Aruba

Several scheduled and charter carriers serve passengers flying into Aruba through the main airport at Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). For more information, see Aruba.com.

Departure Tax

US$36.75 departure tax to the USA (usually included in price of ticket)

US$33.50 departure tax for all other destinations

With one of the most temperate, unchanging climates in the Caribbean, Aruba has the added benefit of its location outside of the hurricane belt. With constant trade winds and temps that average 82°F (27°C), it’s an ideal getaway. Day or night, summer or winter, the temps vary only between 3° and 4°. November and December may see brief showers.

Telephone

International access code: +297. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). Wireless: Digicel offers a mobile network based on the European Standard GSM technology.

Internet

Many hotels offer either complimentary or fee-based dial-up service. An Internet Caf? in Oranjestad (at the Royal Plaza Mall) offers access for about US$7.00 per half hour. Telecommunication services are offered by Servicio di Telecommunication di Aruba (SETAR). International, direct, and operator-assisted calls are available to all countries. Setar is the only Internet service provider in Aruba.

Currency

Antillian guilder or florin (AWG), 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 square shaped 50-cent “yotin” is the most recognizable coin. Traveler’s checks and US dollars are widely accepted. Banks will exchange most foreign currency.

Meals

• Low-end: $5-10
• Middle: $10-25
• High: $25-40
• Gourmet: $40+

Lodging

• Low-end: $60-80
• Middle: $80-150
• High: $150-300
• Deluxe: $300+

Passport

Those planning to visit Aruba for not more than 90 days as a tourist for purposes of recreation, sports, health, family reasons, study, religious purposes, or business must submit the following documentation:

• A valid travel document, which should be provided with a visa for Aruba (if it concerns a national NOT mentioned in list A, below)
• Any documents necessary for returning to the country of origin (valid permanent resident document, for example)
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Aruba
• Return or onward ticket and other documents necessary for the next destination (visa etc.)

Non-compliance with one of these documents might result in refusal of entry to Aruba. The Immigration of Aruba based on the funds the tourist is traveling with shall determine the period of stay in Aruba.

Visa

Nationals of the following countries may visit Aruba for 90 days without a visa.

List A
Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Grenada, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Hong Kong: holders of British National Overseas passport, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, St. Christopher and Nevis (St. Kitts and Nevis), St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican and Venezuela.

For those nationals of countries not mentioned on List A, a visa must be obtained by submitting an application in person to any Embassy or Consulate (diplomatic mission) of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The diplomatic mission will process the application in two working days. If a visa application is forwarded to Aruba for additional information, the process may take ten working days. Diplomatic missions will issue visas in the name of the Minister of Justice of Aruba. Holders of a Laissez-passer issued by the United Nations (even if not traveling on duty) do not need a visa to enter Aruba.

Aruba operates on a 110v/60Hz cycle electric current.

Aruba is well equipped to handle medical problems. Should an emergency arise which require additional services, patients can be airlifted quickly to facilities in nearby Curacao.

Water

There is no need to buy bottled water in Aruba, the island’s tap water is pure and refreshing , distilled in the world’s second largest saltwater desalination plant.

Recommended vaccinations

• Typhoid: Not recommended for most visitors, unless plans include an extended stay in rural areas with possible exposure to contaminated food
• Yellow Fever: Not recommended or required, except for all travelers over six months of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all visitors
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for those who may make intimate contact with local residents, especially for stays longer than 6 months
• Routine Immunizations: All visitors should have up-to-date tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella immunizations

Official language: Dutch. Many residents are fluent in English, Spanish and Papiamento, and many speak French and German.

Crime is not a major issue and most visits are free from problems. Take common-sense precautions?keep jewelry, cash and other valuables in the hotel safe and be alert when walking about at night.

GMT/UTC -4

In most hotels, a 10 or 15% tip is automatically added to restaurant, bar and room service bills. Tip taxi drivers around 15% and porters US$1 per bag.

• MD Travel Health
• CIA World Fact Book