Money:
The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), which is
divided into 100 cents. The Florin is tied to the US Dollar. US
currency is accepted everywhere and other major currencies can be
exchanged at banks. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and
there are ATMs in Oranjestad. Travellers cheques are also widely
accepted and it is best to have cheques in US dollars or Euros to
avoid additional charges.
Time:
Local time in Aruba is GMT -4.
Electricity:
Electric current in Aruba is 127 volts, 60Hz. Flat
two- and three-pin plugs are standard. The Schuko plug and
receptacle with side grounding contacts is also used.
Language:
The official language in Aruba is Dutch but English and
Spanish are taught in school and are also widely spoken. Some
French is also understood. Most islanders also speak the native
language Papiamento.
Health:
There are no special health requirements for visitors to Aruba,
but travellers coming from yellow fever infected countries in
Africa or the Americas, aged over six months, need an immunisation
certificate. Aruba has experienced occasional outbreaks of dengue
fever, a flu-like illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that
favour densely populated areas, therefore the use of insect
repellent is advised. Visitors are warned that some types of fish,
including some tropical reef fish, are poisonous when eaten, even
cooked. Medical care is good in Aruba, which has one hospital, the
Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital, with three classes of service for
patients depending on the level of their insurance. Health
insurance is recommended. Food and water are considered safe.
Tipping:
A 10 or 15% tip is usually added to restaurant, bar and room
service bills in Aruba, otherwise a tip should be extended, usually
10-20% depending on the service. There is an 11% room tax on hotel
bills. Taxis should be tipped around 15% and porters expect a tip
of US$1 per bag.
Safety:
Crime is not a major problem in Aruba and most visits are
trouble-free, however visitors are still advised to take
common-sense precautions, locking valuables in the hotel safe and
taking care when walking home at night.
Customs:
Business:
Oranjestad is the main business centre in Aruba and the focus
for the island's growing international financial services. English
is considered to be the language of business. Meetings are
generally held in formal settings such as offices or conference
centres; smoking and chewing gum are not acceptable. Handshaking is
customary for introductions between both men and women; female
business associates should be treated with as much respect as men
and often hold high positions in companies. Punctuality for
meetings is required. Business hours are 9am to 5pm.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Aruba over the age of 18 do not need to pay
customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 litre alcohol and
gift articles to the value of f100. If goods per person exceed f500
in value this should be declared on customs forms for clearance at
the freight department.
Communications:
The international access code for Aruba is +297. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the
United States). City codes are not required. International, direct
and operator-assisted calls are possible worldwide. A GSM network
covers the island. Cellular phones are available for rental and
Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.