My family is coming to Bonaire in a couple of weeks. We are looking for any tips on arriving do's and dont's. What is the drinking age? We've heard it's not enforced. What should we bring, or NOT bring onto the island? General info. on the day to day having a good time. Are the mosquitos THAT bad? We love adventure, and are looking forward to this trip. Any advice is appreciated.

Hazel, other than illegal drugs and firearms I can't think of anything specific NOT to bring -- what exactly were you wondering about? Most items are personal preference -- some folks bring their favorite coffee and snacks while others are very happy with the selections in the local groceries. The mosquito issue is also somewhat personal as well as dependent on recent rains. In Dec my husband used lots of DEET while I was not at all bothered and never used any. Can't speak about the drinking age as we are well over the point of anyone checking! As far as etiquette it is polite to the local people to not walk about town in bathing suits, bikini tops, shirtless(men) or very short shorts. I am sure that I missed some things and others will chime in and I also trust that you will post again if you have more specific questions. Have a great trip.

Drinking age is 18. Gambling is 21.
The age limits are usually enforced at the resorts. They may be more laid back off resort but I'm too old to care either.

Bring waterproof sunscreen and bug spray/lotion.
Use the sunscreen and be extra careful at the beach or on a boat. I live here and got burned on a morning snorkel trip a couple weeks ago.

A mesh or cloth bag is great for carrying snorkel gear and towels to the beach. A waterproof case for hotel key and pocket money is very handy.

If your family would like to attend church while they are here, they should bring nice clothes. Shorts and Ts are not appreciated.

You can use US$ and most ATM cards work down here. Don't bring 50s or 100s, you can only cash them at the bank. No store will take them. Most prices are listed in Nafls (Netherlands Antillean Florins or guilders). Exchange rate is 1.75 at stores. So US $20 equals Nafl 35.

Shops generally close for lunch 12:30-2:30pm.

And the shops and stores (to include grocery) close at noon on Sunday's (or is it 2:00 Linda, I can't remember)

Also, as in any other foreign country, don't flash jewelery or money. Leave all valuables in the hotel safe. Don't leave them in the vehicle. Leave your vehicle unlocked and the windows down, and don't leave anything of value in it that you can't live without.

Bonaire is a very laid back and friendly place, you will have a great time!

Thank you for the information. We're going to have the best time ever! We would like to go fishing...is there anyone we should ask specifically?

Hazel, http://www.Bonairefishing.com

Have fun!

Linda,

Are $50s just now becoming a problem or have I been causing grief and did not realize it? They are what I have typically used in the past. I take care to use them at only when my bill is over $25 or so and then use the change for smaller purchases. So far I have had no problem at restaurants.

Etiquette, an overlooked subject for those visiting a country where we are the foreigner.

Upon entering a shop or place of business, you should offer the first greeting. It will be pleasantly returned. You need to offer nothing more spectacular than Good (insert time of day). Although I have noticed this to be changing, you will be able to leisurely stroll through a place of business without a salesperson some much as following unless you ask for assistance.

To add an item to Susan's list something you likely were not going to bring, but, to be sure: spearguns. They cannot be used and I believe would be confiscated.

A good question to pose. We just got back (today, as a matter of fact) and both my wife and eye were impressed that most people would wave or acknowledge you with a head nod (respond) and make eye contact. I travel quite a bit and I found the Bonaireans to be most gracious and friendly, and tried to respond in kind.

Have a great trip

el joe

Herman, Many shop have signs saying we do not accept US$50 or larger bills. Probably at the resorts and more tourist visited shops this is not a problem. Or if the owner knows you. It is just a matter of making things easier on yourself when you go to the smaller, out of the way places that can be so nice.

Cynde, shops on Sat. and Sun. can be a hit or miss situation. Cultimara is open both and not closed for lunch, but closes early on Sun at 2pm. More for Less is not open Sat but is open Sun 9am until about 2pm(?). Banks are closed both days. Some shops will be open extra hours or not close for lunch if a cruise ship is in port. Warehouse closes at 1pm (?) on Sat. and is not open at all on Sun. Most shops closed by 6pm. When all is said and done, once you live here you sort of fall into the pattern.

Hi Herman,
You're very kind to take care where you use your $50's (not everyone is, and they're surprised a/o angry when we have to refuse them at KFC). As far as I know, they've always been a no-no in smaller places, mostly for 2 reasons: chance of counterfeit & wiping out change. About 10 years ago there was a very bad time of counterfeit US$, esp. $50's & $100's--people don't forget that stuff and have been wary ever since. I used to get counterfeit money & travelers cheques every month, thankfully, it's slowed down to almost zero.

In sit-down restaurants where your bill would be more than $25, a $50 will probably not cause grief. Resorts & resort restaurants are used to handling $50's, but if it's very busy, and everyone has a $50 or $100, well, then it gets tricky. It might empty out the change till, but that's about it. I'm sure none of the restaurant owners/managers want to go around with large amounts of cash in their change boxes, besides its weighing a ton (remember, our 5's are coins too), it's not a safe practice when we have to close up late. As far as the smaller establishments, a $50 or $100 is usually never accepted, just as nothing over a $20 is accepted in any fast food place in the US. IMHO, $20's probably are best to travel with if you're taking cash & not an ATM card.

I'd like to add one more don't to Linda's list: please don't bring "broken" US$. This is the latest thing the banks here are not accepting, and in turn, businesses are not accepting. If any (ANY) part of a US$ is missing, it is not acceptable here. Even a tiny corner torn off--N/A. Such a nuisance for us all.

Guess I need to get a fatter wallet before March to hold them $20.

Begin your conversations in shops and restaurants with Bon Dia (Good Morning) or Bon Tarde (Good Afternoon). "Thank you very much" is Masha Danki. And "Have a good day" is Pasa bon dia.
Smile a lot. And wave at people you don't know when you drive by--the tourists are the ones who look confused and don't wave back.
One of Bonaire's greatest charms, for me, is its friendliness.

Another bit of restaurant advice ... when you are ready for your check you should ask for it (politely of course!). When we first went to Bonaire we were told that the wait staff considers it rude if they approach you about the check and it is expected that you will let them know when you are ready for it. Also on the don't bring list are dive gloves -- they are not allowed in the Marine Park, though I do think they can be worn on the line at the Hilma Hooker.

I've had problems with "broken" bill (I like that term) in Belize and Honduras as well, there were many places in Belize that wouldn't take wet money either. When I asked, I was told that their banks didn't deal directly with US banks and the intermediary banks were getting picky. Way agree with Holly about interacting with people. A minor disagreement with Susan about the gloves, bring em if you expect to dive the east side. I had forgotten I had mine in my dive box but was most glad I had them when I dove the east side with Bas. Never ever ever use em in the Marine Park west side

Back one day and missing it already

Cheesy Joe

sorry that I forgot about the east side joe! hard not to be missing Bonaire no matter how long one has been back!

For the ignorant among us, i.e. non-divers, why are you not supposed to wear dive gloves on the east side?

Doh, scratch that...I mean WEST side...sorry.

Brian, it's against Marine Park Rules. The reef on Bonaire is a Marine Sanctuary and gloves are not permitted (unless you want to wear one glove while diving the Hilma Hooker to go down the anchor line). Basically, it's to make sure that divers don't touch the animals on the reef...

Hey, thanks everyone! We can't wait to get there, and actually get in the water.

Hazel -

If you do not already have some type of foot protection to get into the water, you might wish to bring some. Bonaire is not an island of sand beaches. Most entries (unless at a ladder at a hotel/boat) into the ocean are over very rough limestone and broken coral. Some type of foot protection is essential.

And, the sunscreen issue is critical. Unless you have been that near the equator before, you cannot imagine the intensity of the sun. The almost constant breeze masks it, but without sun protection you will broil in no time.

The biggest "Do:" a receptive and positive attitude. Y'all clearly have that in abundance.

You are going to love Bonaire. Just one final precaution: be prepared to start planning your next visit before you leave the island!

Bon bini a Bonaire!

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Thanks for all the info...One other question...Is tipping practiced and if so what percentage? also in what instances should one tip....hotels..cafes...doormen...housekeeping..Thanks !

We always tip our housekeeper. Usually we give a tip at the beginning of our stay. This helps us make "friends" and insures that extra nice service. Then we always leave a tip plus food stuffs for her at the end of our stay. Housekeepers remember the repeat guests that tip and "forget" to tip. I do not know what the pay scale is on Bonaire but often housekeepers are towards the bottom of that scale.

Tipping versus service charge is a whole other story that has been covered extensively. Warning it is not simple. So use the Search to find lots about it. Ruth had some good insight on this as an owner of a local restaurant.

And finally, take your hat off when entering a building. This age old courtesy seems to have lapsed, especially among Americans.

I agree the the people of Bonaire are quite friendly, and courteous.

Also, a simple Danki goes a long way.

My brother in law took $100 and $50 and they were often refused. In the end he went to the bank and they gave him smaller notes.

I convert a given amount to Guilders and then don't have to worry about it. Give all your change to the Animal Shelter or the Donkey Refuge !!! If you do convert watch out, the 5 Guilder Coin and 1 Guilder coin are very much alike...

Doormen? I'm still trying to think of a hotel lobby w/doors.... Some of the hotels here don't even have a regular "lobby" area where you'd need a door to have a doorman to tip...but I digress. Service charges, added at some restaurants (if you're not sure, ask) are basically a socialist way of dividing a capitalist income. It's meant to insure that everyone working to serve your meal receives a share (and that share is based on their "points"--their points are based on years of service, experience, yada yada). As an employer (and inheritor of this system), I find it to be totally annoying and mind-numbingly ridiculous to keep track of (but try to take it away, and watch how far the labor board can go down my throat, ahem...). As the employee, they know they're getting a share of the 10%, but they also know that it's gonna be added to their salary and taxed. The customer sees it as leaving a tip of 10% for the waitress; it's not his fault that it really isn't that way. The local tax department is very much in control, all "10% service charges" and all credit card tips, must be added to employee's salaries, and must be taxed as part of their income. There's no way around it legally. So, since you've asked, here's the answer: if you want to be kind to your server (in any profession here-dive master, tour guide, waitress, etc), leave a cash tip, in a percentage you feel comfortable with--just as you would at home. Of course credit card tips are fine, too, but being in the business, I don't leave them because I know they must be reported & must be taxed. They're trying to figure out a system to tax the cash tips left, but it's not in place. Yet. Sigh. When I see a 10% service charge here, and the service was good, I leave a bit extra, in cash, to bring it up to around the 15% mark. That's my comfort zone. It's personal. It's up to you.

Ruth, Thanks for the excellent explanation of the 10% charge.