Question 1

What is the "Fake Blue Curacao Liqueur at Street Markets" scam in Willemstad?

Accepted Answer

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. Purchase Blue Curacao only at the Chobolobo distillery shop (the authentic producer since 1896), duty-free airport shops, or established supermarkets like Centrum. The genuine bottle has a distinct label with "Senior & Co." branding and a government tax seal — inspect it carefully.

Question 2

What is the "Punda District Pickpocketing" scam in Willemstad?

Accepted Answer

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. Keep bags zipped and worn across the front of your body in crowded shopping areas. Do not carry your passport into Punda — leave it in your hotel safe. Avoid walking alone on quiet Otrobanda streets after dark with visible valuables.

Question 3

What is the "Floating Market Vendor Short-Changing" scam in Willemstad?

Accepted Answer

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. Know the exchange rate before approaching (1 USD ≈ 1.80 ANG). Conduct all transactions slowly and count your change before moving on. Carrying exact change in small denominations eliminates most opportunities for short-changing.

Street Scams in Willemstad

Fake Blue Curacao Liqueur at Street Markets

Punda District Pickpocketing

Floating Market Vendor Short-Changing

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