Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Aruba

When to visit Aruba

What makes Aruba truly special? It's the year-round summer with a constant temperature of 82°F (28°C). This means any time is a perfect time to visit if you're seeking warm weather. Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt, and from October to January, it experiences light rainfall. However, these rain showers are short-lived, and the sun quickly reappears.

When it comes to crowd levels, Aruba has two seasons. The high season spans from mid-December to mid-April, attracting many visitors who seek refuge from the cold in their home countries. During this time, hotels, restaurants, and activities tend to be busier, resulting in higher prices. On the other hand, the low season lasts from mid-April to mid-December, offering a quieter atmosphere and lower prices.

Here's an insider tip: From January to March, Aruba celebrates its local carnival season, which is an incredible experience. The island comes alive with vibrant parades, festive events, local music, and traditional dances. It's a celebration you won't want to miss!

Entry requirements

When traveling to Aruba, it's important to ensure that your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your departure from the country, evidence of the purpose of your visit, and valid travel insurance.

How long to stay

It all depends on what you prefer. If you want to take it easy and have a relaxed trip, you can easily spend 10 days or more in Aruba. But if you're looking to do a lot of activities and see the main attractions without rushing, a 5-day trip would be enough for a quick getaway.

How to get around

Aruba has a good transportation network, making it easy to get around the island. My first suggestion is to rent a car so you can explore the whole island at your own pace. If possible, consider getting a four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially for bumpy roads like the one in Arikok National Park leading to the Natural Pool. You can rent a car at the airport, and prices range from $40 to $90 per day.

If you're on a budget or prefer not to drive, Aruba has a reliable bus service that covers the main resort areas, downtown, and Baby Beach. Day passes cost around $10, and return cards are around $5. You can check the bus schedule on arubus.com.

Taxis are also widely available in Aruba, and they have fixed rates set by government regulations instead of using meters. You can ask your hotel to call a taxi for you or simply hail one on the street. Taxis in Aruba have license plates starting with "TX."

Insider tip: While Aruba offers various transportation options, I don't recommend using UTVs & ATVs due to their negative impact on the environment, noise pollution, and reckless driving. These vehicles are not allowed in Arikok National Park, so it's better to rent a car or join a guided tour instead.

Safety

Aruba is widely recognized as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, both for its residents and visitors. Having grown up in Aruba and traveled to many different countries, I can personally attest to this. In fact, some visitors even express feeling safer in Aruba than they do in their own hometowns. This reputation makes Aruba an ideal destination for families and solo travelers alike.

While the crime rates in Aruba are low, it's always wise to take basic precautions to ensure your safety, just as you would at home. Avoid leaving visible bags in your parked car and never leave your backpack unattended, especially when swimming. Also, be sure to follow any posted signs indicating swimming restrictions. Some areas, like Boca Prins or Dos Playa in Arikok National Park, may not be suitable for swimming.

Payment methods

When traveling in Aruba, you'll find that most establishments accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or places that may not accept cards. The local currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but US dollars are widely accepted and often preferred. ATMs are available throughout the island where you can withdraw local currency.

Tipping in Aruba is customary and appreciated for good service. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 15-20% of the total bill. For other services, such as taxi rides or hotel staff, it's customary to tip a small amount, usually rounding up the bill or leaving a few dollars. It's always a good idea to carry some small bills for tipping purposes.

Language

Most Arubans are fluent in at least four languages: English, Dutch, Papiamento (the local language), and Spanish. While Dutch and Papiamento are the official languages of Aruba, English is widely spoken throughout the island. Papiamento is a Creole language that originated 300 years ago, blending elements of Portuguese and African languages. Over time, it has incorporated words from Dutch, English, and Spanish, while maintaining its distinct identity and meaning.

Water

Aruba's tap water is exceptionally clean and meets the highest quality standards set by the World Health Organization. In fact, it is considered one of the cleanest in the world! The water is not only safe to drink but also has a great taste. Since Aruba doesn't have natural fresh water sources, seawater is distilled at the saltwater desalination plant named WEB to provide drinkable water. You won't need to purchase bottled water during your vacation - simply bring a water bottle and enjoy refreshing tap water straight from the source.

For more information about Aruba's best things to do, plannings and local gems for your trip around the island, check out my Aruba Guide.

If you’re looking for something specific that you haven’t found in the guide yet, I would be more than happy to help with a personalized itinerary to plan your Aruba vacation.