Training workshop for Caribbean countries on COSITU, the model for the calculation of costs, tariffs and rates for telephone services 9-12 November 2004 Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles General Information Workshop Venue Training and Development Centre of United Telecommunication Services. Address: Training and Development Centre Jan Noorduynweg Willemstad Curaçao Tel.: 5999 888 1806 Fax : 5999 889 0760 Hotel Breezes Curaçao Resort Sales Representative: Liliana Hardeveld ‘Phone: (599-9) 736-7888 Fax: (599-9) 461-4003 E-mail: [email protected] Location Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean, at altitude 12' north and longitude 68' west. Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao consists of two parts, namely Punda and Otrobanda. Climate Located in the tropics, just 12 degrees from the equator, Curaçao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The rainy season, October to February, is usually marked by short, occasional showers, mostly at night, and continued sunny weather by day. Total annual rainfall averages only 570 mm (22 inches). Population Curaçao has 150,000 inhabitants; 40 to 50 different nationalities live on the island. Size 444 square kilometers (182 square miles); 61 km long: 5-14 km wide. Time zone Curaçao is on Atlantic Standard Time: one hour later than US Standard Time (the same time as Daylight Savings Time) and four hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time. Language Dutch is the official language, but Curaçaoleans also speak English, Spanish and their own unique blend, Papiamento. Politics Curaçao is part of The Netherlands Antilles, which in turn forms part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. The form of government is a parliamentary democracy based on such underlying premises as freedom of association, the right to form political parties, freedom of the press and freedom of speech. The Netherlands Antilles has two levels of government: a central (federal) and an insular (territorial) level. Economy Curaçao's economy is very diversified and is based on four export pillars; Tourism, International Financial Services, International Trade, and Distribution & Industry. Electricity Electricity is 110-130 volts/50 cycles, similar but not identical to the US standard. Dual voltage appliances from Europe and South America will need an adapter plug, readily available on the island. Although electrical current is generally reliable, consider using a surge regulator for sensitive electronic devices and computers. The use of 220V is possible on the island. Telecommunications Curaçao's international code is 599-9; there are no internal area codes. All local telephone numbers are seven digits, except for some special numbers that are three or four digits. To reach another country from Curaçao dial 00, the country's international code, the area code and the number. Money matters Local currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin), abbreviated NAf or ANG. It is pegged to the US dollar at a stable rate of US$ 1 = NAf 1.77 for cash, NAf 1.78 for traveller’s checks. Passport & Visas Most nationals (including US and Canadian citizens) need a passport and an onward/return ticket. Nationals of the following countries need to be in possession of a visa on arrival in the Netherlands Antilles: Albania, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Democratic Kampuchea, Former Yugoslavia (exception Slovenia), Former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Haiti, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, North Korea, Romania, Vietnam. If nationals of the above-mentioned countries are granted permanent residence in another country not mentioned on this list, they do not need a visa on entry, however it is compulsory for these persons to verify this status on the basis of documents (e.g. for the US, the so called green card). Transportation Transportation to and from the airport and from the hotel to the workshop venue will be provided. Getting Around: By car Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. At intersections and traffic circles yield to traffic coming from your right unless signs indicate otherwise. At all T-crossings through traffic has priority. The speed limit is 45 km/hour in town and residential areas and 60- 80km/hour outside the city and on the four lane Ring Road. By bus It is possible to get around the island by bus. Curaçao has two types of public transportation: the large yellow or blue busses called konvoi and, on the most traveled urban routes, collective cars or vans called bus. By taxi Their sign and/or the letters TX on the licence plate easily identify taxis. There are taxi stands at the airport, in Punda and Otrobanda, and outside major hotels. What to wear Since temperatures are warm throughout the year, light, casual tropical wear is in order. Outside, protect yourself from the sun. Most indoor establishments are air-conditioned; you may need a lightweight jacket or long sleeves. Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events; dress for outdoor festivals is decidedly casual. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals; some casinos also require jackets for men. .