Travel information

Some practical information:

Language
Dutch is the official language, but nearly everyone on the island also speaks English as well as Spanish. The native tongue is Papiamentu.

Customs Regulations
A valid passport is needed for a three months' touristic stay. (max.)
Persons over 18 are allowed to import free of import duties:
2 lt of liquor
2 lt of wine
200 cigarettes
50 cigars
250 grs of tabacco

Money
The official currency is the Aruban Florin, which is pegged tot the US$ at a fixed rate of 1.77
US Dollars are widely accepted as well as Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards.

Banks
Aruba has a number of Banks, mainly located in downtown Oranjestad. Each Bank has an ATM machine.
Banking hours: Monday through Friday 8.30 am until 3.30 or 4.00 pm
Some banks are closed during the lunch hour.

Store Hours
The main shopping centre of Aruba is located in downtown Oranjestad. Almost everything is for sale.
Most stores are opened Monday through Friday from 8.00 or 9.00 am until noon and from 2.00 until 6.00 pm
Some stores are open on Sundays from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm


A Tip for Divers
If you have a DIN configurated regulator, it is a good idea to take an adapter with you. The tanks are almost always fitted with non adaptable INT valves. There are a few adapters for rent, but the number is limited.

Time Zone
Aruba follows the Atlantic Standard Time and has no daylight saving time.
The difference with the Central European Time is 5 hours during the winter and 6 hours during the summer.


Drinking Water
Drinking water is produced by desalination of seawater. The water is of a high quality and perfectly safe to drink.


Electricity
120-130 Volt. European electric equipment may only be used with the help of an adapter.


Tourism Seasons and Climate
High season : December 15-April 14
Low Season : April 15-December 14
Windy Season :May- August
Monderate wind:January-April
Weak wind :September-January
Average temp. :29 degrees Celcius
Average temp. of the seawater: 28 degrees
Celcius
The sun is shining every day, throughout the year!


Tipping
In some restaurants the service charge is already included in the bill. If not so, generally a 10% tip is common as is customary as well in bars, taxi's etc. Your tip will be greatly appreciated!


Clothing
Since your are going to stay in the Tropics with warm temperatures throughout the year, light, informal, casual wear is in order.
Bathing suits are only acceptable on the beach and not on the streets, in bars, restaurants, stores etc.
On the public beaches "nude" is forbidden. Topless is tolerated.


Health
Aruba has no tropical diseases: no vaccinations are needed!
Aruba has several medical centres among which the modern and well equipped 280-bed Hospital Dr. Horacio Oduber. An ambulance plane is available for transportation to Curaçao or elsewhere in case of very serious emergencies that cannot be treated in the hospital.


Departure Tax
A tax of US$20,-- is due for International Flights.
The tax is payable at any moment after your arrival on Aruba. The booth is located at the airport. For most KLM tickets the tax is included with the ticket.