Aruba, Netherlands - Travel Guide

Aruba offers stunning white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports. Its constant trade winds make it a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, while the vibrant culture and diverse culinary scene add to its appeal.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$150/day

Mid-range$200/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

CaribbeanLesser AntillesOranjestadABC Islands

🇳🇱 Country Information: Netherlands

CapitalAmsterdam

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Dutch , English, German, French

Phone Code+31

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; typically round up or leave 5
10% in restaurants and bars
Tipping taxi drivers is not common
Tipping hotel staff for good service is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is advisable for smaller purchases and markets
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is highly valued
Direct communication is common and not considered rude
Cycling is a major mode of transport; be aware of bike lanes and rules
Dutch people tend to be informal in social interactions

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. The Netherlands has a long history of LGBTQ+ rights and was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are generally liberal regarding soft drugs (cannabis) in designated "coffeeshops" but possession of hard drugs is illegal and strictly enforced

Special Laws

Public urination is illegal and can result in fines
Cycling laws are strict; always use bike paths and signals
Smoking cannabis is only permitted in licensed coffeeshops, not in public

Common Phrases

NoNee (NAY)

YesJa (YAH)

HelloHallo (HAH-low)

PleaseAlstublieft (AHL-stoo-bleeft)

Excuse mePardon (pahr-DON)

Thank youDank u wel (DAHNK oo vehl)

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov

Getting There

- Fly directly to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) from major North American and European cities

Getting Around

Taxis readily available
Rental cars recommended for island exploration
Arubus public transportation
No major ride
sharing apps like Uber/Lyft

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be helpful for travel
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major carriers like Digicel and SETAR offer eSIM services
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Keshi Yena must_try

Often considered Aruba's national dish, this hearty, cheesy casserole is traditionally made with a whole cheese shell stuffed with spiced meat (usuall

Pastechi street_food

These are crescent-shaped, deep-fried pastries filled with various savory fillings such as cheese, beef, chicken, or seafood. They are a popular break

Pan Bati regional_speciality

Meaning 'beaten bread,' this is a slightly sweet, fluffy Aruban cornbread pancake made from corn and wheat flour. It is typically served as a side dis

Funchi regional_speciality

A side dish similar to Italian polenta, made from cornmeal, served either as a soft accompaniment to stews or cooled, cut into strips, and fried. The

Stoba (Goat/Beef Stew) regional_speciality

A traditional, slow-cooked stew, often made with goat (Cabrito Stoba) or beef, flavored with local spices and sometimes ingredients like concomber (a

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Overwater Dining at Aruba Ocean Villas (Restaurant) Dining

Book 1–3 months in advance

This is one of the few overwater dining experiences in Aruba, making it extremely popular and limited in capacity, especially for sunset slots.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Popular Sunset Catamaran Cruise/Sail tour_or_activity

Book 2–8 weeks in advance

Sunset cruises are a highly desired activity, and the most popular operators and specific dates (like holidays) can sell out their limited spots quickly.

Private Island Jeep/UTV/ATV Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Private or small-group off-road tours to Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool have limited vehicle and guide capacity, booking up quickly.

De Palm Island Day Pass Attraction

Book 1–3 weeks in advance

This popular all-inclusive private island experience limits the number of daily visitors, making advance purchase advisable, especially during busy cruise days.

Fun Facts

1. Aruba has a surprisingly dry and arid climate, more like a desert with cacti, which surprises many tourists expecting a lush tropical Caribbean paradise.
2. The island was once known as "The Island of Giants" due to the relatively tall stature of its early inhabitants, the Caquetio Amerindians, and was also briefly known as "Useless Island" by the Spanish.
3. The famous Divi Divi trees on the island are actually called Watapana trees, and they naturally point southwest due to the constant trade winds, acting as a natural compass.
4. Despite being a Caribbean island, Aruba is located outside of the "Hurricane Alley," making it a safe destination to visit year-round with a lower risk of tropical storms.

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