When to come for a perfect Aruba vacation...
There is no wrong time to visit Aruba. Temperatures are consistently mild, there is no rainy season, the island lies completely outside the hurricane belt, and the sea temperature hovers around 82 all year long. January, February and March are the most popular times to visit. During Carnival, just before Lent, the island is hopping with parades, festivities and parties. If you prefer smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, plan your trip for mid-April through September. Or, if you can't stand another morning of scraping ice from your windshield, hop the next plane and come in the middle of December. In other words, choose your own time. Come just because you feel like it. Whenever you feel like it.
Aruba, after all, isn't just a place where happiness visits now and then.
It's where happiness lives. Year-round.
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.
Currency
The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin, which is divided into 100 cents. Silver coins are in denominations
of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, one florin, 2 1/2 florins and 5 florins. The 50-cent "yotin" coin, which is square,
is probably Aruba's best-known coin. The florin fluctuates with the dollar on the world market.
Current exchange rates are Af. 1.78 to the U.S. dollar, see also our
Online currency converter. with a handy Travelers Currency Sheet.
U.S. and Canadian dollars are widely accepted in Aruba, and banks may exchange other foreign currency. Please call or stop by the individual banks for further information.
Money Transfer
Western Union Money Transfer Service offers fast, secure and convenient money transfer service to more than 60 countries. For more information, please call (297) 58-24400.
ATM / Bank hours
Banking hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Most bank branches remain open during lunch. The Aruba Bank branch at the airport is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on official holidays.
ATM machines:
Travelers with ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS or Plus System network logos can withdraw cash in Aruban florins. Home bank accounts will be debited in dollars at a favorable exchange rate, and a service charge will apply. Before departing for Aruba, it's important to verify whether your PIN number will work in Aruba by calling 1-800-4-CIRRUS.
ATM machines are available at the following locations, all in Oranjestad unless otherwise noted:
RBTT Bank (formely ABN/AMRO Bank):
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 89 (main street, downtown)
Sun Plaza Building at L.G. Smith Blvd. 160
Port of Call Mall at L.G. Smith Blvd. 17
Seaport Market Place
Kong Hing on L.G. Smith Blvd.
Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Eagle
main street in San Nicolaas
Marinierskazerne in Savaneta.
Caribbean Mercantile Bank:
Caya G.F. Betico Croes 51 (main street, downtown)
L.G. Smith Blvd. 17
Seaport Village Mall
Royal Plaza Mall, on Coastal Gasstation Boulevard
Palm Beach 48, Noord; Zeppenfeldstraat 35, San Nicolaas
Santa Cruz 41, Santa Cruz.
Credit Card & Traveler's Check Representative
American Express (AMEX):
S.E.L. Maduro & Sons
Rockefellerstr, 1, Oranjestad
Tel. (297) 5823888
Office hours (Mon-Fri): 8:00 - 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed on official holidays. Services include personal check cashing, refunds, exchange and replacement of American Express Traveler checks, American Express Card replacement service, report of lost or stolen American Express Cards.
Visa/Master Card:
Aruba Bank
Caribbean Mercantile Bank and Interbank
Services available to cardholders include cash advance, report of lost or stolen Visa/Master Card. Either passport or two other valid identifications required.
Telegrams & Telexes
These can be sent via your hotel, or by the Government Telegraph and Radio Office at the Post Office Building in Oranjestad.
Conference Facilities
The Aruba Sonesta Conference Center, at the Seaport Village, is a new 40,000-square-foot facility with more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and function space. The conference center offers state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, the assistance of a professional staff, and other amenities. Many other Aruban resorts also offer fine meeting and banquet facilities with excellent support services. For more information, or to request a Meetings & Incentives guide, please call (954) 767-3395.
At The Westin Aruba Resort, events come to life and agendas are unleashed. Renowned as fabulous sites for business meetings, special events and milestone celebrations.
You can expect flexible spaces, state-of-the-art facilities and audio-visual support featuring both wired and wireless connections. Where brilliant catering services are combined with exquisite cuisine, great recreation and a variety of entertainment options.
The Westin Aruba Resort
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 77
Telephone: +(297) 5864 466
FAX: +(297) 5860 928
E-mail: info@arubaresortspa.com
Pets
No pets from South and Central America are allowed. Otherwise, dogs and cats are permitted entry to the island when accompanied by a valid rabies and health certificate issued by a recognized veterinarian. Pets are not allowed at most hotels, however, so please check in advance with your hotel to ask about its policy.
Postage Stamps
As of January 1986, the island has its own postage stamps. Collectors can subscribe for new issues in person or by writing to Philatelic Service, Post Office, Oranjestad, Aruba. Phone (297) 5821900, fax (297) 5827930.
Religious
Visitors to Aruba are welcome at all religious services. The Anglican, Baha'i Faith, Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Dutch Reformed, Evangelical, Jewish, Jehovah's Witness, Methodist and Seventh-Day Adventist faiths all hold services on the island. Please ask your hotel for more information, or check directly with the church or synagogue.
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.)
Taxes
There is a 6% government room tax on all accommodations.
Time
Aruba is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Time but is effective year-round.
Tipping
A gratuity of 10% to 15% is usually included in your bill. If not, a tip of 10% to 20% is appropriate, depending on the service you received.
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