Emergencies are treated at the San Francisco Hospital. Travel health insurance and travel repatriation insurance is recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who are over six months old and arrive within 6 days of staying in a WHO-designated infected area. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit passengers who do not leave the airport on Bonaire. [2] Typhoid can occur, poliomyelitis cannot. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [3] Tap water is obtained from a seawater desalination plant and is generally suitable as drinking water. Milk is pasteurized and local dairy products are safe. Careful food hygiene should be exercised with meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Caution should be exercised before consuming reef fish and seafood that is offered as a deli in dining restaurants because of possible algae poisoning.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens can be found in some ponds and rivers nationwide. Swimming and wading in inland waters should therefore be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general.
Money
Currency
1 US dollar = 100 cents. Currency code: US$, USD (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of US$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins come in denominations of $1, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent. The US dollar has been the official currency of Bonaire since 2011. It replaced the Antillean florin (Antillean guilder).
Credit cards
Shops, restaurants, hotels and car rental companies usually accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, but usually not Diners Club). You can also pay by credit card in supermarkets (in some cases even with American Express). There are ATMs on the island where you can withdraw cash in US dollars using a credit card. Details from the manufacturer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards The Girocard (formerly EC card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, you should always have a credit card. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are rarely available in Austria. Traveller’s checks can be cashed in banks in Bonaire. They are preferably accepted in US dollars. When redeeming the ID card or passport is required.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.00/08.30-15.30/16.00 (partly with a lunch break). The MCB Bonaire airport branch is also open on Saturday mornings.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import of local currency and foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration obligation exists from a value of 10,000 US$. Unlimited export of local and foreign currency. The import of silver coins from the Netherlands and Suriname is prohibited.
Currency Exchange
Most major currencies can be exchanged easily. US dollars can also be exchanged in stores. However, you should carry small denomination banknotes, US$50 and US$100 banknotes are not always easy to change.
