Why Digital Nomads in Curaçao Are Choosing Risk for Real Connection

Digital nomads in Curaçao prefer connection over comfort.

Curaçao gets sold as a remote work dream: beaches, coworking spots, and cafés made for Instagram. But not everyone’s buying in. Some nomads are skipping the curated lifestyle and choosing to live local, off the grid. 

It’s not always smooth. Safety can be a concern. Language can get in the way. And the culture isn’t built around outsiders. But for those who stay, there’s something real: community, connection, and a better sense of what life here is actually like. 

This post dives into that side of the island: informal coliving, what it’s like outside the tourist zones, and how learning Papiamentu can change everything. 

Disclaimer: 

This blog post is intended solely for informational purposes. We do not endorse or promote the practice of coliving or any related lifestyle choices. Our aim is to provide sincere and objective insights into digital nomad life and virtual office options in Curaçao. 

The Rise of Underground Coliving in Curaçao 

Aside from the coworking spots and ocean views. There’s a quieter scene growing in Curaçao, far from the tourist zones. In places like Otrobanda, Seru Fortuna, and Barber, nomads are sharing homes, not for the vibe, but for the cost, the freedom, and the chance to build something real. 

These aren’t branded coliving spaces. They’re villas, apartments, and guesthouses found through WhatsApp, Facebook, or someone’s cousin. No filters, no perks. Just people figuring it out together. 

“For a change of pace, we rented a house in Playa Lagun, a calmer area on the far west of the island. Most houses here sit on the edge of a cliff, so you have an amazing view of the ocean and the sunset,” writes Sabrina Maasdam, a digital nomad who spent three months living in Curaçao. 

Some of these coliving spots are starting to show up on platforms like Mapmelon, but most stay off the radar. Hosts often skip the paperwork, avoid rental rules, and look for guests who value connection over comfort. 

It’s not always smooth. No property manager means no one to fix the plumbing or settle disputes. Safety can be hit or miss. And in areas outside the tourist zones, basic stuff : water pressure, transport, even Wi-Fi isn’t guaranteed. 

Still, for the right kind of traveler, that’s part of the deal. You trade convenience for something real. 

This kind of setup isn’t for everyone. But for those craving authenticity over amenities, Curaçao’s underground coliving scene offers a raw, rewarding alternative to the curated digital nomad experience. 

Safety in the Shadows: The Trade-Offs of Going Local 

Curaçao is often called one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. But once you step outside the resorts and coworking hubs, things get more complex. 

For nomads living in local neighborhoods or informal coliving setups, safety becomes personal. You’re not just passing through; you’re part of the rhythm of the place. That can be rewarding, but it also means taking responsibility for your own security and learning how to move with the community around you. 

Petty Crime Is the Real Concern 

While violent crime is rare and typically doesn’t involve tourists or nomads, property crimes are more common, especially in areas outside the main tourist zones. Think car break-ins, petty theft, and the occasional scam. 

A Reddit user who lived in Curaçao for over three years shared:  

“Power outages happen regularly, food options can be limited, and crime has been going up. I loved the weather and the people, but it’s not always an easy place to live.” 

Andrew Helling from Travellers Worldwide writes, “Violent crimes also happen on the island, although they are very rare. Most violent crime incidents affect locals, not tourists. But property crimes like vehicle break-ins and scams are common.” 

Tips from the Ground 

If you’re planning to live like a local, here are a few street-smart tips shared by nomads and expats who’ve been around: 

• Don’t leave anything valuable in your car, even for a quick beach stop. Break-ins happen, and rental cars are easy targets. 

• Avoid walking alone in quiet areas at night. Stick to streets with people and lights. 

• Join local WhatsApp groups. They’re great for real-time updates on safe areas and community alerts. 

• Be careful with rental listings. Scams do happen: fake properties, shady landlords, and requests for cash deposits upfront. 

Living outside the tourist bubble can be rewarding, but it pays to stay sharp. 

Choosing to live outside the tourist bubble means you’ll likely pay less, see more, and connect deeper, but it also means you’ll need to be more vigilant. There’s no concierge to call if something goes wrong, and the police response can be slow in remote areas.

Still, many nomads say the trade-off is worth it. 

Speak Papiamentu or Stay in the Bubble 

If there’s one thing that separates the digital nomads who live in Curaçao from those who just stay here, it’s this: language. 

Sure, you can get by with English. Most locals speak it fluently, especially in tourist zones and coworking spaces. But if you want to move beyond the surface, into the neighborhoods, the culture, and the real Curaçao, you’ll need to speak at least a little Papiamentu. 

“The main reason to learn Papiamentu is to make life easier on Curaçao,” writes CuracaoTodo. “Speaking Papiamentu is respectful to the people, and you often get things done faster.” 

Language as a Social Filter 

Papiamentu isn’t just a tool; it’s a cultural key. It opens doors to local friendships, better prices, and a deeper sense of belonging. It’s also a sign of respect. Locals notice when you make the effort, even if your accent is off or your grammar is a mess. 

“Using small words like Bon dia and Danki will be very much appreciated by the islanders,” says Exploring Curaçao. “They’ll be smiling at you when you say hi, bye, or see you later.” 

On the flip side, nomads who stick to English often find themselves in a social bubble; limited to expat meetups, tourist areas, and Airbnb hosts. It’s comfortable, sure. But it’s also isolating. 

“I started learning Papiamentu to surprise my wife’s family,” wrote one Reddit user. “But what I didn’t expect was how quickly it changed my experience on the island. People opened up. I wasn’t just another tourist; I was trying to be part of something.” 

How You Can Learn Papiamentu 

You don’t need to be fluent in Papiamentu. Even a few phrases can open doors. Here’s how to get started: 

• Apps: Lora – Learn Papiamentu is built by a local and offers quick, practical lessons with native audio. It’s also available on iOS. [play.google.com], [apps.apple.com] 

• Courses: Sheedia’s Papiamentu Course is a self-paced video program created by a native speaker who’s passionate about sharing the language and culture. [learn.papi...course.com] 

• Immersion: Watch local TV, listen to Papiamentu radio, and talk to vendors at markets or cafés. You’ll pick up more than just vocabulary; you’ll learn how people actually speak. 

Language and Identity 

Papiamentu is more than a creole; it’s a living symbol of Curaçaoan identity. It blends Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African roots into something uniquely Caribbean. Speaking it, even imperfectly, is a way of saying, "I see you. I respect you. I’m here to learn.” 

“We are in Curaçao. Therefore, I will speak Papiamentu. You simply have to adjust,” said a local event organizer during a now-viral press conference, pushing back against a Dutch journalist who insisted on speaking Dutch. 

That moment sparked a national conversation about language, power, and belonging. For digital nomads, it’s a reminder: language isn’t just about communication—it’s about connection. 

Entrepreneurial Digital Nomads in Curacao Share Their Experience 

We wanted to talk to entrepreneurs with first-hand experience of living as digital nomads in Curacao. So we went ahead and asked the. Here is what they had to say. 

Digital Nomad Life in Curaçao: It Might be Exactly What You Need 

Living in Curaçao wasn’t about luxury or perfect setups. It was about finding rhythm in the everyday. The coliving scene is small, mostly tucked into local neighborhoods, but it’s tight-knit. You meet people fast: designers, writers, freelancers; all figuring it out together. 

Most places weren’t fancy. Shared houses, old villas, guest rooms found through WhatsApp or a friend of a friend. But they worked. The vibe was collaborative, not curated, and that made it easy to connect. 

Safety? It’s fine if you stay aware and respect how things run locally. I never felt unsafe, but I also didn’t take dumb risks. Learning a bit of Papiamentu helped more than I expected. Even a few words opened doors. People appreciate the effort, and it led to real friendships and better prices. 

Curaçao gave me space to work, think, and breathe. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking for calm, culture, and community, it might be exactly what you need. 

For Liam living in Curaçao was about finding rhythm in the everyday.

Liam Derbyshire 

CEO / Founder at  Influize 

Digital Nomad Life in Curaçao: It wasn’t perfect, but it was real 

As a photographer running Wanderlust Portraits, I spent a few months living and working in Curaçao. I stayed in a family-run guesthouse near Willemstad cheap, low-key, and full of creative people. Artists, freelancers, and remote workers shared meals, gear, and local tips. It felt more like a community than a rental. 

Living this way gave me access to places I wouldn’t have found on my own. Everyone looked out for each other, which made it feel safe. That said, I kept my gear close and avoided quiet streets at night. Petty theft happens, especially in tourist-heavy areas. 

Speaking even a little Papiamentu and Dutch made a huge difference. Locals appreciated the effort, and it led to real connections: pop-up events, photo gigs, and everyday help. Language wasn’t just useful; it helped me belong. 

Curaçao wasn’t perfect, but it was real. If you’re looking for authenticity and community, it’s worth going off the beaten path.

Angel stayed in a family-run guesthouse near Willemstad 

Angel Sanchez 

Owner at Wanderlust Portraits 

Digital Nomad Life in Curaçao: Authentic Community Spills 

I spent about two months working remotely from Curaçao while consulting for a boutique design agency based in Amsterdam. It was low-key one of the most productive and creatively refreshing stretches of my year. 

Not many big-name coliving spaces like you’d find in Bali or Lisbon, but there’s definitely a neighbor-to-neighbor culture. I stayed in an informal house-share setup near Pietermaai. It wasn’t a branded coliving space, but the owner used WhatsApp groups and Facebook expat pages to connect incoming nomads. The vibe was more collaborative than commercial. I ended up working with one of my housemates on a quick UX audit for their startup. 

Crime and safety are a bit nuanced. Most tourist and expat areas feel very safe during the day. That said, locals did warn me often about leaving gear in plain sight or visiting certain neighborhoods alone at night. I never had any trouble, but I also kept a lower profile and always trusted the advice of locals. Phones and laptops in cafes were fine, but you definitely want to stay situationally aware. 

Papiamentu is widely spoken, but Dutch and English go a long way. I picked up basic Papiamentu phrases, and people really appreciated the effort. Once I started using them regularly, I definitely got waves of goodwill. One coffee shop owner offered me an unused backroom to hotspot from, just because she said it was nice someone tried to speak her language. So yes, it can open doors, especially in more locally run spots or if you're sticking around longer. 

Curaçao isn’t hyped yet, which makes it even better if you're someone who prefers a quieter, slower pace with authentic community spills. 

Leah spent about two months working remotely from Curaçao

Leah Miller 

Marketing Strategist at Versy Media 

Recap: The Real Curaçao Is Off the Map 

Curaçao has all the makings of a digital nomad dream: sun, sea, and just enough infrastructure to keep your Slack status green. But the real story begins when you step off the curated path and into the neighborhoods where the island breathes a little deeper. 

Living in informal coliving spaces, navigating safety without a concierge, and learning to say Bon dia instead of Good morning; these aren’t just lifestyle choices. They’re acts of intention. They’re how you move from being a visitor to becoming part of something real. 

So if you’re ready to go deeper, not just as a traveler, but as a local professional or business, contact SoliDeo to set up your virtual office in paradise. We’ll help you get your paperwork in order so you can focus on what really matters: living, working, and connecting with Curaçao on your own terms.