - 15 March 2009) and many places take American Express traveller's checks.

Cultimara accepted traveller's checks (have your passport for ID), VISA, US$ and NAF. The Warehouse takes US$, NAF and VISA (but only with driver's licence ID.)

The bank near ChatnBrowse cashes traveller's checks (maximum $500 perday - into US$) at no charge, but the bank near the north gas station charges 1%. The former bank will break a $100 (take ID) and don't bother going to a bank on the fist banking day of a new month - lots of construction workers cashing their checks..........................

The old Lisa gas, forget the new name, takes VISA, US$ and NAF. The gas station on the road towards Rincon (not in Rincon) only takes US$ or NAF. - You have to go to the cashier and pay before pumping (and don't expect to understand what they are saying through the glass partition - or a smile.)

All the restaurants we went to (except the snack places) take VISA, US$ or NAF and some (It Rains Fishes) takes traveller's checks.

 

[herman]

There is really no need to worry about travelers checks or the like. I carry maybe $200 USD for travel money, use CC's on island for most purchased (some small places don't take them but most do and the good news is they charge in USD so there is not exchange fee) and if I need more cash I just drop by the bank ATM and get cash...usually in NAF just for fun but it will despence in USD as well.

Bleep&*^$!!@!! I wish July would get here, I miss the island....Sorry my PBD is acting up.

 

[Jersey]

More on money - almost everywhere takes US $$, so no need to exchange. Your change will typically be in NaF, so spend it down later in your vacation. The left over change can be left as tips for housekeeping, dive masters, etc. Don't forget these folks as they have worked hard to ensure your good time, safety, made sure you got back on boat safely and pointed out those little critters we all love to see. (Assuming they did) Be generous, their jobs are often pretty thankless. Any remaining NaF can be donated at the airport when you leave - there are boxes for various entities - Donkey Sanctuary, stray pets, etc...

We also leave any remaining adult beverages w/ the DM's and tank-drive-through-guys who have taken care of us during our stay.

I'm wheels up Saturday morning - 5:40 am!!!

 

[song]

Thanks for all the great info. Anxiously awaiting my first Bonaire trip in July. So many places to dive...so little time in one life.

 

[scubadvr24x7]

Hi.
I was reading your reply on Bonaire and you seemed to be full of experience with Bonaire.
My wife and I are looking at taking our first scuba diving trip there this coming June. We just have recently gotten certified and are in NC. Do you have any advice on how we can get cheap flights. Everything I have found has been around 600. Do you ahve any recommendations on where we should stay. My wife wants to be on the ocean as this is our last big trip before we settle down and start a family. We are both teachers and if itis cheaper to go anytime from mid June to the end of July we could do that as well. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[dvrliz1]

Thanks for all the great info. Anxiously awaiting my first Bonaire trip in July. So many places to dive...so little time in one life.

Every one above is correct about the currency. Two things they did not tell you,

Don't bring anything higher in denominations than $20 bills. The majority of the places will not accept $50 and $100 bills. It really sucks if you arrive on a Sat or Sun and cannot change the bills to smaller bills.

For easy conversion in your head:

$20 = 35,00 NAF

I think that is about it!

Liz

 

[mbs]

Hi.
I was reading your reply on Bonaire and you seemed to be full of experience with Bonaire.
My wife and I are looking at taking our first scuba diving trip there this coming June. We just have recently gotten certified and are in NC. Do you have any advice on how we can get cheap flights. Everything I have found has been around 600. Do you ahve any recommendations on where we should stay. My wife wants to be on the ocean as this is our last big trip before we settle down and start a family. We are both teachers and if itis cheaper to go anytime from mid June to the end of July we could do that as well. Thanks for any info you can provide.

Just keep looking and use tools like kayak.com or yapta to help find the best fares! This past week we snagged a great rate - $355 rt jfk-bon for june!!! That fare is back up to nearly 600 now. Rates seem to be swinging back and forth. Hopefully someone on the board from your area can suggest routes/airlines to watch. Good luck!

 

[dpaustex]

You'll love Bonaire.

You will need to do a check-out dive, as you must get a yearly license from the local organization. Mainly, they check to make sure you're spot-on, in terms of buoyancy. No gloves are allowed.

In terms of the sites, get any guide book. Once you get the "system", you'll be fine. There are little painted yellow rocks on the side of the road, marking the dive sites. Just pull off the road, park, and dive. Do NOT leave anything of value in the truck. We always leave the windows partially down. Never had a problem.

There is current on the north and south ends of the island. As long as you stay on the west side, the currents are minimal to none. Your local lodging folks will give you good info.

If you don't have lodging, check out Black Durgon Inn for a great place (basic, cheap, and great diving, as well as a very knowledgeable and friendly owner) (www.BlackDurgon.com.). We've stayed there 3 times, we liked it so much.

Take your time on the dives and explore the area. Remember, you're on "island time", so there's no rush...

 

[dpaustex]

Oh yeah, on groceries, you have two supermarkets. Cultimera (sp??) near the center of town, and Warehouse Grocery (something like that), over towards the airport. The restaurants are varied, but don't miss It Rains Fishes (on the North side of the bay). The water on the island is fine to drink (it's desalinated). Definitely check out the local fare (goat stew is the specialty) at Maikey's Snack (as for directions from the locals). People politely honk at you when they want to pass on the road.

Definitely do the night dive at Town Pier, if you can. You must have a dive guide, who must check in with the Harbor Master. It is beyond cool.

Remember not to touch any of the corals.

Above all, enjoy!!!