This month marks a significant milestone for Curaçao and Sint Maarten with the official introduction of the Caribbean guilder (XCG), the long-awaited replacement for the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). The transition has been in preparation for over a decade, and now, in 2025, the Caribbean guilder has finally entered circulation. The new currency is issued and managed by the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), which remains the joint central bank for both autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The rollout of the Caribbean guilder will be gradual, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses and consumers alike. The ANG will remain legal tender alongside the XCG during a transitional phase expected to last until mid-2026. This gives the public, financial institutions, and commercial sectors sufficient time to adapt to the new currency. All prices will be listed in both currencies during this period, and banks will assist in exchanging old notes and coins for new ones without charge.
The decision to introduce a new currency stems from several factors, including the outdated nature of the ANG, the need for enhanced security features, and the desire to create a more modern and regionally relevant monetary identity. Unlike the ANG, which was originally linked to the former Netherlands Antilles, the Caribbean guilder reflects the current political and economic partnership between Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The CBCS continues to operate from both Willemstad and Philipsburg, overseeing the monetary stability and issuing the new currency for both nations.