Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning the BES islands is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving on the BES islands is on the right hand side.  Right turns on red are prohibited and traffic conditions require somewhat defensive driving.  Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets.  Children under 4 years of age must be in child safety seats; children under 12 must ride in the back seat. Nonexistent or hidden and poorly maintained street signs are the major road hazard on the BES islands.  Therefore, drivers should proceed through intersections with caution.  Roads on the BES islands can be extremely slippery during rainfall.  Night driving is reasonably safe on the BES islands as long as drivers are familiar with the route and road conditions.  Many streets are poorly lit or not lit at all.  In Bonaire and Statia, drivers should be vigilant for wild donkeys or other animals crossing the road.  Drivers should use caution when driving in Saba as roads tend to be steep and have many sharp turns.

Taxis are the easiest, yet most expensive, form of transportation on the islands.  As there are no meters, passengers should verify the price before entering the taxi.  Fares are quoted in U.S. dollars, the local currency as of January 1, 2011.  In Bonaire, public minibuses are inexpensive and run non-stop during the daytime with no fixed schedule.  Each minibus has a specific route displayed on the windshield.  Buses, which run on the hour, have limited routes.  The road conditions on the main thoroughfares are good to fair.  There is no public transportation in Saba or Statia; however, hitchhiking is common in Saba.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  The emergency service telephone number is 911.  Police and ambulance tend to respond quickly to emergency situations.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the BES Islands Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Aruba’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page