Travel tips to Aruba

Entry Requirements

Visitors from the EU, UK, North America, South America, Caribbean, Hong Kong Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea do not require a visa to enter Aruba, only a valid passport is required.  Visitors are allowed to stay for a maximum of 90 days. Nationals of other countries can apply for a visa at the nearest Dutch mission and embassy.

Airlines

All major international flights land at Queen Beatrix International Airport which can accommodate commercial jet aircrafts as large as the Boeing 747. The island is served by a number of airlines, and connections can be made to any part of the world.

Cruise Ships

Aruba is such a popular destination for cruise ships. Aruba is the starting point of many Caribbean cruises and is served by Italian Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Costa Line, Sitmar Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Chandris Line, Sun Line, Royal Cruise Line, Majestic Cruise Line, and the Russian Black Sea Shipping Co.

Travel Taxes

A departure tax of $34,25 per person is imposed upon departure.

Customs Regulations

Visitors 18 years of age and older may bring into the country up to 2 litres of liquor, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 250 grams of tobacco, in addition to those items which they plan on keeping for personal use.

Currency

The Aruban florin is the standard currency of the country, but U.S. Dollars are accepted everywhere.

Banks

Banks are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and cash may be obtained at branches of the Caribbean Mercantile Bank and the ABN-AMRO Bank with any major credit card or with Cirrus network ATM cards. ATM's dispense only local currency.

Language

In Aruba, the people speak, write and read English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento fluently. Many also speak French and German.

Transportation

The Queen Beatrix Airport is located on the southern coast not far from the capital city of Oranjestad. Jeeps, scooters, and bicycles may be rented for getting around or for going off on one's own. Cars and motorcycles may also be rented at the airport, and limousine service is available.

Hotels

Aruba offers a wide variety of accommodations from luxury hotels with their own private beach facilities to guest houses, and rental apartments. Seasonal rates vary from hotel to hotel, but the winter season from January through March tends to be the most crowded and the most expensive

Animals

Hotels do not have facilities for pets.

Shopping

Aruba offers duty-free shopping at the airport or at specified duty-free establishments, but the tariffs at other stores are still low at 3.3%, and there are many bargains to be had in European porcelain, jewelry, perfumes, and clothing. The main shopping strip is to be found at the Seaport Village in Oranjestad. Stores are generally open from 8 am to 6 pm with a two-hour break for lunch between noon and 2 pm.

Medical/Health Facilities

Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Aruba is a 280 bed hospital equipped with reputable medical staff and modern equipment. The hospital is located across from Eagle Beach. Services such as oxygen tanks and hemodialysis are available.

Electricity

Electricity operates on 110 volts alternating current, 60 cycles

Communications

Aruba has modern international communication facilities. For international telephone calls (direct dial, person to person, or collect calls), telex and telegrams, electronic mailgram and mariphone calls, contact the hotel operator or SETAR.SETAR located next to the Aruba post office at the Irausquinplein or at SETAR Teleshop at Palm Beach across from Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino or at SETAR Teleshop, Schelpstraat (around the corner of Le Petite Cafe‚ - Downtown, Oranjestad).

Telephone

To direct dial to Aruba from the United States, you must dial 011-2978 + the five digit number. To direct dial from anywhere else you must dial 297 the seven digit number. From Aruba to the US, dial 001+area code and number.

Tipping

Gratuity of 10 - 15% is usually included on your bill. At your own discretion, you may add an extra amount for good service.

Drinking Water

The water on the island has been desalinated and purified, so it is safe for drinking.

What to Wear

Dress is casual informal summer wear. Ladies may bring along a shawl to throw over the shoulders at night. Dress-up clothes are recommended for a night out in one of the island's elegant restaurants, nightclubs or casino's. Most casino's require jackets for gentlemen. Bathing suits are not permitted in the shopping and business districts.

By: Shabina Sanad
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2007
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com