BANKING: Banking hours are generally Mon - Fri 8.00am - 3.30pm.

CURRENCY: Bonaire's official currency is the Antillean Guilder (NAf). US Dollars are widely accepted as are credit cards. You can expect an exchange rate of US$ 1.00 = NAf 1.78

DRESS CODE: Casual dress is normal although some hotels and restaurants require 'elegantly casual' in the evenings. Please ensure to cover up if you are venturing into the shops from the beach.

ELECTRICITY: The electric supply is 110-130 volts AC at 50 cycles.

LANGUAGE: The local language is Papiamentu which is a mix of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and a sprinkling of African, English, French and Italian. English and Spanish are widely spoken.

LOCATION & CLIMATE: Bonaire lies in the Netherland Antilles, 50 miles (80 km) to the north of Venezuela, 30 miles (48 km) off the East Coast of Curaçao, 86 miles (138 km) east of Aruba and about 1720 miles (2752 km) from New York. With a sunny climate all year round and an average temperature of 28°C (84°F) and the water temperature only a few degrees lower it is understandable that you might want to spend all day in the sun. To ensure you still go home with a good tan try to avoid the intense 'mid-day' sun between 11.00am and 2.00pm and always use a high protection sun cream, even on overcast days. Build your tan slowly - there's plenty of time. Rainfall is moderate at 22 inches (560 mm) per annum with topography not unlike Northern Arizona - except with beaches!

SHOPPING: Shopping hours are similar; Mon - Fri 8.00am - 12.30pm. 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Sat 8.00am - 12.30pm. Supermarkets generally stay open later.

TELEPHONES: Telephone and other telecommunication services are supplied by Telbo and are very reliable. Direct dialing is available for both local and overseas calls. Phone cards are popular and widely available.

WATER: Bonaire's water supply is distilled, purified seawater.