Aruba Travel Guide

Just 14 miles (25km) north of Venezuela, Aruba is the smallest and most Western island of the Dutch Antilles, which, known locally as the ABCs, also include Bonaire and Curaçao. With its miles of white, sandy beaches, turquoise-blue waters and guaranteed sun, Aruba is a great destination for sun-worshippers and a popular stop for cruise ship passengers. Over a million visitors arrive on this tiny island each year enticed by its luxury resorts, first-class restaurants, 24-hour casinos and excellent watersports facilities.Most visitors stay either in the capital, Oranjestad, or just to the north in one of the many resort complexes on Eagle and Palm beaches. The remainder of the island is much less developed and in the arid interior there is nothing more substantial than cacti, divi-divi trees, contorted by the consistently strong trade winds, and herds of goats. For those who demand more than simply soaking up the sun there are plenty of activities available. There is good diving and snorkelling along the reef on the protected leeward coast and windsurfing is excellent a little further north at Fisherman's Hut. Deep-sea fishing can be arranged through many of the hotels.

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Aruba Climate and Weather

With an average temperature of 82°F (28°C) Aruba is kept relatively cool by the constant trade winds. The peak tourist season is between mid-December and mid-April, and if you can visit outside this period you can expect room rates to be almost halved. Rainfall is infrequent, but likely to occur between October and January, if at all.

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Aruba Currency

Money: The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), which is divided into 100 cents. The Florin is tied to the US Dollar. US currency is accepted everywhere and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs in Oranjestad. Travellers cheques are also widely accepted and it is best to have cheques in US dollars or Euros to avoid additional charges.

Currency Exchange Rates
AWG 1 =	US$ 0.56	£ 0.27	C$ 0.53	A$ 0.60	R 3.64	EUR 0.38	NZ$ 0.72

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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Aruba Health Overview

There are no special health requirements for visitors to Aruba, but travellers coming from countries in Africa or the Americas infected with Yellow Fever, aged over six months, need an immunisation certificate. Aruba has experienced occasional outbreaks of Dengue Fever, a flu-like illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that favour densely populated areas, therefore the use of insect repellent is advised. Visitors are warned that some types of fish, including some tropical reef fish, are poisonous when eaten, even cooked. Medical care is good in Aruba, which has one hospital, the Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital, with three classes of service for patients depending on the level of their insurance. Health insurance is recommended. Food and water are considered safe.

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Aruba Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:UK nationals require a valid passport and irrespective of endorsement, British passport holders may stay for a maximum of three months without a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadian nationals do not require a passport providing they have other documents with proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or a Certificate of Proof of Canadian Citizenship. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australian nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South African nationals must hold a valid passport. A visa is required and must be obtained prior to arrival. South African tourists may stay for a period of up to 30 days, provided all requirements are met.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealanders require a passport, but a visa is not needed for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note:All passports must be valid for period of intended stay. Visitors must hold sufficient funds, onward or return tickets and all documents for next destination. Since January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Aruba by air require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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Aruba Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electric current is 127 volts, 60Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are standard.
Language: The official language is Dutch but English and Spanish are taught in school and are also widely spoken. Some French is also understood. Most islanders also speak the native language Papiamento at home or between friends.
Health: There are no special health requirements for visitors to Aruba, but travellers coming from countries in Africa or the Americas infected with Yellow Fever, aged over six months, need an immunisation certificate. Aruba has experienced occasional outbreaks of Dengue Fever, a flu-like illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that favour densely populated areas, therefore the use of insect repellent is advised. Visitors are warned that some types of fish, including some tropical reef fish, are poisonous when eaten, even cooked. Medical care is good in Aruba, which has one hospital, the Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital, with three classes of service for patients depending on the level of their insurance. Health insurance is recommended. Food and water are considered safe.
Tipping: A 10 or 15% tip is usually added to restaurant, bar and room service bills, otherwise a tip should be extended, usually 10-20% depending on the service. There is an 11% room tax on hotel bills. Taxis should be tipped around 15% and porters expect a tip of US$1 per bag.
Safety: Crime is not a major problem in Aruba and most visits are trouble-free, however visitors are still advised to take common-sense precautions, locking valuables in the hotel safe and taking care when walking home at night.
Business: Oranjestad is the main business centre in Aruba and the focus for the island's growing international financial services. English is considered to be the language of business. Meetings are generally held in formal settings such as offices or conference centres; smoking and chewing gum are not acceptable. Handshaking is customary for introductions between both men and women; female business associates should be treated with as much respect as men and often hold high positions in companies. Punctuality for meetings is required. Banks are generally open from 8am to 4pm.
Communications: The international access code for Aruba is +297. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City codes are not required. International, direct and operator-assisted calls are possible worldwide. A GSM network covers the island. Cellular phones are available for rental and Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.
Duty Free: Travellers to Aruba over the age of 15 do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 litre of distilled beverages or 2.25 litres of wine or 3 litres beer; and gift articles to the value of Af100. If goods per person exceed Af500 in value this should be declared on customs forms for clearance at the freight department.

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Aruba Airports

Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport

Location: The airport is located two miles (3km) southeast of Oranjestad.
Time: GMT -4.
Contacts: Tel: +297 524 2424.
Transfer to the city: Local buses leave regularly to Oranjestad from bus stops just outside the airport property. Tour buses can take passengers to their required destination. Taxis are also available.
Car rental: There are 26 local and international car rental companies represented at the airport, including Avis, Alamo, Budget and Hertz.
Facilities: The airport has a variety of shops including duty-free shopping, and several restaurants and snack bars. A bank offers banking services seven days a week. Internet stations are available, including wireless Internet access.
Parking: Short- or long-term parking is available.
Departure tax: US$30.

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