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Time difference and plugs in Bonaire
Two practical things you'll immediately encounter on Bonaire: the clock and the electrical outlet. Both work a little differently than you're used to at home. Bonaire is five hours behind the Netherlands in the winter and six hours behind in the summer. The island does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference changes twice a year along with our clocks.
And the power outlet is not self-evident. Large parts of the island have an American model with a lower voltage than in the Netherlands, so a universal adapter is not a luxury. In this guide, we'll cover both, plus what that means for your phone, your camera, and your hairdryer.
| Item | On Bonaire | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Time zone | Atlantic Standard Time, UTC minus 4 hours | No daylight saving time on the island |
| Winter difference | Five hours earlier than in the Netherlands | 12:00 PM in the Netherlands is 7:00 AM in Bonaire |
| Summer difference | Six hours earlier than in the Netherlands | 12:00 PM in the Netherlands is 6:00 AM in Bonaire |
| Outlet | Often type A and B, sometimes type F | Bring a universal adapter. |
| Voltage | 127 volts, 220 volts in some places | Frequency 50 hertz, just like in the Netherlands |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
What is the exact time difference?
Bonaire is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, four hours behind UTC. Since the island does not observe daylight saving time, the clock there remains the same all year. During our winter time, the difference is five hours. If it is 12:00 PM in the Netherlands, it is 7:00 AM in Bonaire.
During our summer time, the difference is six hours. At 12:00 PM our time, it is 6:00 AM on the island.
What do you notice when you call or message?
If you want to speak to someone at home, keep the time difference in mind. If you call at the beginning of your day, it will already be afternoon or early evening in the Netherlands. This can be pleasant for work. A meeting that starts at 3:00 PM in the Netherlands falls in the morning in Bonaire.
Video calls work fine if your internet is working. More about this can be found in our guide on internet, SIM card and eSIM in Bonaire.
Jet lag: is it better or worse than expected?
Flying west is easier for most people than flying east. Your day becomes longer and you simply go to bed at a normal bedtime. On the day of arrival, stay awake until a normal bedtime and go out in the daylight. This helps your body adjust more quickly.
The return trip is often more difficult because you lose hours. Don't plan a heavy first workday at home.
Sunrise and sunset
Bonaire is located close to the equator. This means that the days are approximately the same length throughout the year, with little difference between summer and winter. The sun rises early and sets around the beginning of the evening, and it happens quickly. There is hardly any twilight, so keep that in mind if you are still out in nature.
For outings, this means that the morning is usually the most pleasant: cooler, quieter, and with better light. More about this is in our guide to best time to visit Bonaire.
What plugs does Bonaire use?
In large parts of Bonaire, the American system is used: Type A with two flat pins and Type B with two flat pins plus a grounding pin. Your Dutch plug will not fit into these. In some places, especially in newer accommodations, the European Type F with round pins is also found. This can vary by building and even by room.
Therefore, take a world adapter that can handle both Type A and Type B. This is cheaper and more convenient than searching on the spot.
Stress and frequency: pay attention to your devices
The voltage in many places is 127 volts instead of the 230 volts you are accustomed to in the Netherlands. In some places, 220 volts is available. The frequency is 50 hertz, just like at home. For phones, laptops, and camera chargers, this is usually not a problem. The adapter often states 100 to 240 volts, and then it will work everywhere.
Devices with a heating element are the exception. A hairdryer or straightener that only works on 230 volts will work poorly or not at all on 127 volts. Check the rating plate on your device beforehand.
What to bring
A universal travel adapter with USB ports really covers everything. Bring two if you're traveling as a couple, because outlets are often scarce in hotel rooms. A power bank is also handy. If you're going out for the day with a rental car or on a boat, it's more convenient than searching for an outlet.
The complete list is in our guide about what to pack for Bonaire.
Electricity and water on the island
Bonaire generates some of its electricity with windmills, which you can see on the southern part of the island. Power outages do occur, but they are usually short. The tap water on Bonaire is made from seawater and is of good quality. This saves you from buying bottles, and it's better for the island.
Take a reusable bottle with you. In the heat, you drink more than you think.
Practically arranged, and then what?
If your plugs and your clock are in order, then the real work begins: choosing what you're going to do. Bonaire is small, but there's more to do than just diving. A tour through the mangroves is one of the quieter activities and fits well on a day when you're still acclimatizing.
What exactly is included varies by provider, so check that on the relevant page.
Start your vacation without hassle
Set your watch and phone to Bonaire time on the plane, so you'll be in the right time zone from the moment you land. Put your universal adapter in the top of your suitcase, or pack it in your carry-on. This way, you can charge your phone as soon as you arrive.
Plan your first day gently. Ideas for the rest of the week are in our guide about Bonaire in 7 days and in our guide on what to do on Bonaire.
The rhythm of the day on Bonaire
Because the sun rises early, the island kicks off its day early. Shops and dive centers open in the early morning, and it's still pleasantly cool then. Around noon, it gets hot, and the pace slows down. Many visitors then plan a long lunch, a siesta, or a leisurely activity in the shade.
In the late afternoon, the activity picks up again, with the sunset as a fixed moment. Keep an eye on opening hours and the last departure times for excursions, as these are often earlier than you expect. Always check them on the relevant page.
Remote work from Bonaire
For those who combine work with leisure, the time difference often works out favorably. The Dutch workday falls in the morning in Bonaire, leaving your afternoon free. However, a stable connection is important. Ask your accommodation in advance about the Wi-Fi speed and get a local eSIM as a backup.
More about that can be found in our guide to internet, SIM card and eSIM in Bonaire.
If your device isn't working
If your device isn't working or is charging slowly, it's usually due to low voltage. Try a different outlet, as some accommodations have both types mixed. Don't buy a cheap converter on the spot for a hairdryer or straightener. It's often easier to leave those at home and ask if your accommodation has one.
Phone and laptop chargers rarely cause problems. If you're unsure, check the small print on the adapter to see if it says 100 to 240 volts.
Clock, money, and other practical matters
Besides the clock and the electrical outlets, there's another difference you'll notice right away: on Bonaire, you pay in US dollars. You can pay with a debit card in most places, but bring some cash for small purchases and tips.
You can read all about it in our guide on Payment, currency, and tipping in Bonaire.
Frequently Asked Questions about Time Difference and Plugs in Bonaire
How many hours is the time difference with Bonaire?
Five o'clock in the Dutch winter time and six o'clock in the summer time. Bonaire itself does not observe daylight saving time.
Does Bonaire have daylight saving time?
No. The clock in Bonaire stays the same all year round, which means the time difference with the Netherlands changes twice a year.
What type of plug do you need in Bonaire?
Usually the American Type A or B. In some places, the European Type F is also present. A universal travel adapter is the safest choice.
Will my phone charger work in Bonaire?
Almost always. If your adapter says 100 to 240 volts, you only need a plug adapter.
Can I bring my hairdryer to Bonaire?
Only if the device is suitable for 127 volts. If it only works on 230 volts, you'll need a voltage converter or you should leave it at home.
Can you drink tap water in Bonaire?
Yes, the tap water is made from desalinated seawater and is of good quality. A refillable bottle saves plastic.
Arranged practically? Then check out which activities and excursions fit your trip to Bonaire.
Flying to Bonaire
Travel documents and entry requirements for Bonaire
How many days do you need for Bonaire?
Weather and rainy season on Bonaire by month