CURACAO - Curacao is located in the southwestern Caribbean, just 44 miles north of South America. The population is 144,000.

ACCOMMODATIONS - A variety of hotels and resorts in every price range are available.

CALLING CURACAO - Curacao's international code is 599-9. There are no on-island area codes. All local telephone numbers are seven digits with the exception of some special numbers that are three or four digits.

COMMUNICATIONS - To reach another country from Curacao, dial 00, the country's international code, the area code and then the number. Most major hotels offer fax services with optional fax hookups in guestrooms.

CREDIT CARDS - International credit cards are accepted at most major commercial establishments.

CURRENCY - The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, also called the florin. Its value is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a stable rate of US$1.00 = NAFl$1.77 for cash, $1.78 for traveler's checks. Exchange rates may vary slightly at stores and hotels.

DRINKING WATER - The tap water is distilled directly from the sea. It tastes good and is safe to drink.

ELECTRICITY - The current is 110-130 volts/50 cycles, which is similar but not identical to the U.S. standard.

TIME - Curacao is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is one hour later than U.S. Standard Time (the same time as Daylight Savings Time).

WHAT TO WEAR - Locals dress fashionably, particularly for indoor evening events. Dress for outdoor festivals is casual. The strong trade winds may make skirts a problem. Some restaurants prohibit shorts or sandals, and some casinos require jackets for men. Revealing clothes and bathing suits are not appropriate in public areas other than the beach. For hiking the countryside, bring hiking shoes and long pants for protection from the cacti.