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Aruba is a safe, tourist-friendly Caribbean island with warm, dry weather year-round, friendly Dutch-Caribbean culture, and excellent beaches. Plan for simple entry rules, small-island transport, and common-sense safety precautions.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Most nationalities (including US, Canada, EU) do not need a visa for short tourist stays; check Aruba's official immigration site for specifics.
- You must have a passport valid for the duration of stay (some nationalities require 6 months validity).
- Return/onward ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested.
- There is a departure tax often included in airline tickets; if not, pay at the airport.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak season: mid-December to April — drier, busier, pricier.
- Shoulder season: late April–June and September–November — fewer crowds, better deals.
- Aruba lies outside the main hurricane belt; it’s generally dry and windy year-round.
Safety Tips
- Aruba is one of the safer Caribbean islands, but use common sense: avoid poorly lit areas at night, don’t leave valuables unattended on beaches or in cars.
- Use hotel safes for passports/valuables.
- Be cautious with water activities: follow lifeguard/boat operator instructions; watch for reef and currents.
- Medical care is good in Oranjestad; travel insurance with medical evacuation is recommended.
Local Customs & Etiquette
- Aruba’s official languages are Dutch and Papiamento; English and Spanish are widely spoken.
- Casual dress is fine; beachwear should be limited to the beach/pool areas—cover up when in towns or restaurants.
- Tipping: 10–20% in restaurants is customary if service charge isn’t included.
- Respect local environment and coral reefs; do not remove shells or corals.
Currency & Money
- Currency: Aruban Florin (AWG); US dollar is widely accepted at fixed rate (~1 USD = 1.79 AWG).
- Credit cards are broadly accepted; ATMs available in towns.
- Notify your bank of travel to avoid card holds.
Transportation
- Rental cars are popular for exploring; roads are well-maintained and drive is on the right.
- Taxis are available; agree on fare or ensure meter use.
- Public buses run main routes between Oranjestad and hotel areas; inexpensive but limited.
- Renting a scooter/ATV: check insurance and helmet rules; be cautious on windswept roads.
Must-Know Tips & Local Insights
- Beaches: Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are world-class; Baby Beach in the south is great for calm snorkeling.
- Activities: snorkeling/diving on the Antilla shipwreck, Arikok National Park hikes, sunset sailing.
- Stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral.
- Small stores may close midday; major shops remain open.
- If you plan to drink, arrange transport — DUI laws are enforced.
- Carry some cash for small vendors and beach vendors who may not take cards.
Practical Advice
- Pack: light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light rain jacket for sudden showers, comfortable shoes for rocky trails.
- Electrical: Dutch standard 220V/127V? (Many hotels provide 110–120V outlets) — bring a universal adapter if needed.
- Connectivity: SIM cards available at airport and shops; many hotels/areas have Wi‑Fi.
Enjoy Aruba’s beaches, friendly people, and relaxed island vibe—plan ahead for peak season, respect local rules and reefs, and you’ll have a great trip.