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Location: Bonaire is part of the Netherlands Antilles and lies in the southern Caribbean 50 miles (80 km) to the north of Venezuela, 30 miles (48 km) off the East Coast of Curacao, 86 miles (138 km) east of Aruba and about 1720 miles (2752 km) from New York. Size: 24 miles long by 3-5 miles wide covering approximately 112 square miles. Weather: Bonaire lies just outside the hurricane belt and enjoys a sunny climate all year round. The average air temperature is 82°F with the water temperature only a few degrees lower. Rainfall is moderate at 22 inches per annum. Getting to Bonaire: From North America, American Eagle offers several flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Delta Airlines has weekly service connecting in Atlanta. Continental Airlines has two weekly flights to Bonaire - one from Newark and one from Houston. American Airlines also offers direct flights into Curacao where you can connect with a smaller airline ( Dutch Caribbean Express, DiviDivi, or Insel Air ) for the 20-minute flight to Bonaire. Several major airlines fly from the U.S. into Aruba where Dutch Caribbean Express also offers regular service to Bonaire. From Europe, KLM offers daily service to Bonaire. Airport Departure Tax: Bonaire has an airport departure tax currently at $33.40 per person, payable in cash or debit/credit card (except American Express) at the airport for all international destinations. Other Taxes: Tourist Hotel tax of US$5.50 to $6.50 per person per night. Car rentals are taxed at US$3.50 per day. There is also a 5% tax on car rentals, meals, services and general purchases. Language: Dutch and Papiamentu. English and Spanish are widely spoken. Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. Currency: Bonaire's official currency is the Antillean Guilder (NAf). US Dollars are widely accepted, as are credit cards. The exchange rate is US $1.00 = NAf 1.77 although most stores calculate it at US $1.00 = NAf 1.75. Banking hours are generally Mon - Fri 8.00am - 3.30pm. Drinking Water: Bonaire's drinking water is distilled and purified seawater. It is safe to drink. Electricity: 127 volt, 50 cycles. Most U.S. appliances will work, but will run hotter. Sensitive items not listed for 50 cycles should be plugged into a transformer or protected circuit. Hospital: San Francisco Hospital has 60 beds and a recompression chamber. The hospital has an air ambulance service to Curacao and Aruba. Pharmacies: There are 3 pharmacies on the island, also known as Botika. Botika Bonaire in the center of town on Kaya Grandi 27. Botika Korona on Kaya Korona 180 and Botika Rincon in the village of Rincon. Shopping: Shopping hours vary by store but generally are Mon - Fri 8.00am - 12.00pm.2:00pm - 6.00pm. Sat 8.00am - 12.30pm. Food Markets: There are several grocery stores on Bonaire and selection varies. The larger ones are Cultimara (open Mon thru Sat. 7:30 am to 7pm & Sundays - 8am to 2pm), Bonaire Warehouse (open Mon - Friday from 8am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, closed Sundays). More for Less, and Tropical Flamingo. In addition to these, you will also find numerous smaller markets and convenience stores. Communications: To call Bonaire from the U.S. firsdial "011-599" and then the seven digit phone number. To call the U.S. from Bonaire dial "001" then the area code and number. Cell phone rentals are readily available and offer the cheapest calling rates to the U.S. Additionally, some U.S. cell phones that operate on GSM 900 frequency (usually a tri-band or quad-band phone from T-Mobil or Cingular) will work but must be unlocked by your carrier prior to leaving the U.S. and rates are high. Crime: Bonaire remains one of the safest islands in the Caribbean but unfortunately crime is everywhere and thefts do occur. Use common sense. Don't leave anything in your vehicle (or at least in view) that someone might want. Don't leave anything in view in your room that someone might want. Lock your doors and windows when you are away and at night. Check to make sure that sliding glass doors are secure. Many places including Lighthouse Beach Resort offer nighttime security patrols. Some accommodations, like our place at Lighthouse Beach, have the added protection of iron security bars &/or security windows. U.S. Govenment Department of State: Travel information and passport requirements for Bonaire available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_981.html For more information on Bonaire visit Bonaire's Official Tourism Website |
BONAIRE TRAVEL TIPS & INFORMATION |