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Buying a car in Curaçao is different from buying one in the Netherlands, the US, or anywhere else. The island imports vehicles from all over the world, there is no consumer protection organization like BOVAG, and most of the market still runs through Facebook groups and WhatsApp.
This guide walks you through everything: where to find cars, what to watch out for, how registration works, and what it actually costs once you factor in taxes, insurance, and inspection.
The car market in Curaçao is spread across several platforms. No single place has every listing, which is why aggregators like Merkado exist. Here is where people buy and sell:
Online platforms are the most convenient starting point. Merkado pulls listings from multiple dealer sites into one searchable place, so you can compare prices across sources. Other platforms include CuraCars and Ser'iDomi.
Facebook Marketplace and groups remain the biggest channel for private sales. Groups like "Bende, Kumpra of Deal Curaçao" and "2dehands Curaçao" are very active. The downside is there is no search filtering, listings disappear quickly, and there is no price comparison.
Dealerships offer more structure but higher prices. Major dealers include Garage Cordia (Toyota, Lexus), Crown Automotives (Hyundai), AutoCity BV (Chevrolet, Suzuki, Honda, Mitsubishi), Select Automotive (VW, Audi, Mazda), and Star Motors (MG, Great Wall, Haval). You can browse many of these dealer inventories on Merkado.
Roadside "Te Koop" signs are still common. Drive around Willemstad and you will spot cars parked with handwritten price tags. This is a legitimate way to buy, though you have no recourse if something goes wrong.
Curaçao imports vehicles from every major market in the world. You will find American-spec Toyotas alongside Japanese domestic market Hondas, European VWs, Korean Hyundais, and increasingly, Chinese brands like MG, BYD, and Great Wall.
The most popular brands on the island are Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Japanese and Korean cars dominate because parts are widely available and mechanics know them well.
Browse by make on Merkado: Toyota | Hyundai | Kia | Nissan | Honda | Mitsubishi
Used car prices in Curaçao are generally higher than in the Netherlands or the US, because every vehicle on the island was imported at some point, and import duties add 27% to the base price for conventional cars.
Here is a rough price guide in XCG (Caribbean guilder, pegged at 1 USD = 1.79 XCG):
Under XCG 10,000 (under $5,600): Older vehicles (10+ years), often with high mileage. Be very careful in this range. Cars under XCG 7,000 are generally considered risky.
XCG 10,000 to 25,000 ($5,600 to $14,000): The sweet spot for reliable daily drivers. Expect 5 to 10 year old Toyotas, Hyundais, and Kias with reasonable mileage. Browse cars under XCG 25,000 on Merkado.
XCG 25,000 to 50,000 ($14,000 to $28,000): Newer models (2 to 5 years old), SUVs, and well-maintained premium vehicles.
Above XCG 50,000 ($28,000+): New or near-new cars, luxury brands, and large SUVs.
About the XCG currency: As of March 31, 2025, the Caribbean guilder (XCG) replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG/NAfl) at a 1:1 rate. You may still see prices listed in NAfl or USD. They are all equivalent: 1 NAfl = 1 XCG.
Curaçao has no equivalent of the Dutch BOVAG guarantee or the American Carfax report. Buyer beware is the rule. Here are the main risks:
US salvage and rebuilt title vehicles. Many cars on the island were bought at US salvage auctions (Copart, IAAI). A "rebuilt" title means the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company, then repaired. The quality of that repair varies wildly. Always ask for the original title or vehicle history. If the seller cannot produce it, walk away.
Tropical climate damage. Salt air accelerates rust, especially on undercarriages and brake components. Air conditioning systems work hard year-round and are expensive to repair. Check the AC during any test drive.
Odometer rollback. Without a centralized database like the Dutch RDW or the US NMVTIS, verifying mileage is difficult. Look for wear patterns that do not match the stated mileage: a car claiming 50,000 km should not have a worn-out steering wheel and cracked seats.
No warranty on private sales. When you buy from a private seller, the sale is final. Some dealers offer limited warranties, but this varies. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.
Once you have bought a car, here is exactly what you need to do to get it legally on the road. This process applies to both locally purchased used cars and imported vehicles.
Go to Keuringslokaal Parera (on the Selikor terrain) to register the vehicle. Since July 2025, you can also start this process online via SITA.
What you need:
Cost: The registration itself is free. License plates cost XCG 25.
The vehicle inspection happens at the same location (Keuringslokaal Parera). You can book an appointment online via SITA or by calling +5999 433-4123.
What gets checked: Lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals), horn, brakes, windshield wipers, mirrors, and tires. The inspection is notably less thorough than a Dutch APK. It takes about 4 minutes, though expect to wait about an hour total.
Cost: XCG 30. Cash is not accepted since October 2019. Pay by card or via online banking (select "UOVV" as biller in MCB banking). If you fail, a re-inspection within 30 days costs XCG 10.
Frequency: Every 2 years for private cars, every year for commercial vehicles.
Car insurance is mandatory in Curaçao. At minimum, you need WA (third-party liability) coverage. See our guide to car insurance in Curaçao for a full comparison of providers and coverage types.
Pay at the Belastingdienst office (WTC Piscadera or Eden Mall), at the post office, or at ACU. Rates for 2026:
You will receive a windshield sticker as proof of payment.
After completing all steps above, you get your plates at the MRB counter. The whole process typically takes 1 to 2 business days if your documents are in order.
Many people consider importing a car from the US or the Netherlands. This can save money, but the total landed cost is often higher than expected. Here is a quick comparison:
Import duty: 27% of CIF value for petrol/diesel cars. Hybrids pay approximately 10% (following a March 2026 court ruling). Fully electric vehicles pay 0% (since July 2023). On top of duty, 9% turnover tax (OB) applies to all imports.
Shipping costs: From the US (Florida), expect $1,000 to $4,100 depending on vehicle size and method. Transit time is 4 to 7 days. From the Netherlands, expect €1,200 to €4,700 with a 17 to 25 day transit.
Is it worth it? If you are relocating from the Netherlands, you may qualify for the verhuisboedel (household goods) exemption, which waives import duty entirely on one car per household. Conditions: the car must have been registered and insured in your name for at least 1 year, and you must complete the paperwork within 6 months of registering as a Curaçao resident.
For a detailed breakdown, read our complete guide to importing a car to Curaçao.
Most banks in Curaçao offer car loans. MCB, Banco di Caribe, RBC, Vidanova Bank, Orco Bank, and PSB Bank all have dedicated car loan products. Typical terms: up to 6 to 7 years for new cars, shorter for used. You will need a valid ID, proof of income, and most banks require permanent residency.
If you are new to the island and do not have local banking history yet, financing will be harder to get. Some people use personal loans from Island Finance (up to XCG 30,000) as an alternative, though these are not specifically structured as car loans.
Leasing is also an option through companies like URALCO Leasing, Autolease Curaçao, and Car Lease Caribbean.
Read our full guide to car financing in Curaçao for a bank-by-bank comparison.
A few essentials before you hit the road:
Registration at UOVV is free. You pay XCG 25 for license plates, XCG 30 for the vehicle inspection, and annual motor vehicle tax (XCG 296 to XCG 1,177 depending on your car). Insurance is also mandatory.
Yes. You need a valid ID or passport to register a vehicle. For insurance, a valid driver's license suffices. Getting a bank loan is harder without residency.
Most listings use XCG (Caribbean guilder), which replaced the NAfl in 2025 at a 1:1 rate. Some sellers still list in USD. The exchange rate is fixed at 1 USD = 1.79 XCG. The ANG/NAfl ceased being legal tender on July 1, 2025, but can still be exchanged at banks until March 31, 2026.
No. There is no centralized database like Carfax or RDW. Ask the seller for the original title, import documents, and maintenance records. For US-imported vehicles, you can run a VIN check through services like NMVTIS before purchasing.
Toyota (especially the Corolla, Yaris, and RAV4), Hyundai (Tucson, i10), and Kia (Sportage, Picanto) are the most practical choices. Parts are widely available, mechanics know them, and resale values hold well. Browse all Toyota listings or all Hyundai listings on Merkado.
Looking for a car right now? Browse all cars for sale in Curaçao on Merkado or list a car directly on the platform.