Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Aruba. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Aruban Florin (ƒ)
Best SIM Provider
SETAR
Main Ride App
Local Taxis
Payment
Cards accepted
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Medication Restrictions
Prescription medications
Carry medications in original containers with prescription. Personal supply for trip duration is acceptable. Some controlled substances require documentation.
Essential Apps
OpenTableWidely used for restaurant reservations — coverage is strongest in bigger, more international cities.
Notes for Visitors
- No ride-hailing apps available — arrange taxis through your hotel or call directly
- WhatsApp is the main way to communicate with local businesses and restaurants
- USD accepted everywhere — florins rarely needed
SIM Cards & Internet
Most US carriers include Aruba in their roaming plans. eSIM works well. SETAR is the main provider with best coverage. Digicel is the alternative.
- eSIM works with Airalo
- SETAR has best island-wide coverage
- Resort WiFi is generally good
- Many US carriers include Aruba in roaming — check your plan
WiFi Reliability
Good WiFi at resorts and hotels. Variable at local restaurants. Most cafes offer free WiFi.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Aruba is very card-friendly. Visa and Mastercard accepted at most businesses including restaurants, hotels, and shops. USD is accepted virtually everywhere — you rarely need to exchange to florins. Cash useful for small vendors and tips.
ATM Tips
ATMs dispense both AWG and USD. Use ATMs at banks (Aruba Bank, RBC, CMB). Fees typically $3-5 USD. Max withdrawal usually AWG 1,000 or USD 500.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is expected. Restaurants: 15-18% (check if service charge included). Hotels: $1-2 USD per bag, $2-5/day housekeeping. Taxi: 10-15%. Tour guides: $5-10 USD.
- USD is accepted almost everywhere — no need to exchange currency
- Many restaurants and shops price in USD, not AWG
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Most resorts offer airport transfers — arrange in advance
Available at Queen Beatrix Airport. Fixed rates by zone.
Local Transport
Most popular option. Small island, easy to navigate. Drive on the right.
Public bus service connecting main areas. Limited schedule.
Metered or fixed rate. Arrange through hotel for reliability.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit not required
Most visitors can drive in Aruba on their home license alone. If your license isn't in the Latin script, carry a certified translation just in case.
Side of road
Right
Min rental age
21
Detailed road rules aren't available for Aruba yet — check with your rental agency on arrival.
Renting a car in Aruba
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Aruba across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Aruba is very safe for solo female travelers
- Resort areas are well-patrolled
- Use common sense at night in less touristy areas
- The island has very low crime rates
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Aruba is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly Caribbean islands. Same-sex marriage is legal (as part of the Kingdom of Netherlands). LGBTQ+ travelers are welcome and respected.
- Generally welcoming throughout the island
- Pride events are growing
- PDA is generally accepted in tourist areas
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Resort areas have good accessibility. Public areas and beaches are improving. Some older buildings and natural areas have limited access.
- Major resorts have accessible rooms and facilities
- Eagle Beach has wheelchair-accessible sections
- Public transport accessibility is limited
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Crowded cruise ship areas in Oranjestad
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Timeshare presentations
Aggressive sellers at tourist areas offering free gifts or discounts for attending presentations.
Prevention: Politely decline. Don't accept 'free' tours or gifts with strings attached.
Taxi overcharging
Some taxi drivers may not use meters or quote inflated prices.
Prevention: Ask your hotel for standard rates. Agree on price before getting in.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Aruba's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
27-31°C (81-88°F)
Low rainfall
Dry and windy, ideal conditions
Mar – May
28-32°C (82-90°F)
Low rainfall
Dry and warm
Jun – Aug
28-33°C (82-91°F)
Low rainfall
Hot and dry, peak trade winds
Sep – Nov
28-33°C (82-91°F)
Medium rainfall
Wettest month but still pleasant
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
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Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink.
Taste can differ from home, and some people prefer filtered or bottled water anyway. A refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
120V
Frequency
60Hz
Plug Types
A, B, F
Same voltage as US/Canada. Type F (European) outlets also available in some locations. Most modern electronics work fine.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English is widely spoken throughout the island, especially in tourist areas. Most Arubans speak 4 languages: Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish.
Essential Phrases
Bon dia
Good morning
bon DEE-ah
Bon tardi
Good afternoon
bon TAR-dee
Danki
Thank you
DAHN-kee
Dushi
Sweet/Nice
DOO-shee
Con ta bai?
How are you?
kon tah BAI
Ayo
Goodbye
AH-yo
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Vegan options available at resort restaurants and some local spots. Traditional cuisine is meat and seafood heavy. Ask for 'sin carne, sin queso' (no meat, no cheese).
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian options available at most restaurants, especially resorts and international cuisine. Local food tends to be meat-heavy. Sides like funchi and pan bati are vegetarian.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Rice and plantains are common sides. Funchi (cornmeal) is naturally gluten-free. Ask about ingredients as some dishes use wheat flour.
Traveling with a Pet
Straightforward airport terminal check-in with a pre-vetted standard veterinary import certificate.
Timeline
14 days before departure
Quarantine Risk
None
Regulatory Framework
Standard microchip, rabies certificate, and local health pass vetting.
Key Constraints
Must arrive via approved commercial airlines with clean clinical documentation. Strict agricultural rules.
Pet Culture
Relaxed island life. Highly accepted in outdoor open-air beach bars and private villas. Friendly community beach dogs common.
Cultural Tips
Arubans are warm and friendly — greet people before asking anything
Papiamento is the local language, but English, Dutch, and Spanish are widely spoken
The island is very multicultural with Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin influences
Dress code is casual — beachwear is fine almost everywhere except churches
Arubans celebrate Carnival (January-March) with huge parades and festivities
Tipping 15-18% is expected at restaurants
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
'Dushi' means sweet/nice and is used for everything from food to people
Aruba's national dish is 'keshi yena' — stuffed cheese
The island is outside the hurricane belt — storms are extremely rare
Aruba has its own beer: Balashi, brewed from desalinated sea water
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Only staying at the resort — explore Arikok National Park and local restaurants
Not wearing sunscreen — the trade winds mask how strong the UV is
Renting a regular car for off-road areas — you need a 4x4 for Arikok and the north coast
Not completing the ED Card before arrival — it's required for entry
Exchanging to florins — USD works everywhere and is easier
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Aruba
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
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Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Nearby destinations
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