Bonaire Info
Bonaire Fauna Bonaire Fauna are a lucky lot. They live in a tropical paradise with the lovliest people who care for their well-being. The flamingos, turtles, iguanas and bats are all protected. Find out all about these friendly creatures on our Animals page . Lionfish Lionfish have invaded the Bonaire waters. They are threatening all the juvenille fish on the reefs and are reproducing rapidly. We ask all divers to carry lionfish marker tape with them and mark every sighting so they can be hunted easily. Learn more on our Lionfish page . Drinking water:
Bonaire has the best drink straight from the tap water ever! Sticking with their conservation efforts they distill and purify sea water so no bottled water is required. They also discourage the purchase of bottles of water to reduce waste as they have no recycling facilities on the island. It's advisable to bring your own reusable water bottle for your visit. See more recommended items to bring on our packing list page .
Currency:
On January 1, 2010 Bonaire made the switch to U.S. currency. They previously used both the Dutch guilder and the U.S. dollar. Travellers checks and credit cards are accepted in most places as well.
Atm/ Banks:
Bonaire has a number of banks throughout the island all with Atm machines to make your cash withdrawls.
Electricity:
Bonaire electricity is 127 V, 50 Hz. Which means it will run all North American appliance ect a little "hotter" because of the lesser cycles (50 Hz instead of 60 Hz). An adapter will not solve this problem as adapters are used to regulate the volts. For sensitive equiptment like battery charging all dive shops and resorts offer access to appropriate stations for charging.
Language:
The official language is Dutch, although the common and native language is Papiamentu . Spanish and English is widely spoken on the island as well. Location:
Bonaire is in the southern Caribbean about 80 km (50 miles) off of Venezuela in south America. Bonaire is the B part of the ABC islands where A = Aruba and C = Curacao.
Time:
Atlantic standard time.
Passport:
A passport is required whether your coming from Europe, Australia, Canada or the U.S. A return ticket is also required.
Duty Free:
Bringing into Bonaire: - 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars, 2 litres of alchol and $60.00 worth of gifts. Leaving Bonaire: - U.S. allows $600.00 per person with one quart allowed in liquor - Canada allows $750 per person with 40 ounces of liquor or two dozen beers.
Taxes:
There is a $6.50 room tax per night per person, a $20.00 departure fee and a $3.50 car rental tax per day. A 6% tax on other purchases.
Tipping: Giving a 15% tip is recommended for anyone who provided you with good service. Some places will add a 10-15% service charge to their bill. It's always a good idea to ask. Marine Park tag:
Everyone who uses the water is required to purchase a marine park tag for $10.00 which will also gain you access to Washington Slagbaai Park with no further fees. Scuba divers must pay $25.00 for their Marine Park Tag and also do a dive orientation and a check out dive.
Legal Age:
The legal drinking age is 18. The legal gambling age is 21.
Telephone:
International code is- 011 for North America and 00 for Europe and the rest of the world. The country code is- 599.
Medical Facilities:
Emergency number is 191. Hospitaal San Fransisco has 60 beds, serveral doctors and are capable of handling any emergencies that may arise. There is a hyperbaric chamber next door to the hospital with well equipt staff. There is also a pharmacy.
Weather:
Bonaire sits below the hurrican belt. The weather averages 86* F (29*C) from November to March and 88*F (31*C) from April to October. The winds always blow from the east at an average of 15 mph (25kmph). The annual rainfall is less than 22 inches, giving plenty of opportunities for sunshine! Airport Bonaire has one airport named after their national bird... Flamingo Bonaire Airport serves many travellers daily.
Baggage Allowance: All flights from Europe will have weight restrictions. Check out baggage allowance page for more info.
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