Willemstad/Philipsburg – One year after the introduction of the Caribbean guilder, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) looks back on a smooth transition to the new currency. As of 1 April 2026, Netherlands Antillean guilder (NAf) banknotes and coins can only be exchanged at the CBCS. Exchange at commercial banks will no longer be possible from this date. The public can continue to exchange NAf at the CBCS until 31 March 2055.
On March 31st, 2025, the Caribbean guilder was officially introduced in the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Since then, citizens and businesses have gradually switched from the NAf to the new currency. By end-February 2026, a total of approximately 385.9 million (about 77%) of the NAf banknotes and coins that were in circulation on 31 March 2025 have been exchanged.
The CBCS expresses its appreciation to all institutions and individuals who contributed to the efficient progress of the transition. Special thanks go to the commercial banks, which played a crucial role in the exchange process.
Individuals who are visiting the CBCS in Curaçao for the first time and wish to exchange an amount under Cg 20,000 may do so without an appointment from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Returning visitors, or first-time visitors who wish to exchange more than Cg 20,000, are asked to make an appointment via www.centralbank.cw/exchange-request.
Exchange transactions at the CBCS in Sint Maarten are only possible by appointment via email cashdepartment-sxm@centralbank.sx.
Additional conditions apply for exchanges of amounts above 20,000 guilders. Further information is available in the exchange policy on the CBCS website: https://www.caribbean guilder.com/exchange-procedure.
