Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Aruba depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for ArubaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 911
Currency
- Name
- Aruban Florin
- Code
- AWG
- Symbol
- Afl
Pegged near 1.79:1 to the USD. USD universally accepted. ATMs widespread. Cards accepted everywhere. One of the Caribbean's most developed tourist economies.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type A, Type B
- Voltage
- 127V
- Frequency
- 60Hz
Time Zone
AST (UTC−4) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
Aruba sits 12 degrees north of the equator and outside the main hurricane belt — weather is sunny and dry virtually year-round (average 300+ sunshine days). December–April is peak season and most expensive. May–November is quieter and cheaper without significant weather risk.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 15% | Service charge (15%) often included — check the bill |
| Taxis | 10–15% | Fixed-rate menus posted at the airport |
| Hotels | $1–2 per bag | — |
| Dive guides | $10–15 USD per dive | — |
Dress Code
- Resort casual throughout
- Smart casual for Oranjestad's restaurants
- Swimwear only at beaches and pools
Social Etiquette
- Arubans (Arubans call themselves 'One Happy Island' people) are genuinely warm and multilingual — they speak Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish fluently
- Papiamento is the local language — a creole blend of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, and African languages unique to the ABC islands
- The flamingo beach on Renaissance Island is one of the Caribbean's most photographed spots
- Arikok National Park covers 20% of the island — cactus-desert landscape with natural pools and cave art
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands — Dutch law applies; LGBTQ+ rights equal to the Netherlands
- Drug possession is technically illegal but rarely enforced for small personal amounts; trafficking carries severe penalties
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Papiamento) | Bon dia / Bon tardi / Bon nochi | bon DEE-ah / bon TAR-dee / bon NOH-chee |
| Thank you (Papiamento) | Masha danki | MAH-shah DAHN-kee |
| Please (Papiamento) | Por fabor | por fah-BOR |
| How are you? (Papiamento) | Con ta bai? | kon tah BYE |
| Beautiful (Papiamento) | Bunita | boo-NEE-tah |
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