Electricity

Aruba has the same voltage standards as North America (110 volts AC). Therefore, European appliances (that use 220 volts) generally cannot be used in Aruba (unless you have a converter).

Clothing Tips

It is advisable to wear light clothing, since the temperatures in Aruba are very high. If you go shopping, it is generally not allowed to enter shops or casinos in your bathing suit. If you're going on a sailing trip, or if you're going out at night, sometimes the wind can make it bit chilly, so bring a light vest or blouse.

Money Matters

There are several banks on Aruba that can offer you their services. Banking hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The Caribbean Mercantile Bank has a location at the airport, which is also open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aruba Bank on Main Street is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m

Coins

The Central Bank of Aruba does not permit coin change to be given in any other currency than the Arubian currency; the exception is in the casinos. You may drop your leftover coins in the charity box at the airport. Aruba's currency is the Arubian Florin (AFL or AWG). The exchange rate for 1 USD is generally 1.75 AFL and if you buy USD, the exchange rate is usually AFL 1.80. To cash traveler's checks, you have to bring your identification. A large number of ATM machines are spread throughout the island, so there is no need for you to worry about availability of the currency. A great thing about Aruba is that you can pay with USD you do not have to change in the local Arubian Florin. You may get Arubian money back as change.

Telephone Services

For dialing direct calls from Aruba, the code for the international circuit is 00 followed by the country code, area code and the number. For assistance, call 121. Aruba's International telephone country code is 297. To direct dial Aruba from the U.S., the code is 011-297- plus the number. (Recently a number has been added to all existing phone numbers in Aruba. For all regular and fax numbers the number "5" has to be placed to the front of the old number. For all Cell, Primo and GSM phones the number "9" has to be placed to the front of the old number. ) You can use the public phones (with Arubian calling cards) that are located throughout the island. For some cell phone carriers it is possible to use your cell phone in Aruba, please check with your cell phone provider for details. If you want to rent a cell phone, there are several places where you can go.

International Telephone Calls

For dialing direct calls from Aruba, the code for the international circuit is 00 followed by the country code, area code and the number. For assistance, call 121. Aruba's International telephone country code is 297. To direct dial Aruba from the U.S., the code is 011-297-plus the number.

Taxi

Rates, set by the Government, are based on destination rather than mileages traveled and are for the total number of passengers in the car or van.

Post Office

The Central Post Office is located diagonally across from San Francisco Church in Oranjestad. Open from Mondays to Fridays from 7.30 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Post office at the Royal Plaza Mall in Oranjestad is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6.45 p.m.

Gasoline

Gas pumps for your rental car register in liters: 1.06 quarts to 1 liter. One gallon is 3.78 liters. Prices at gas stations are in Aruba florins converted at Afl. 1.75 to US$1.00. It is not the custom to pump gas for oneself; please allow the attendants to assist you

Safety

Aruba has always been considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, however incidents may occur. Please do not provide temptation by leaving your valuables unattended on the beach or in your rental car.

Room Taxes

Generally, there is an 11% service charge on room rates. Most hotels also apply a 6% government tax.

Service Charge

Most Aruban restaurants maintain a service charge of between 10 to 20%.

US Customs and US Immigration

Both the US immigration office as the US customs office is present at the Queen Beatrix International Airport. This is a rather unique combination to have these two US government departments present at a non-US Island.