Country Guides Caribbean Netherlands Currency

Currency in Caribbean Netherlands: USD Send & Spend FX Guide

Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Caribbean Netherlands with the US dollar.

What is a good US dollar exchange rate?

The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.

To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:

Good things to know about the US dollar

Here are a few things you may want to know about the U.S. dollar:

1. The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the United States and is used for all transactions within the country.

2. It is abbreviated as "USD": The U.S. dollar is abbreviated as "USD," and the symbol for the dollar is "$."

3. It is accepted worldwide: The U.S. dollar is a widely accepted currency and can be used for transactions in many countries around the world.

4. Its value fluctuates: The value of the U.S. dollar can fluctuate based on a variety of economic factors, such as interest rates, inflation, and the strength of the U.S. economy.

5. It is issued by the Federal Reserve: The U.S. dollar is issued by the Federal Reserve, which is responsible for managing the country's monetary policy. The Federal Reserve is a quasi-independent agency that is responsible for setting interest rates and regulating the money supply in the U.S.

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of several countries outside the United States, including:

1. East Timor: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of East Timor, a country located in Southeast Asia.

2. El Salvador: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of El Salvador, a country located in Central America.

3. Zimbabwe: The U.S. dollar is one of the official currencies of Zimbabwe, a country located in Southern Africa.

4. The British Virgin Islands: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the British Virgin Islands, a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea.

5. The Marshall Islands: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the Marshall Islands, a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean.

6. The Federated States of Micronesia: The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the Federated States of Micronesia, a country located in the Pacific Ocean.

The U.S. dollar banknotes and coins

The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1 cent (¢), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), and 50 cents (half dollar). The banknotes come in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

The banknotes feature images of famous American historical figures, such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Benjamin Franklin. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.

For more USD information check out our selection of US dollar news and guides.

Travel money for Caribbean Netherlands

Using Wise for US dollar travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.

Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.

For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in US dollar otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.

If you really want US dollar cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the USD cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.

 

 

Everyday Costs in in Caribbean Netherlands

How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Caribbean Netherlands? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.

Currency Guide: Caribbean Netherlands (BQ)

For a mid-range traveler planning a week-long stay in the Caribbean Netherlands, a rough budget of around $1,200 to $1,500 USD would be ideal. This amount typically covers decent accommodations, meals, and activities without venturing into luxury territory. Daily expenses can vary, but here’s a snapshot of typical costs in the local currency, the Caribbean guilder (ANG) 💰:

• Meal at a local restaurant: 25–40 ANG 🍽️

• Coffee: 5–10 ANG ☕

• Public transport fare: 2–5 ANG 🚌

• Prepaid SIM card: 40–60 ANG 📱

• Budget hotel or Airbnb: 100–150 ANG per night 🛏️

In terms of affordability, the Caribbean Netherlands is regarded as an average to slightly expensive destination when compared to the United States. For instance, dining out and accommodation may cost more than similar experiences in the U.S., but still remain less pricey than in the UK, where visitors can expect to pay more for the same level of comfort and services.

Expat Living Costs and Banking Tips

For expats planning to settle in the Caribbean Netherlands, monthly living costs can vary significantly based on lifestyle choices, but a typical budget might range around 2,500 to 3,500 ANG. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, and leisure activities. When it comes to banking, expatriates will find that using local banks may incur fees, so opting for a multi-currency account can be beneficial for managing funds. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash on hand is advisable for smaller vendors.

When it comes to exchanging money, online transfer services like Wise or OFX often offer better conversion rates and lower fees compared to local exchange counters. For expatriates, utilizing these services can facilitate transactions both for sending money back home and receiving local currency without the overhead costs associated with traditional banking. Overall, strategic financial planning will ensure that managing funds in the Caribbean Netherlands is efficient and cost-effective.