Driving in Aruba
The Arubans drive on the right side of the road. That being said, driving in Aruba can be challenging, mainly due to the heavy traffic on the roads. Most of the time, you will need to make several traffic circles when driving around the towns, exploring the island. As for the requirements to drive a car in Aruba, you don’t need any special permit or licence (which is the case with other Caribbean nations). You only have to show your driver’s licence – the one issued in your country of residence.
Car Rentals
You may want to rent a car to avoid waiting around for buses and taxis. Plus, you’ll have more mobility and convenience when renting a vehicle, especially if you are planning on having a beach-hopping experience. On top of that, a car will allow you to do things like visit natural pools, check out local restaurants, and grab groceries much faster and at your own pace and time.
Car rentals are particularly cost-effective compared to other Caribbean islands and you‘ll find plenty of economy cars from local car rental agencies on the island. Some of them are located near the Aruba International Airport, making it extremely convenient to drop off and pick up the car.
Tip: You could familiarise yourself with the layout of the island via a Jeep tour. Even if you have rented a car, this would be a great way to explore the terrain before you do some driving on your own.
Aruba Accommodations
You can stay at a luxury Aruba resort at prestigious Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. However, you can enjoy the island’s lifestyle just as much without spending a lot of money by renting a more affordable Airbnb vacation rental near the main Aruba beaches, with convenience stores and attractions within reach. Unlike what many people think, holidaymaking in Aruba does not have to come with a high price tag. You can find elegant and cost-effective accommodation options without compromising quality, comfort, or conveniences.
Visiting the Flamingo Beach – Requirements
This is perhaps the most photographed local attraction. You can find the infamous Flamingo Beach at the Renaissance Aruba Private Island. If you are staying at the Renaissance Aruba Resort, you don’t need to pay any entrance fee. You simply take the water taxi from the dock area (just across the hotel lobby) and you’ll be there within 15 minutes.
Those not staying at the resort will have to get themselves special passes from https://renaissancearuba.idaypass.com/. The per-person cost of the pass is around $125 USD (do check with the resort for any last-minute updates in prices and services) and covers towels, a cocktail, and lunch. Kindly note that you cannot buy your passes in advance, so please visit the link mentioned above to check availability and issue your pass early in the morning of the day you wish to visit Flamingo Beach.
Once there, you can relax on the sugary beach, visit the spa, enjoy water sports activities, chill out on private cabanas, and take in idyllic seascapes while being surrounded by beautiful pink-feathered birds!
Exchanging Money in Aruba
The official national currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (Afl.). Nevertheless, the local businesses also accept U.S. dollars in their vast majority. This enables Americans to come to the island without having to exchange money first. Besides that, you can always head to one of the many ATMs in Aruba to withdraw dollars and florins.
Note, though, that if you pay in cash in U.S. dollars, you may receive change in both Aruban florins and U.S. dollars. Most visitors prefer to bring some cash in USD with them and pay with a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees for most of the expenses.
Sun Protection is Absolutely Necessary
Wearing sunscreen is recommended when exposed to the sun. In Aruba’s case, this is more than a necessity – it is a prerequisite so you can enjoy your stay the most. Many travellers think that the sun is not that strong because of the trade winds that blow on the island, making the atmosphere appear cooler than it is. Aruba’s proximity to the equator, though, makes it a place that receives massive amounts of direct sunlight passing through the atmosphere. This means that using (and reapplying often) a sunscreen lotion (30 SPF and up) is important to prevent serious sunburns. However, please note that Aruba has banned sunscreens that contain a chemical called oxybenzone as a means to help protect the health of the local marine life and the corals.
Get to the Aruba Airport Early when Leaving Aruba
When flying out of the island, the boarding process at the Queen Beatrix International Airport is normal, except for U.S. travellers, who need to go through a pre-clearance procedure that involves them passing through U.S. Customs & Border Protection before getting on their plane. This means that they will be able to reach their gate in a longer time than other travellers. Simultaneously, though, it gives them the chance to arrive in the USA as domestic passengers, which makes going through U.S. Customs there not necessary.
Quick Facts About Aruba:
Crime rate – Extremely low. Aruba is considered one of the safest Caribbeans islands.
Water – Tap water is drinkable in Aruba.
Voltage – Aruba has the 110V voltage standard. So, do bring an adapter or converter to charge your things unless you are coming from the USA, where the plug types (type A and B) and voltage standard are the same as Aruba (almost in their entirety).
Gambling – It’s legal, provided that you are over 18 years old, which is the same age for legal drinking.
Dining Gratuities – Your bill will include a gratuity between 10-20% when eating out. In any other case, you’d be welcome to leave a tip (15% or higher is more than great).
Clothes – The tropical climate of Aruba is perfect for casual, comfy summer wear. If going out in the evening, though, you may need to wear light evening wear, while men may need to sport a light jacket when entering some casinos, nightclubs, and restaurants. It is also best to steer clear of your bikinis when shopping or wandering through business areas as it is prohibited. Preferably save them for your beachside ventures and swimming pool endeavours. You might also find a light jacket coming in handy in the cooler evenings.
Driving in Aruba
The Arubans drive on the right side of the road. That being said, driving in Aruba can be challenging, mainly due to the heavy traffic on the roads. Most of the time, you will need to make several traffic circles when driving around the towns, exploring the island. As for the requirements to drive a car in Aruba, you don’t need any special permit or licence (which is the case with other Caribbean nations). You only have to show your driver’s licence – the one issued in your country of residence.
Car Rentals
You may want to rent a car to avoid waiting around for buses and taxis. Plus, you’ll have more mobility and convenience when renting a vehicle, especially if you are planning on having a beach-hopping experience. On top of that, a car will allow you to do things like visit natural pools, check out local restaurants, and grab groceries much faster and at your own pace and time.
Car rentals are particularly cost-effective compared to other Caribbean islands and you‘ll find plenty of economy cars from local car rental agencies on the island. Some of them are located near the Aruba International Airport, making it extremely convenient to drop off and pick up the car.
Tip: You could familiarise yourself with the layout of the island via a Jeep tour. Even if you have rented a car, this would be a great way to explore the terrain before you do some driving on your own.
Aruba Accommodations
You can stay at a luxury Aruba resort at prestigious Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. However, you can enjoy the island’s lifestyle just as much without spending a lot of money by renting a more affordable Airbnb vacation rental near the main Aruba beaches, with convenience stores and attractions within reach. Unlike what many people think, holidaymaking in Aruba does not have to come with a high price tag. You can find elegant and cost-effective accommodation options without compromising quality, comfort, or conveniences.
Visiting the Flamingo Beach – Requirements
This is perhaps the most photographed local attraction. You can find the infamous Flamingo Beach at the Renaissance Aruba Private Island. If you are staying at the Renaissance Aruba Resort, you don’t need to pay any entrance fee. You simply take the water taxi from the dock area (just across the hotel lobby) and you’ll be there within 15 minutes.
Those not staying at the resort will have to get themselves special passes from https://renaissancearuba.idaypass.com/. The per-person cost of the pass is around $125 USD (do check with the resort for any last-minute updates in prices and services) and covers towels, a cocktail, and lunch. Kindly note that you cannot buy your passes in advance, so please visit the link mentioned above to check availability and issue your pass early in the morning of the day you wish to visit Flamingo Beach.
Once there, you can relax on the sugary beach, visit the spa, enjoy water sports activities, chill out on private cabanas, and take in idyllic seascapes while being surrounded by beautiful pink-feathered birds!
Exchanging Money in Aruba
The official national currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (Afl.). Nevertheless, the local businesses also accept U.S. dollars in their vast majority. This enables Americans to come to the island without having to exchange money first. Besides that, you can always head to one of the many ATMs in Aruba to withdraw dollars and florins.
Note, though, that if you pay in cash in U.S. dollars, you may receive change in both Aruban florins and U.S. dollars. Most visitors prefer to bring some cash in USD with them and pay with a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees for most of the expenses.
Sun Protection is Absolutely Necessary
Wearing sunscreen is recommended when exposed to the sun. In Aruba’s case, this is more than a necessity – it is a prerequisite so you can enjoy your stay the most. Many travellers think that the sun is not that strong because of the trade winds that blow on the island, making the atmosphere appear cooler than it is. Aruba’s proximity to the equator, though, makes it a place that receives massive amounts of direct sunlight passing through the atmosphere. This means that using (and reapplying often) a sunscreen lotion (30 SPF and up) is important to prevent serious sunburns. However, please note that Aruba has banned sunscreens that contain a chemical called oxybenzone as a means to help protect the health of the local marine life and the corals.
Get to the Aruba Airport Early when Leaving Aruba
When flying out of the island, the boarding process at the Queen Beatrix International Airport is normal, except for U.S. travellers, who need to go through a pre-clearance procedure that involves them passing through U.S. Customs & Border Protection before getting on their plane. This means that they will be able to reach their gate in a longer time than other travellers. Simultaneously, though, it gives them the chance to arrive in the USA as domestic passengers, which makes going through U.S. Customs there not necessary.
Quick Facts About Aruba:
Crime rate – Extremely low. Aruba is considered one of the safest Caribbeans islands.
Water – Tap water is drinkable in Aruba.
Voltage – Aruba has the 110V voltage standard. So, do bring an adapter or converter to charge your things unless you are coming from the USA, where the plug types (type A and B) and voltage standard are the same as Aruba (almost in their entirety).
Gambling – It’s legal, provided that you are over 18 years old, which is the same age for legal drinking.
Dining Gratuities – Your bill will include a gratuity between 10-20% when eating out. In any other case, you’d be welcome to leave a tip (15% or higher is more than great).
Clothes – The tropical climate of Aruba is perfect for casual, comfy summer wear. If going out in the evening, though, you may need to wear light evening wear, while men may need to sport a light jacket when entering some casinos, nightclubs, and restaurants. It is also best to steer clear of your bikinis when shopping or wandering through business areas as it is prohibited. Preferably save them for your beachside ventures and swimming pool endeavours. You might also find a light jacket coming in handy in the cooler evenings.