WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has revised its ANG-to-XCG exchange procedure1 with immediate effect. The maximum amount allowed for a one-time walk-in exchange has been raised from NAf 2,500 to NAf 20,000. This means that individuals may now exchange amounts up to and including 20,000 guilders at the CBCS without an appointment. With this adjustment to its exchange policy, the CBCS aims to facilitate the exchange of NAf banknotes and coins for individuals who do not have a bank account. For exchanges exceeding NAf 20,000, an appointment must still be requested online via the CBCS website: https://www.centralbank.cw/exchange-request. For amounts above NAf 20,000, documentation verifying the source of funds is required. The relevant documents can be uploaded online when scheduling the appointment. The CBCS carries out its exchange policy in accordance with AML/CFT regulations. In addition to this relaxation of the exchange policy, the CBCS has also taken note of concerns within the community regarding the fees charged by various commercial banks for exchanging ANG to XCG, as well as the limited range of denominations (only two) dispensed at some automatic teller machines (ATMs). The CBCS has communicated these concerns to the relevant parties and is engaged in ongoing dialogue with them regarding these issues. In close coordination with the commercial banks, it was agreed ahead of the introduction date that the banks would offer at least one fee-free option for exchanging NAf. As a result of this agreement, all account holders in Curaçao and Sint Maarten can exchange Netherlands Antillean guilders for Caribbean guilders at no cost.
In some cases, the free option involves having the amount deposited into the account via the commercial bank’s ATMs. Individuals or businesses without a bank account can exchange their guilders free of charge at the CBCS. The CBCS also surveyed commercial banks regarding the denominations offered at ATMs and found that most commercial banks currently offer three denominations at their ATMs. Those offering just two will explore adding a third.
As of July 1, 2025, the NAf will no longer be legal tender. After that date, it will no longer be accepted for payments. However, the NAf can still be exchanged at commercial banks until March 31, 2026, and at the CBCS until March 31, 2055. For more information, please refer to the FAQ at https://www.caribbean-guilder.com/faq. Finally, the CBCS strongly advises against conducting exchanges on behalf of third parties for compensation. Such requests may be indicative of financial fraud or money laundering, which could result in your involvement in criminal activities, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Willemstad, June 17, 2025
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN
