Jerry's Aruba Travel Tips- guides for vacation tourists and our experienced recommendations from reviews, trips, reports from Aruba, Info- photos, restaurant -dining guide, maps, attractions, pictures, what's the story, what to wear bikinis, swimsuits,

The ultimate vacation spot for Americans- The beauty of vacationing in Aruba is the hassle free environment of being on vacation. There is no reason for money exchange or conversion, all prices are listed in US dollars so you can clearly see how much you are paying for meals, services and products.

Almost everyone speaks English- there is no need to translate to the native language.

Time zone is the same as US standard Eastern Time. Additional info on Natural Bridge, Eagle Beach, Palm, Manchebo, Oranjestad, Cruises, swimsuits- bikinis, Family Vacation Planning, Caribbean Vacations, Reviews, weather reports, advice, New York City, Tours, hotels, hotel stays, One Happy Island, Spring Break, Honeymoon, Weddings, Trip Advisor, Spring Break, Winter Vacation Spots, airfares, flights, airlines.

Travel Tips & Tourist Info

ENTRY INTO Aruba- Passports are required.  Aruba tourists may stay for a period of up to 30 days with no exceptions. Exemptions require proper documentation.

TIME ZONE - Aruba is on Atlantic Standard Time, which is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Times but is in effect year round.

CURRENCY - U.S. dollars are accepted basically everywhere, but many businesses will not accept $50 & $100 dollar bills because of a large amount of counterfeiting. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted everywhere. The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin which is divided into 100 cents.

SALES TAX- a 3% sales tax applied on all goods & services. HOTEL SERVICE CHARGE- There is a 17.66% tax on room rates

DRINKING WATER- Aruba has great tasting  tap  water and even better when it is chilled. Aruba  processes it’s own water in one  the worlds largest desalination plants.

ELECTRICITY- is the same as the United States & Canada- standard of 110volts AC- 60cycles

ARUBA MEDICAL FACILITIES- All Aruba hotels have a doctor on call 24/7. Aruba has a first class hospital just minutes from the hotel areas with emergency rooms staffed 24 hrs. Pro-Air Ambulance Service is certified to fly to all cities in the United States, and is equipped as an ICU Unit.

CHILDREN”S PROGRAMS - Aruba’s resorts offer a large variety of children’s facilities and programs. Check at you hotel for details.

CELL PHONES & PAGERS- Cell roaming service & GSM capabilities are normal in Aruba. *Contact you provider before going on vacation for features. INTERNET SERVICE - There is only one provider in Aruba - SETAR . There are numerous hot spots for WIFI

Transportation & Car Rentals

CAR, 4x4 or SUV RENTAL - driving in Aruba is like driving in the U.S. - you drive on the right-hand side of the road. For car rentals the minimum age of 21-25 and the maximum of 65-70 and my vary  in car rental companies. International driving licenses or any license valid for at least two full years is required.

I have driven myself on almost every road, dirt and off road paths on the island by car and 4x4 suv. If you are experienced in off road driving and an adventurous type then rent a 4x4 vehicle yourself to visit the northern side of the island and see the sights. Don't attempt without a four wheel drive vehicle, if you get stuck in the sand or get a flat tire from the rocky roads plan on spending $250-$400 cash to get towed out in addtion to any damage to your rental vehicle.

BUS SERVICE- runs daily between all districts and hotel areas. The main station is in downtown Oranjestad across from the waterfront shopping area. Each year more tourists are using this inexpensive and reliable service to travel between the hotels, beaches and Aruba downtown areas. Check at your hotel for schedules & fares.

TAXIS- cabs do not have meters and charge a flat fixed fee which is very affordable. Cab drivers are licensed and own their own cars. Aruban drivers are very pleasant and informative and will gladly help you get around, most drivers participate in Aruba’s government Tourism Awareness Program. 

MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS - because the weather is always great motorcycles & scooters are an excellent way to see the countryside. And if you have the need their are also Harley’s available for rent!

AIRPORT- Queen Beatrix International Airport - The departure tax for Aruba is US $36.75 to the USA (sometimes included in the price of airline ticket). For all other destinations, the departure tax is US $33.50.

Exploring, Biking and Hiking

If you are adventurous and want to explore the natural side of Aruba, you will need to rent a four wheel drive vehicle. There are some beautiful sites to see in Aruba but most of the roads to get there are usually dirt & rock and not suitable for a cars. Always check you spare tire before venturing out and bring some extra snacks and bottled water.

Travel Tip – Returning Home….

That dreaded trip…this is the hardest thing to do during your whole vacation is leaving this Paradise to go home. Plan to be at the airport about 3 hours before flight departure. Allow some more time if you are going to make several purchases in the airports Duty Free Shops. The lines will be long but they move steady, you will have to pass thru US Customs & Immigration while still in Aruba. This makes your landing destination easy and a breeze- upon landing home just exit the plane, pick up your baggage and leave the airport. So the painstaking waiting from earlier pays off.

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