Antillean Guilder (ANG) to Caribbean Guilder (XCG) on Curaçao

by Myrthe Jager on April 3, 2025

Curaçao and St. Maarten have taken an important step in their monetary history with the introduction of the Caribbean Guilder (XCG) as the new official currency. The new currency on Curaçao and St. Maarten, effective March 31, 2025, aims to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries and modernize the payment system.

Why a New Currency?
The introduction of the Caribbean Guilder stems from the constitutional reforms of Oct. 10, 2010, when Curaçao and St. Maarten became autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As part of these reforms, it was decided to create a joint monetary union with a shared central bank and a new currency.

Characteristics of the Caribbean Guilder
The Caribbean Guilder is pegged to the U.S. dollar with a fixed exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.79 XCG, the same rate as previously used with the Antillean Guilder. The currency includes both coins and banknotes:

• Coins: 5 guilders, 1 guilder, 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents and 1 cent.
• Banknotes: 200 guilders, 100 guilders, 50 guilders, 20 guilders and 10 guilders.
  The banknotes are designed with the theme “World Under the Sea” and feature images of the vibrant underwater world of Curaçao and St. Maarten.

Transition Period and Important Dates
A transition period has been established to ensure a smooth transition:

• March 31, 2025: The Caribbean Guilder officially enters into circulation.
• June 31, 2025: Last day to accept cash payments with the Antillean Guilder.
• March 31, 2026: Last day to exchange Antillean Guilders at commercial banks.
• March 31, 2055: Last day to exchange Antillean Guilders at the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS).

Impact on the Real Estate Market
For the real estate market, the introduction of the Caribbean Guilder raises some concerns:

• Price quotations: Real estate prices will be displayed in XCG.
• Mortgages and Loans: Existing financial obligations in ANG will be converted to XCG at a 1:1 ratio, with no loss of value.
• International Buyers: For foreign investors, the peg to the USD will remain a stable factor.

Practical Tips for the Transition
To ensure a smooth transition to the Caribbean Guilder, here are some recommendations:

• Inform Yourself: Stay abreast of official communications from the CBCS and your bank about the transition procedures.
• Check Prices: Be alert to price adjustments.
• Exchange Timely: Take advantage of the time offered to exchange old currency and avoid last-minute complications.

Conclusion
The introduction of the Caribbean Guilder marks an important step in the economic development of Curaçao and St. Maarten. By staying well informed and acting proactively, you can sell complications.