So, you’ve found some old colorful banknotes at the bottom of a travel bag or tucked inside a desk drawer. They’re beautiful, sure, but if they say "Nederlandse Antillen" on them, you’re probably wondering what they're actually worth right now. More importantly, can you still turn those antillean guilders to usd without a massive headache? Honestly, the answer depends entirely on where you are standing and how fast you can get to a bank.
The situation in 2026 isn't as straightforward as it was a couple of years ago. We are currently in the tail end of a massive monetary shift in the Caribbean. If you're looking at a 25-guilder note or those distinct square nickels, you aren't just looking at money; you're looking at a "legacy currency" that is officially being retired.
The 1.79 Rule: What Your Money is Worth
Let’s get the math out of the way first. For decades, the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) has been pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate. This hasn't changed. Basically, the official rate is 1 USD = 1.79 ANG.
When you’re doing the quick mental math for antillean guilders to usd, most locals and shops just use 1.80 to keep things simple. If you have 100 guilders, you’re looking at roughly $55.87. It’s a rock-solid peg that has provided a lot of stability for Curaçao and Sint Maarten, but that stability is now moving over to a brand-new name: the Caribbean Guilder (XCG).
Why the "Antillean" Part is Disappearing
You might be confused why everyone is talking about a transition. In 2010, the Netherlands Antilles technically ceased to exist as a political entity. Curaçao and Sint Maarten became autonomous countries. For years, they just kept using the old "Antillean" money because, well, printing new money is expensive and complicated.
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But as of March 31, 2025, the new Caribbean Guilder (XCG) finally hit the streets.
It’s a 1-to-1 swap. One old guilder equals one new guilder. However, the old Antillean notes stopped being "legal tender" for daily shopping back in July 2025. If you try to hand an old ANG note to a bartender in Willemstad today, they’ll probably politely ask for a card or the new sea-life-themed Caribbean Guilder instead.
Where to Exchange Antillean Guilders to USD Right Now
If you’re reading this in early 2026, you are in a bit of a "grace period" crunch.
- Commercial Banks: You can still take your old ANG notes to local commercial banks in Curaçao and Sint Maarten until March 31, 2026. They will swap them for the new currency or deposit the value into your account.
- The Central Bank (CBCS): If you miss that March deadline, don't panic. You can still exchange your old money at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. They’ve promised to keep doing this until the year 2055. Yes, you have thirty years, but it’s a lot more of a chore than just hitting a teller window at a local branch.
- Outside the Islands: This is the hard part. Most international "Big Banks" or airport currency kiosks in the US or Europe stopped carrying the Antillean Guilder months ago. They don't want to hold onto a currency that is being phased out. If you’re sitting in New York or London with a stack of ANG, your best bet might actually be a specialized collector or waiting until your next trip to the islands.
Don't Get Burned by the "Sell" Rate
When you go to a bank to swap antillean guilders to usd, you won't get that perfect 1.79 rate. That's the mid-market rate. Banks have to make their cut.
Usually, the "buying" rate (where the bank buys your guilders and gives you dollars) sits around 1.77. On the flip side, if you are a tourist trying to buy guilders with your US cash, the "selling" rate is often closer to 1.82.
It’s also worth noting that the US Dollar is widely accepted in both Curaçao and Sint Maarten. You don't strictly need to convert your USD to guilders to buy a sandwich. But you’ll almost always get your change back in the local currency.
Actionable Steps for Your Old Cash
If you’ve got a stack of these notes, here is exactly what you should do before the window closes:
- Check the Date: If it’s before March 31, 2026, and you’re on the islands, go to any commercial bank (like Maduro & Curiel's Bank or Orco Bank). They’ll swap it.
- Verify the Currency: Make sure you aren't holding Aruban Florins. They look similar and use the same "florin" symbol (ƒ), but they are a completely different currency and won't be accepted in the ANG/XCG transition.
- Use the Central Bank if Necessary: If you are reading this after March 2026, head straight to the CBCS offices in Willemstad or Philipsburg. You’ll likely need to show ID and explain where the cash came from if it’s a large amount.
- Consider Keeping One: Honestly? The old Antillean guilders are some of the most beautiful banknotes ever printed, featuring local birds and bright colors. Since they’re being retired, they might eventually be worth more to a collector than the $5 or $10 face value.
The transition to the Caribbean Guilder is a huge milestone for the region. It’s about modernizing security features and finally reflecting the islands' new political reality. Just make sure you aren't the last person holding the old paper when the bank doors finally lock for the season.
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To get the most out of your money, always look for the official "Buy" rate posted at the bank entrance and avoid exchanging at hotels, where the rates are notoriously poor. If you have digital funds in a local account, the bank likely converted them automatically last year, so your balance is already sitting in the new XCG format.