Curaçao

To truly experience the magic of Curaçao, you need to venture beyond the pastel-colored storefronts of Punda and Otrobanda. While the iconic Queen Emma Bridge is a must-see in Willemstad, the island's most breathtaking limestone coves are tucked away on the northwest coast in the Westpunt area. Renting a car is the most practical way to reach spots like Playa Kenepa Grandi (Grote Knip). Expect to pay around 80 ANG to 110 ANG ($45–$60 USD) per day for a standard rental. Navigating the island's winding roads and finding hidden beach entrances is much easier with a live map, so it’s wise to activate a Hello eSIM before you land at Hato International Airport. This ensures you have immediate data for GPS and local search without hunting for physical SIM cards or facing unexpected roaming charges. If you're traveling with friends, use the Hello app to split the cost of the rental car and fuel effortlessly, keeping your group finances transparent from the moment you leave the airport lot.

Curaçaoan cuisine is a vibrant melting pot of Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin American influences. For an authentic and affordable lunch, head to Plasa Bieu (the Old Market) in the heart of Willemstad. Here, you can sit at communal wooden tables and feast on Keshi Yena—a traditional dish of spiced meat stuffed into a Gouda cheese shell—or a hearty goat stew known as Kabritu Stobá. A generous plate here typically costs between 25 ANG and 40 ANG ($14–$22 USD). Because many local eateries and street food stalls prefer cash in the local guilder, use the budget tracking feature in the Hello app to record your spending in ANG. It helps you see exactly how much you've spent on those delicious Pastechis (savory fried pastries) or fresh batidos (fruit smoothies) without having to perform constant mental currency conversions. For a more refined evening, the Pietermaai District offers stunning oceanfront dining where you can enjoy fresh snapper while the waves crash against the sea wall.

While the main island has over 35 beaches, a day trip to Klein Curaçao—an uninhabited island about two hours away by boat—is a quintessential experience. These excursions usually cost around 180 ANG to 220 ANG ($100–$120 USD) and typically include a BBQ lunch and snorkeling gear. You can use the Hello trip planner to organize your boat departure times and keep your itinerary in one place. Back on the mainland, don't miss Playa Lagun, where the narrow bay provides a natural sanctuary for sea turtles. Many of the public beaches are free, but some private beach clubs, like those at Jan Thiel, charge a small entrance fee of about 6 ANG ($3.50 USD) and additional for a sun lounger. If you’re traveling in a group, the expense splitting feature in the Hello app is a lifesaver for managing these small entry fees and shared cooler supplies. Between snorkeling sessions, your Hello eSIM will keep you connected so you can instantly share photos of the crystal-clear water with friends and family.