Street Scams in Willemstad, Curacao
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Willemstad — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Punta Cana, San José, and Havana.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Willemstad
How it works
Curacao's signature Blue Curacao liqueur is a major souvenir item, and vendors at informal street markets and pop-up stalls sell unlabeled or counterfeit bottles claiming to be the authentic Senior & Co. product. Counterfeit bottles often contain cheap grain alcohol with artificial coloring and flavoring.
How it works
The Punda shopping district in Willemstad — particularly around the Breedestraat pedestrian shopping street and on weekends when it is crowded — sees opportunistic pickpocketing. Scooter-based bag snatching has also been reported on quieter streets near the Otrobanda waterfront.
How it works
The Floating Market in Willemstad — where Venezuelan vendors sell fresh produce from their boats — is a beloved attraction, but some vendors exploit the confusion of Antillean guilder (ANG) versus USD pricing to short-change tourists. Transactions are fast-paced and it is easy to accept wrong change.
See all scams in Willemstad
11 total warnings across all categories