Aruba Travel Information

 

What to wear on your Aruba vacation?

For the most part, casual, informal summer clothing is the rule in Aruba. Women may want to bring along a scarf or hat; the constant trade wind, while refreshing, is not compatible with a carefully arranged hair style.

If you plan to visit the island's elegant restaurants, night clubs or casinos, one or two dressier outfits would be appropriate. As for bathing suits, please remember that they're acceptable only on the beach, and not on the streets or restaurants.

 

Do I need a Passport or a visa to visit Aruba?

Passport: Yes! - Since January 1, 2007 a passport is required!
Visa: Sometimes, please read our entry requirements page for more information about passports and visas

 

Where are the "clothing optional" and topless beaches?

There are no offical nude beaches. Public nudity of any kind is illegal and can be an insult to the Aruban people. However, there are many very secluded small beaches along the northeast coast, some requiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle to reach, where you may be alone and do as you wish (at your own risk), subject to interruption at any time by 4-WD or horseback tours. There are no facilities of any kind nearby and the surf is extremly rough and dangerous for swimming.
Topless sunbathing and swimming is not illegal (there is no law against it) on public beaches, but sometimes not allowed or appreciated at beaches in front of the hotels and resorts.

 

Credit Card & Traveler's Check Representatives

American Express

S.E.L. Maduro & Sons
Rockefellerstr, 1 - Oranjestad
Tel: +(297) 582 3888

Services include personal check cashing, refunds, exchange and replacement of American Express Traveler checks, American Express Card replacement service, report of lost or stolen Credit Cards.

Visa and Master Card

Aruba Bank, Tel: +(297) 527 7777
CMB (Caribbean Mercantile Bank), Tel: +(297) 582 3118
RBTT, Tel: +(297) 588 0101

Services available to cardholders include cash advance, report of lost or stolen Visa or Master Card. Either your passport or two other valid identifications are required.
The Aruba Banks listed above can also dispense US currency.

 

Cellular Phones

While Aruba has cellular phone service (including GSM), roaming services for other cellular company customers it can be very expensive!!!
Solutions:
If you have a simlock free phone (dual or triple band), you can buy a PrePaid Sim card (Afl. 35.- with Afl. 10.- )or rent a Sim-Card.
"Rent a Cellular" is also very handy!

 

Phone Cards & International Calls

Aruba offers several options to call internationally; you can use the land line or a cellular.
To make an international call (Calling home for example):
USA & Canada, dial 00 + 1 + area code + number
Other countries, dial 00 + country code + number
You can call 800-numbers in Aruba, however they are not toll-free! To dial an 800-number you dial 00 1 800 number. Before connecting , you will hear a recorder informing you that the call will be charged.

You can also call collect or use your credit card to place a phone call. You can place a collect call or credit card call at any of the blue phones located mostly at the lobbies of your hotel and also in the downtown area. The phones have instructions on how to place the calls.

It is highly advisable to purchase and use calling cards in order to make international phone calls. The calling cards can be obtained through out the island at gas stations, mini markets, supermarkets and at the various Setar teleshops. Cards, like the Ventaha usually vary between $5, $15, $20 and $30.

TIP: With internet access, you can call home through the internet.

 

Legal drinking & gambling age

The legal age for both drinking and gambling is 18 years. It is not, however, widely enforced. You will not usually be "carded".

 

Pets

Cats and dogs from most countries are allowed if accompanied by valid rabies and health certificates from a veterinarian. Pets from South and Central America, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, are not allowed. However, most hotels / accommodations do not allow pets. Please check with your hotel / accommodation in advance.

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• Import requirements dogs and cats to Aruba

 

Electricity

Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC, the same as standard in the United States. Visitors from countries with other types of electrical systems will need adaptors. (Many hotels will supply hairdryers, check with your hotel for details).

 

Water

Aruba has pure, refreshing tap water, distilled in the world's second largest saltwater purification plant, and is completely safe to drink. There is no need to buy bottled water in Aruba.

 

Taxes

There is a 7.5% government room tax on all accommodations, and 2% additional fee by AHATA. So together the room tax is 9.5%.

 

Time

Aruba is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Time but is effective year-round. Click here for the current time and date of Aruba

 

Tipping

A gratuity or service charge of 10% to 20% is usually included in your bill. If not, a tip of 10% to 20% is appropriate, depending on the service you received.