We know how stressful preparing for a trip can be, that’s why we’ve put together a list of tips for you to take away some of that stress. We want to help make your vacation unforgettable!
Clothes
The weather in Aruba can be pretty hot, so take clothes with you that are not too warm. Keep in mind that there is always a steady breeze in Aruba, making the warm weather bearable. Of course, don’t forget your swimwear. At night, the temperature more or less stays the same. For cooler evenings you might want to pack a light sweater, just in case. There is no need to pack your rain jacket. Rain generally passes by relatively quickly; the sun will soon make its appearance again!
Language
Even though the main language in Aruba is Papiamento, most people can speak and understand Dutch and English too. Many people also speak and understand Spanish.
Money
The currency in Aruba is the florin (Awg. or Afl.), but US dollars are excepted everywhere. You can withdraw both florins and US dollars from several ATMs (not all) if you want to keep using US dollars. Otherwise you need to go to the bank or casino to exchange your money. Most places, like shops and hotels, grant a rate of exchange ranging from Awg. 1.75 to Awg. 1.80 per US dollar.
Getting around
There are several ways to get around on the island. The most convenient way is by car, but you can find other ways to get from point A to point B.
- Taxi: A great way to get around is to call a taxi. In Aruba, it’s not usual to hail a cab off the street, you will find a taxi parked at most resorts or tourist area. There are lots of different cabs you can call, and they are all familiar with the places you want to go to. The prices are fixed prices regulated by the government of Aruba. You pay for the cab, not the amount of people.
- Car rental: Renting a car is also a safe and easy way to get around on the island. There are dozens of car rentals with good quality cars.
- Bike rental: Renting a bike is a bit more dangerous. Since there are no biking lanes, it is harder to get around. You have to ride on the same road as cars do, which can be tricky sometimes.
Rules of the Road
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- There is a predominance of roundabouts instead of traffic lights at major intersections, which is a change that has been implemented in Aruba in recent years.
- Right-hand turns: Right-hand turns are always forbidden on red lights (unlike in the U.S.).
- Speed Limits: Note that speed limits in Aruba are posted at kilometers per hour.
- Overtaking: Many streets in Aruba are one-way streets, so overtaking should be done with extreme caution.
- Entering vehicles must yield to vehicles that are already in the roundabout. Also, at all intersections, traffic coming from the right has the right of way. The amber light used at traffic lights is to signal caution, as the traffic light is to turn from green to red.
- Seat Belts: Seatbelts must be worn at all times in Aruba.
- Cell Phones: Talking on the phone is illegal while driving in Aruba, and can lead to hefty fines and court action, and even imprisonment. If you want to talk on the phone, you must set your device to hands-free mode.
- Alcohol Use: The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, which means that one drink will take you over the legal limit. So, please call a taxi if you’ve been drinking.
- Gas/fuel stations: The price of gas is regulated by the government of Aruba and is the same everywhere on the island. You will also be pumping gas in liters, and 1 gallon equals 3.78 liters. Current gas prices are: Gasoline unleaded premium: 221.6 cents p / ltr.
Diesel LS: 175.8 cents p / ltr.
Protect your skin
When in Aruba, don’t forget to protect your skin with sunscreen every couple of hours, especially after swimming. If you’re looking to get a nice tan, still use sunscreen. You can use regular sunscreen, or you can use the water resistant aloe vera sunscreen. The aloe vera in sunscreen is locally grown in Aruba. You can find aloe vera everywhere!
Tipping
In Aruba it’s not mandatory to tip, but it’s your choice if you do so. However, some restaurants and bars add service charge to your bill. Usually, this adds up to about 10 to 15 percent on food and beverages. If you really like the service, you can still tip, of course!
Chargers
You also want to make sure you can charge your phone, camera or laptop. If you’re from the USA or Canada, you don’t have to worry. Aruba adopted the voltage standard of 110V, the same as in the USA and Canada. However, if you’re not from the USA or Canada, you might want to check if your devices need 220V or 110V, then you may need a converter. You can buy these in your home country or in Aruba at hardware stores or supermarkets.
No need to buy water
The tap water in Aruba is of high quality and perfectly safe to drink.
Emergencies
Let’s hope it’s not necessary, but it’s good to know. In case of an emergency, you can call 911 for an ambulance or the fire department and for the police, you can call 100.
Keep in mind to wash your hands frequently, wear your face mask at all times, avoid crowded areas, practice social distance and adhere to all rules and protocols. Have a fun and unforgettable vacation!
