What do you experienced Bonaire visitors do regarding currency - do you exchange US $ for local currency in Bonaire or at home, or do you just pay for things using US currency or credit cards while on the island?

We'll be coming here in July and I was wondering what's best.

Thanks.

Suzi

I use the Maduro ATM in town or near the Lovers shopping center they dispense dollars or guilders your choice. I usually pay in guilders but most places take either.

I usually take some cash in $50 US. The bills are large enough that you don't have to carry many but if you use them for larger items (my rest tab usually runs in the $25-30 range)making change is not a problem. You will most likely get change in Guilders (coins WILL be). I then use Guilders for the lesser items. I also use credit cards, esp for larger purchases. And like Seb said, you can always get money, USD or Guilders at the ATMs. Exchanging USD for Guilders is not necessary, most places will take either. By the way, the exchange rate is 1.76 (give or take a little)which works out to about $0.56=1 Guilder. I use 2 Guilders= $1 US, easier for me to estimate the cost and close enough for me. Most places have cost in both but not all. Can't wait to get back and spend a few Guilders.

I use either and usually double check the math on the conversion. I figure 20 US + 35 guilders. I have never found a major error. I have read isolated posts here in the past about creative math at one restaurant. I read later that the guilty party was no longer there. The ATMs make it simple to go either way.

A lot of places will not take large US bills. Better bring 20's.