Travel tips for Bonaire

Bonaire's native language is Papiamentu, a Creole blend of African, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, French, English and Arawak. As Bonaire is part of the Netherlands, Dutch is the official language and the one used for all administration and legal matters — but it is the first language of fewer than one in ten islanders. Papiamentu is the mother tongue of about three quarters of the population and is recognised by the government.

Historians believe Papiamentu — from the Portuguese papear, to speak or converse — arose in the 17th century as a way for enslaved people from different parts of Africa to communicate with their Portuguese masters. Unlike most Creole languages it is spoken at every level of society, and it has become a defining part of the island's identity.

Casual summer clothing is the rule. Bring a hat if you mind the wind: the trade wind blows all year and it is not compatible with a carefully arranged hairstyle.

For the smarter restaurants, night clubs and casinos, one or two dressier outfits are appropriate. Swimwear belongs on the beach, not in the streets or in shops and restaurants.

Tap water is distilled directly from the sea, tastes good and is safe to drink.

Bonaire's country code is +599, followed by a seven-digit number.

There is GSM coverage, but roaming with a foreign provider can be very expensive. If your phone is unlocked, a prepaid SIM card is far cheaper. Calling over WhatsApp or another internet service is cheaper still when you are on wifi.

Reception is good almost everywhere, though remote corners can be patchy. Practically every hotel and rental has wifi, and open networks are easy to find in Kralendijk.

Bonaire has almost no public transport. Everything that makes the island worth visiting — the dive sites along the west coast, Washington Slagbaai, the salt pans in the south — sits along a road with no bus on it. A car is not a luxury here.

Taxis wait at the airport, though they get busy when a large flight lands or a cruise ship is in. From elsewhere on the island you can call the airport taxi stand on +599 717 8100.

Fares are not metered because the government sets them, and every driver must be able to show you the price list; the fares are also posted on a board at the airport. Taxis carry the letters TX on the licence plate, and hailing one in the street is not the custom here. Fares are a little higher in the evening and at night, and on Sundays and public holidays.

Bonaire's official currency is the US dollar, so there is nothing to convert. Euros can only be exchanged at a bank, and rates vary slightly between shops and hotels.

ATMs are widely available, including one at Flamingo International Airport. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most places and debit cards are widely accepted, while personal cheques are not. Traveller's cheques are barely used on Bonaire and most businesses will not take them.

Any local bank will change money for you, and your hotel's front desk can often handle small amounts. ATM instructions are given in Dutch, English or Papiamentu.

Tipping is common and expected, along American lines. In restaurants aim for 10% to 15%, after checking whether a service charge is already on the bill.

Bonaire is a relaxed and safe place; take the same precautions you would anywhere. Avoid remote places after dark, take nothing valuable to the beach and leave nothing valuable in the car. Keep your belongings out of sight or in the hotel safe, keep an eye on your luggage, and never carry a package for someone you do not know.