Big changes are coming to Curaçao and Sint Maarten! 🇰🇻 On March 31, 2025, we will officially transition from the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) to the Caribbean Guilder (XCG). This marks a major milestone in our financial system, bringing more clarity, modernization, and stability to our economy.
Why the Switch?
Since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, the ANG has remained in use despite no longer being tied to an official governing body. The Caribbean Guilder will be the new, unified currency for Curaçao and Sint Maarten, ensuring a more independent and transparent financial system.
A Beautiful and Secure Currency
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Caribbean Guilder is its stunning design! The banknotes will feature our breathtaking marine life on one side and our rich cultural heritage on the other. Imagine paying for your morning coffee with a bill featuring a sea turtle or a coral reef! 🐢🌊
Security has also been a top priority. These new banknotes will include cutting-edge security features to prevent counterfeiting, giving everyone greater confidence in using the currency.
How Will This Affect Real Estate in Curaçao?
For buyers, sellers, and investors, this is great news!
- More Clarity & Trust – A new, stable currency strengthens trust in Curaçao’s real estate market, making it more appealing to foreign buyers.
- No Currency Surprises – The exchange rate is fixed at 1 XCG = 1.79 USD, ensuring smooth and predictable transactions.
- Boosting Investment – A modernized financial system is a positive signal for investors, increasing demand for both residential and commercial properties.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling property in Curaçao, this transition might be the perfect time to seize new opportunities!
Be Aware: Financial Crime Risks During the Transition
While this change marks a significant milestone, it also brings financial crime risks that must not be overlooked. The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) and the Financial Intelligence Unit Sint Maarten (FIU) are urging vigilance from all service providers to prevent misuse of this transition period.
🚨 Key Risks to Watch Out For:
- Suspicious Deposits: Depositing large sums of cash without a clear source or purpose.
- Fraud in Currency Exchange: Converting illegally obtained funds in the old currency into the new currency to make them appear legitimate.
- Purchasing Luxury Goods with Cash: Using large amounts of cash to buy real estate, jewelry, or vehicles.
- Casino Fraud: Purchasing casino chips with illegally obtained old currency and exchanging them for new currency after minimal or no play.
Criminals often seek to operate unnoticed during major financial transitions like this. Businesses and financial institutions must closely monitor transaction patterns and implement strong Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Combating the Financing of Proliferation (CFP) frameworks.
We strongly urge all supervised institutions to report any unusual transactions to the FIU in a timely manner. Taking preventive measures will help maintain the integrity of our financial system and ensure a smooth, secure transition to the Caribbean Guilder.
How to Exchange Your Old Guilders
If you’re wondering how to swap your old ANG bills for the new Caribbean Guilder, here’s what you need to know:
💳 For Bank Account Holders:
- Exchange your ANG for XCG at any commercial bank from March 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
- After March 31, 2026, you can only exchange them at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) until March 31, 2055.
💻 If You Don’t Have a Bank Account:
- You can exchange up to ANG 2,500 in cash at CBCS without an appointment.
- This can only be done once, so plan accordingly.
📈 For Larger Amounts:
- If you have more than ANG 2,500 to exchange, you must book an appointment with CBCS and complete a Source of Funds (SOF) form.
- Exchanges will be closely monitored under anti-money laundering regulations.
Key Dates to Remember
✅ March 31, 2025 – The Caribbean Guilder enters circulation.
✅ June 30, 2025 – Last day to use ANG for purchases.
✅ March 31, 2026 – Final day to exchange ANG at commercial banks.
✅ March 31, 2055 – Absolute last chance to exchange ANG at CBCS.
Stay Informed!
To help everyone get familiar with the new currency, the CBCS has launched the “My Caribbean Guilder” app, where you can explore the design, security features, and exchange process.
This transition is a historic moment for Curaçao’s economy and a great opportunity for the real estate market. If you’re considering buying or selling a property, now is the time to plan ahead. Have questions about how this change affects your real estate goals? Let’s talk! 🏡💪
Contact Me for Expert Real Estate Guidance
I’m Haime (Dalhaime Damice), a dedicated and experienced real estate agent with a deep understanding of Curaçao’s evolving market. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, I’m here to help you navigate this transition smoothly.
📞 Phone: +5999 6784302
📧 Email: [email protected]
