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📱 Download Kumbai — FreeSince early 2026, visitors arriving in Curaçao have started noticing a new type of taxi plate: an orange stripe on what looks like a regular license plate, marked with "RC." It's understandably confusing if you're used to only seeing the traditional blue "TX" plates on official taxis. Here's exactly what the difference is.
TX plates — the traditional taxi license
TX (Taxi) plates have been the standard official taxi designation in Curaçao for decades. Drivers with TX plates have gone through the government's established licensing process and meet the island's long-standing requirements for commercial passenger transport.
You'll see TX plates at the airport taxi stand, at hotel taxi ranks, and throughout Willemstad. These are the taxis that show up in all the older travel guides.
RC plates — the 2026 addition
As Curaçao's tourism numbers grew rapidly in 2025–2026 (including from new direct flights from Chicago, Toronto, and Montreal), the government introduced a new "RC" permit category to license additional drivers on a temporary basis to keep up with demand.
RC-plate vehicles carry a distinctive orange stripe on the license plate. They are fully government-licensed and legal — the RC designation simply marks a driver operating under this newer temporary permit system rather than the traditional long-standing TX license.
🔵 TX Plates
- Traditional taxi license
- Standard blue Curaçao plates
- Long-established licensing process
- At airport stands, hotel ranks
- Same fare schedule as RC
🟠 RC Plates
- New 2026 temporary permit
- Orange stripe on plate
- Introduced to meet tourism growth
- Fully government-licensed
- Same fare schedule as TX
Does the plate type affect your safety or price?
No. Both TX and RC plate drivers are required to follow the same government-set maximum fare schedule. Neither type uses a meter — both quote zone-based fares. The same rules about night surcharges (25% after 11PM) and group rates apply to both.
From a safety standpoint, both are government-licensed. The practical difference is that RC-plate drivers may be newer to professional driving, so confirming the fare before you get in is especially worthwhile — as it always is in Curaçao regardless of plate type.
✅ The simplest approach: use Kumbai, and the plate type stops mattering entirely. Kumbai shows you your driver's name, photo, vehicle details, and confirmed upfront price before you book — regardless of whether your assigned driver has a TX or RC plate.
Why does this matter to know?
A few reasons travelers have flagged this:
- Some older travel guides say "only get into taxis with TX plates" — this advice was written before RC plates existed and is now outdated
- Visitors sometimes hesitate at the RC plate thinking it's unofficial or unlicensed — it's neither
- The orange stripe is distinctive and easy to spot, so knowing what it means prevents unnecessary confusion at the airport or pier
Skip the plate confusion entirely
With Kumbai, you see your driver's name, photo, vehicle plate, and confirmed price before they arrive. TX or RC — you know exactly who's coming.
📱 Download Kumbai — FreeFrequently asked questions
Are RC plates legal taxis in Curaçao?
Yes. RC plates are government-licensed and fully legal. The orange stripe marks a driver under the 2026 temporary permit system introduced to meet growing tourism demand, not an unofficial or unlicensed vehicle.
What do TX plates mean on a Curaçao taxi?
TX stands for Taxi — the traditional long-standing Curaçao taxi license. Drivers with TX plates have been licensed under the island's established commercial passenger transport system.
Do RC plate taxis charge different prices?
No — both TX and RC plate taxis are subject to the same government-set maximum fare schedule. Night surcharges, group rates, and zone pricing rules are the same for both.
How do I know my taxi is legitimate in Curaçao?
Look for either a TX or RC plate (with orange stripe) on the vehicle. Both are legitimate. With Kumbai, your driver's plate is shown in the app before pickup — no guesswork.
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