Travel tips · Aruba
Aruba travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: SIryn, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with its own government and currency. Islanders commonly speak four languages, switching between Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish. The culture mixes Caquetío Indigenous roots, Dutch colonial history and strong links with Venezuela and the other ABC islands, best seen during the long Carnival season.
Key facts
- Language
- Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish
- Currency
- AWG
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is desalinated seawater and safe to drink.
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Greet people with 'Bon dia' (good morning) or 'Bon tardi' (good afternoon); a little Papiamento is warmly received.
- Beachwear is for the beach; cover up in shops, restaurants and Oranjestad's streets.
- Topless sunbathing is not the norm on public beaches.
- Do not take or stack rocks and coral from protected areas such as Arikok National Park.
- Respect roped-off turtle nests and avoid using bright lights on the beach at night during nesting season.
- Visit from May to September, outside the winter season, for noticeably lower hotel rates.
Tipping
Many restaurants include a service charge of around 10–15%; add a little extra only for good service. If no charge is included, about 15% is usual, and a few dollars for taxi drivers and housekeeping is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bon dia | Good morning |
| Bon bini | Welcome |
| Danki | Thank you |
| Con ta bai? | How are you? |
| Ayo | Goodbye |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen are essentials; bring closed shoes for Arikok's rocky trails and smart-casual clothes for dinner.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is desalinated seawater and safe to drink.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Hotels and most restaurants offer Wi-Fi; local SIM cards and eSIMs are available for visitors.
- Time zone
- America/Aruba
Do not swim on the north and east coasts, where strong surf and currents are dangerous; swim on the sheltered west and south coasts. Lock rental cars and keep valuables out of sight at remote beaches and viewpoints, where break-ins can occur.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Aruba's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Aruba?
Many restaurants include a service charge of around 10–15%; add a little extra only for good service. If no charge is included, about 15% is usual, and a few dollars for taxi drivers and housekeeping is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Aruba?
Tap water is desalinated seawater and safe to drink.
+What plugs are used in Aruba?
Type A and B sockets, 127 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Aruba?
Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish.