Overview

Bonaire literally translates as 'good air'. This might give you some indication as to just how salubrious Bonaire is. The second-largest island in the Dutch Antilles teems with contrasts, its desert-like terrain offset by its inviting turquoise waters. On parts of the island, giant salt lakes loom on the horizon. Beneath the water's surface, rainbow-hued fish drift in between coral.

Scattered amidst such delights are eerie remnants of Bonaire's connection to the slave trade, such as its glaring white slave huts. When the Dutch had settled in Bonaire in 1634 and later consolidated their position as colonial rulers, the Dutch West Indies Company introduced economic development schemes for which they imported hundreds of slave workers. The abolition of slavery and the end of the plantations which depended on slave labour heralded a long period of economic depression, but as an indigenous economy began to emerge in the 1950s, Bonaire entered its current phase of comparative prosperity. Bonaire is justly proud of its leap out of depression, but there is a noticeable keenness on the island to not buffer its economic situation by expanding tourism to the island.

In fact, Bonaire is the least developed of all the ABC Islands (together with Aruba and Curacao). Instead, the island is highly eco-friendly and keen not to impair the fragile infrastructure of the coral, nor unsettle Bonaire's serenity with heavy development and glitzy nightlife. The Marine Park set up by Bonaire in 1979 enforces a strict maintenance policy for these very reasons. Consequently, Bonaire's beautiful beaches and safe waters have remained intact. Flamingos still wander the landscape of multi-hued salt plains; some even say that they outnumber Bonaire's human population. Multitudes of birds seek sanctuary in Bonaire, and any visitor to the island should be as alert to the sky as to the sea.

Don't come to Bonaire if you are seeking razzmatazz and revelry – but if you want to celebrate a bit of nature at its loveliest, then this is the place to come.

Passport/Visa

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months after intended return to home country required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to one month (for each visit), for not more than a total of 90 days a year. If nationals of these countries wish to stay for more than 30 days, they will need to report to the local police to obtain a long-stay permit.

Currency

Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ANG250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of ANG5, 2.5, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01 cents. The US Dollar is accepted everywhere although change is given in Guilders. Notes in denominations greater than US$20 will only be accepted in banks.

The Netherlands Antilles Guilder is tied to the US Dollar.

Currency Exchange

Most major currencies, including US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros, are easily exchanged. ATMs are located around the island.

Credit / Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

Travellers Cheque Advice

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. The import of Dutch or Surinam silver coins is forbidden.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1600.

Communications

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 599. It is cheaper to make international calls from phone booths in the Telbo building than from resorts.

Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.

Internet: ISPs include Bonairelive (website: www.bonairelive.net), which operates an Internet Access Center. There are Internet cafes in Kralendijk and a coin-operated Internet kiosk at the Harborside Mall and also in Kralendijk.

Climate

Hot throughout the year, but tempered by cooling trade winds. The average temperature is 28°C (82°F) and the average rainfall is 50cm (20 inches) per year.

Required Clothing

Lightweights with warmer top layers for evenings; showerproof clothing is advisable throughout the year.

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