Visiting Aruba
What you need to know before you arrive
Entry requirements, money, transport, safety, and practical tips — the information that actually matters for your trip.
Currency
AWG (Florin)
USD accepted?
Yes, widely
Visa-free countries
100+
Max stay (most visitors)
30 days
Entry requirements
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Entry rules are set by Aruban authorities and differ from the Netherlands.
Passport & documents
A valid passport is required for all visitors. EU/EEA nationals may enter with a national ID card. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Some nationalities require a visa — check the official DIMAS (Directorate of Integration, Management and Admission of Strangers) list before travelling.
ED card (Embarkation/Disembarkation)
All visitors must complete an Aruba ED card before arrival. This is done online via the official Aruba ED Card portal. You will receive a QR code to present at immigration. Complete this at least 72 hours before departure.
Length of stay
Most visitors are admitted for 30 days, extendable to a maximum of 180 days per year. Extensions must be requested at DIMAS in Oranjestad before your initial 30 days expire. Overstaying is taken seriously and can result in fines or a ban.
Onward travel
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel (a return or connecting flight ticket). It is advisable to have this available, especially if arriving from certain regions.
Health requirements
No vaccinations are currently required for entry. However, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Check current requirements with your airline and the Aruban health authorities before travel, as requirements can change.
Money & currency
The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of AWG 1.79 = USD 1.00. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere — hotels, restaurants, shops, and taxis — making cash management straightforward for American visitors.
Euros and other currencies are generally not accepted outside of a few tourist-facing businesses. ATMs dispense both AWG and USD. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted. American Express is accepted at larger establishments.
Money tips
- USD is accepted almost everywhere at a fixed rate
- ATMs dispense AWG and USD — check your bank's foreign transaction fees
- Euros are not widely accepted — exchange before or on arrival
- Tipping is customary: 10–15% at restaurants, USD 1–2 per bag for porters
- Some restaurants add a service charge automatically — check your bill
Getting around
Car rental
The most practical option. Roads are in good condition and driving is on the right. A valid foreign driving licence is accepted. Fuel is relatively affordable. Book in advance during peak season.
Typical cost: USD 40–80/day
Taxi
Taxis are metered and widely available at the airport, hotels, and main tourist areas. Rates are set by the government. Agree on the fare before departure if the meter is not used. No Uber or ride-sharing apps operate on the island.
Typical cost: USD 10–30 per trip
Public bus (Arubus)
Arubus operates routes connecting Oranjestad with the main tourist areas (Palm Beach, Eagle Beach) and residential districts. Infrequent and not always reliable. Useful for budget travellers on the main corridors.
Typical cost: AWG 2.30 per trip
Scooter / bicycle
Scooters and bicycles are available for rent. Suitable for shorter distances and beach-hopping. Helmets are required by law for scooters. The flat terrain makes cycling manageable, though distances can be significant.
Typical cost: USD 25–50/day (scooter)
Safety
Aruba is consistently ranked among the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The island has a stable government, a professional police force, and a strong tourism economy that depends on visitor safety.
Petty theft does occur, particularly in tourist areas and on beaches. Do not leave valuables unattended. Car break-ins happen — do not leave bags or electronics visible in parked vehicles.
Safety tips
- Do not leave valuables on the beach or in parked cars
- Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
- The water is safe to drink from the tap — Aruba has its own desalination plant
- Ocean currents can be strong on the east coast — swim on the calmer west coast
- Emergency number: 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Practical information
Language
Papiamento is the local language. Dutch is official. English is spoken fluently by most people in tourism, hospitality, and business. Spanish is also widely understood.
Electricity
110V / 60Hz — the same as the US and Canada. Standard US-style plugs (Type A/B). European visitors will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC−4. Aruba does not observe daylight saving time. During US Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Aruba is 1 hour ahead of New York.
Mobile & internet
4G/5G coverage across the island. Local SIM cards available from SETAR and Digicel at the airport and in Oranjestad. Most hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. International roaming can be expensive — a local SIM is recommended for longer stays.
Climate
Dry and sunny year-round. Average temperature 27–32°C. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt. Trade winds from the northeast keep the island cooler than other Caribbean destinations. The short rainy season runs October–January.
Airport
Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is located 2.5 km from Oranjestad. Direct flights from the US, Canada, Netherlands, and several South American countries. The airport is modern and well-organised.
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