Local Tips for Aruba
Money, language, connectivity, food and packing basics for Aruba, with the official source named where a rule or a number is involved.
Money & Currency
The Aruban florin (AWG, also written Afl.) is the local currency. The Centrale Bank van Aruba lists the official peg at US$1 = Afl. 1.79, as checked in October 2026. US dollars are widely accepted, according to the Aruba Tourism Authority, though that is not a guarantee that every business takes them, and your change may come back in florins.
Do
- Use bank ATMs, and check which currency the machine dispenses before you confirm
- Carry small bills for taxis, market stalls, and snack trucks (truk'i pan)
- Confirm whether a price is quoted in florins or US dollars before paying
- Major credit cards are accepted, says the Aruba Tourism Authority; ask first at a small stall
Avoid
- Don't assume small vendors take cards, keep some cash
- Don't rely on one card, bring a backup
- Don't forget to tell your bank you are traveling
- Don't withdraw from ATMs in dark or isolated areas
Tipping Culture
| Service | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | Check the bill first: some restaurants add a service charge. Add a tip for good service if none is included. |
| Hotel housekeeping | US$2 to 3 per day, left in the room |
| Taxi drivers | Not expected, but rounding up is appreciated |
| Tour guides | US$5 to 10 per person for a half or full day tour |
| Resort staff | US$1 to 2 for a bellhop, pool attendant, and so on |
| Boat and dive crew | A few dollars per person after a good trip |
Language
Papiamento and Dutch are Aruba's two official languages; Papiamento became an official language alongside Dutch in 2003. English and Spanish are also widely spoken, according to the Aruba Tourism Authority, though not by everyone. A few words of Papiamento are a courteous start.
Papiamento Words You May Hear
Internet & Connectivity
Many hotels and restaurants offer WiFi, and local operators and eSIM providers sell mobile data. Check coverage and prices with the provider before you rely on it.
Local SIM Card
Digicel and Setar sell prepaid SIMs. Ask in their stores about visitor data bundles, and bring ID in case registration requires it.
eSIM
Services such as Airalo and Holafly sell eSIMs you can set up before you land. Check current prices and coverage on their sites.
WiFi
WiFi is common at hotels, cafes and restaurants. Speed varies, so ask your accommodation if you need to work online.
Food & Dining
Dishes to Know
- Keshi yena (spiced meat baked inside a shell of Dutch cheese, the national dish)
- Stoba (a hearty Creole stew, often goat or kabritu)
- Pan bati & funchi (cornmeal sides that anchor a local plate)
- Red snapper and wahoo (common on seafood menus)
- Pastechi (a fried turnover filled with cheese, meat, or fish)
Dining Tips
- Roadside snack trucks (truk'i pan) serve casual plates; carry cash in small bills
- Browse the restaurant listings on this site by area to find places that serve local dishes
- Sip an Aruba Ariba, the island's signature rum-and-fruit cocktail
- Try a Balashi, the local beer that the Aruba Tourism Authority calls Aruba's flagship local brew
- Many beach bars serve fresh seafood and tropical cocktails right on the sand
Weather & What to Pack
Aruba lies on the southern fringes of the hurricane belt and is warm in every month. Monthly average highs run from 30.3 to 33.2°C (87 to 92°F) and average lows from 24.8 to 27.3°C (77 to 81°F), according to the 1991-2020 climate normals from Aruba's meteorological service, and steady trade winds take some of the edge off the heat.
Dry Season (Feb to Jun)
The meteorological service's dry season. It overlaps until April with the peak tourism season (December to April), when prices for rooms and activities tend to be higher.
Rainy Season (Sep to Jan)
The rainy season starts in September and ends in January. A passing tropical system can still cause beach erosion and coastal flooding, so watch the forecast.
Packing Essentials
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen without oxybenzone (its sale is banned in Aruba), a light layer for the trade winds, comfortable walking shoes for exploring Oranjestad and Arikok National Park, and water shoes for rocky snorkeling entries. Sockets take Type A and Type B plugs, the US standard, at 60 Hz, and official documents give the voltage as 110 or 120 to 127 volts. Visitors from Europe and the UK need a plug adapter and should check each appliance's input rating, because an adapter does not change the voltage.
Culture & Etiquette
Greetings matter (a friendly “bon dia” or “bon tardi” goes a long way, even in shops)
Music is life (tumba, dande, and calypso set the soundtrack)
Island time (life runs at a relaxed pace, so build in some flexibility)
A true melting pot (Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American, and Indigenous Caquetio heritage all shape island life)
Dress code (casual is fine; cover up over swimwear when away from the beach)
Heritage (Fort Zoutman, in downtown Oranjestad, dates from the Dutch colonial period)
Ask before photographing locals, especially in residential neighborhoods
Celebrations (Aruba Carnival season falls in January and February; check the organizer's schedule for parade dates)
The basics, covered
Next, compare the areas of Aruba and its beaches.