Social ConventionsMuch of the social activity takes place in hotels where the atmosphere will be informal, often American in feel. The islanders do not wear shorts in town though it is acceptable for visitors to do so. Bathing suits are strictly for beach or poolside. In the evenings people tend to dress up, especially when visiting the casinos. Jackets are not required for men, except for official government functions.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Aruba Airlines (website:
www.arubaairlines.aw)
.Departure TaxUS$30. Transit passengers
in Aruba for less than 24 hours are exempt. Departure tax is normally included in the ticket price.
Main AirportsReina Beatrix (AUA) is 3.5km (2.5 miles) southeast of Oranjestad.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available. Regular buses run from just outside the airport. International and local car hire companies are based at the airport.
Facilities: Duty-free shops, souvenir shops, bank, restaurants and Internet access.
Getting There by WaterMain port: Oranjestad. Boats dock in the heart of town and it is only a 5-minute walk to the center. However, there are also taxis available on the dock itself, plus car hire companies at the port.
Many cruise ships call in on their Caribbean itineraries.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Aruba without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars;
1l of spirits or 2.25l of wine or 3l of beer;
gifts to a value of Afl100.
A duty-free allowance is only available to persons over 16 years of age. The importation of leather goods and souvenirs from Haiti is not advisable. There are no restrictions on the import of perfume. Goods worth more than Afl500 must be declared.
Internal Travel:Getting Around by WaterFerries depart daily to De Palm Island from the mainland. Crossings run every half an hour between 0900-1800.
Getting Around by RoadThe road system throughout the island is very good. Driving is on the right and international signs are used.
Bus: Arubus (website:
www.arubus.com) operates an inexpensive and reliable public bus service. The main route runs from San Nicolas to Oranjestad and on to the hotel zone.
Taxi: The main taxi office is at Pos Abou. Taxis are not metered. Rates are fixed and should be checked before getting into the cab. There is no need to tip drivers except for help with unusually heavy luggage.
Car hire: There are plenty of cars available for hire and touring by car or by 4-wheel drive jeep is one of the most pleasant ways to explore the island. Most major companies have offices in Aruba; there are also many well-established local car hire firms. The minimum age for hiring a car is 21 to 25 (maximum 65 to 70), depending on the firm.
Motorcycle/bicycle hire: It is possible to hire scooters, motorcycles (
Harleys can even be rented!) and bicycles.
Regulations: Seatbelts must be worn. Right turns on red lights are prohibited. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) in urban areas and 60kph (37mph) outside towns.
Documentation: A valid foreign license or an International Driving Permit, held for at least two years, are both acceptable. Insurance is recommended.
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