Internship in Curaçao: how to find housing

Start 2 to 3 months ahead

Many internships start around February and September, and affordable rooms go quickly around those dates. Start looking two to three months before you leave. That gives you time to compare, read your lease calmly and pay your deposit on time.

Mind the difference between holiday rentals and long stay housing. Holiday homes are made for a few weeks and are priced that way. For an internship of six months or more you are better off with housing meant for longer stays, at a fixed monthly price.

What does a room cost?

Do not just look at the rent, look at what is included. A low rent without water, electricity and internet can end up more expensive, especially as electricity in Curaçao is not cheap and fans or air conditioning run a lot.

At GB20 you pay from €395 per month, including water, electricity and wifi. Upfront you pay a two month deposit, a €34.95 admin fee and the first month. For a €450 room that is €1,384.95 in total. On top of that, budget for transport, groceries and your flight.

Paperwork: arrange your stay in time

If you come for an internship, a tourist stay is not enough: you are not allowed to do an internship during a tourist stay. According to the Curaçao Immigration Service, interns apply for a declaration by right (verklaring van rechtswege) with internship as the purpose. Start early, as processing can take a while.

Ask your school and host company which documents they need, and always check the current requirements with the Curaçao Immigration Service. Rules can change. You will need a signed lease for your address on the island either way.

Money: euro or guilder?

In shops in Curaçao you pay with the Caribbean guilder (XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder on 31 March 2025. At Kuarto Living you simply pay your rent in euro, by bank transfer.

Where do you want to live?

Choose a place close to your internship or with good connections. Public transport in Curaçao is limited; many interns rent a car or scooter or share rides with housemates. Living close to Willemstad city centre means you can walk more.

GB20 is in Steenrijk, close to the boulevard. Mambo Beach is 3 minutes away, the supermarket 2 minutes, and the city centre and bus station are within walking distance.

Checklist before you sign

• What is the minimum stay and how do you give notice?
• Are water, electricity and internet included?
• How much is the deposit and when do you get it back?
• Is the room furnished and is there an inventory list?
• What does leaving early or cancelling cost?
• Does your door have its own lock?
• Can friends stay over?
• Which account do you pay to, and in whose name?

How to avoid scams

Never pay a deposit before you have seen a written lease. Only transfer money to a business account in the name of the company on the lease, and be careful with offers that only run through social media or are much cheaper than the rest. When in doubt, ask for a video viewing.

How it works at Kuarto Living

1. Apply online and choose your room type and period.
2. Log in to My Kuarto and fill in your details.
3. We prepare your lease; you read it and sign online.
4. Transfer the move-in amount and upload your proof of payment.
5. When you arrive, your PIN is ready and we check the inventory list together.