BRING YOUR REEF-FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN!

Aruba is situated 12 degrees north of the equator. The weather is tropical but not extreme, with a fairly constant temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). Constant trade winds make it more comfortable during the day, however these trade winds tend to diminish slightly during the months of September through December.

Aruba is a desert island and gets very little rain, but October through January tends to be the period of rainfall.

YOUR TROPICAL HOME

Aruba is a popular vacation destination and offers a large and varied choice of accommodation. Aruba’s high rise resorts are located along Palm Beach, and the low rise resorts are located along Eagle Beach. Besides the corporate and local resorts, Aruba has several apartment complexes, vacation villas, condos and timeshare rentals across the island.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED

To call the US, you will need to dial 001, followed by the area code and phone number. For all other countries, you will dial 00, followed by the country code and phone number. There are several options for making long distance calls, such as public phone booths, renting a cell phone, or purchasing a local SIM card. WiFi is available in most resorts and public areas.

12V USA STANDARD OUTLETS

Aruba decided to adopt the North American voltage standard of 110 A.C. (60 cycles). This the same as in the United States and Canada. Electricity is a by-product of the water desalination process.

USD & AWG

Aruba has its own currency called Aruban florin, often written as AWG. US dollars are also widely accepted on the island. The exchange rate for the US dollar ranges from Awg 1.75 to Awg 1.80 for one US dollar.

HELLO, HOLA, BON DIA MÒRO

The official languages on Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento. However, most Arubans are multi-lingual; many are able to communicate in English and Spanish, as well.

ATLANTIC TIME ZONE

Aruba is in the Atlantic Time Zone and is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC -4). Aruba does not utilize Daylight Saving Time.

SHOPPING

Most stores around the island are open from Monday through Saturday from 9AM to 6PM. Most stores in the resorts and in the malls stay open even later.

The large grocery stores are open from Monday through Saturday from 8AM to 8PM, and on Sundays from 9AM to 2PM. Opening hours of the smaller grocery stores vary.

HIGH & LOW SEASON

Aruba’s low season falls between April 15 and December 14, and high season falls between December 15 and April 14 (certain resorts may have slightly different seasonal rates periods).

High season is the busiest period in Aruba, and several resorts will be completely booked. Due to the high demand during this season, pricing for accommodations and car rentals tend to be higher than during low season.

UP TO YOU

Tipping is not obligatory, but is at the discretion of the visitor. Note that some restaurants and bars add a service charge to your bill. When included, the service charge on food and beverage is normally around 10% to 15%.

At one’s own discretion, an extra amount can be added for valued service.

911

Please contact the front desk of your hotel or apartment complex if you require medical assistance. The front desk of your resort will be able to direct you to, or arrange appointments with, the right physician.

In case of an emergency, call 911 for an ambulance or the fire department. The police can be reached at 100. Aruba has a well-equipped hospital, Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital, located close to Eagle Beach.

GETTING AROUND

The island provides several options to get around. You could rent your own vehicle at one of the many car rental companies, ask your hotel to call one of the many taxis to transfer you to your preferred location, use the public bus, or even rent a bicycle or motor. Your accommodation manager will be able to provide you with company options and locations.