Aruba Travel Guide

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Shopping

As a ‘free zone’, duty on most items in Aruba is so low that shopping here can have obvious advantages. Stores carry goods from all parts of the world and there are some excellent buys, including perfume, linens, jewelry, watches, cameras, crystal, china and other luxury items plus a range of locally made handicrafts. Aloe grows in abundance on Aruba, and skin care products are manufactured locally.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1800; some shops close for lunch between 1200-1400. Shops in malls and shopping centers may open 0930-1800 and may open Sundays when cruise ships are in port.

Currency

Aruban Florin (AWG; symbol ƒ) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of ƒ500, 100, 50, 25 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ƒ5, 2.5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 cents.

The Aruban Florin is tied to the US Dollar.

Currency Exchange

The US Dollar is widely accepted. Other currencies can be exchanged in banks. Currency can also be obtained from ATMs in Oranjestad.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Major credit cards are widely accepted by many shops and hotels. They can also be used in ATMs if the card bears CIRRUS or Plus System logos.

Travelers Checks

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars or Euros.

Currency Restrictions

The export of the Aruban Florin is prohibited. The import and export of foreign currency must be declared with amounts exceeding the equivilant of US$11,000.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1600. Some remain open at lunchtime.

Exchange Rate