Language: The official language is Dutch but English and Spanish are taught in school and are also widely spoken. Some French is also understood. Most islanders also speak the native language Papiamento.
Currency: The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), which is divided into 100 cents. The Florin is tied to the US Dollar. US currency is accepted everywhere and other major currencies can be exchanged at banks. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs in
Oranjestad. Travelers cheques are also widely accepted and it is best to have cheques in US
dollars or Euros to avoid additional charges.
Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electric current is 127 volts, 60Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are standard. The Schuko plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts is also used.
Communications: The international access code for
Aruba is +297. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the
United States). City codes are not required. International, direct and operator-assisted calls are possible worldwide. A GSM network covers the island. Cellular phones are available for rental and Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.
Duty Free: Travelers to Aruba over the age of 18 do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 liter alcohol and gift articles to the value of f100. If goods per person exceed f500 in value this should be declared on customs forms for clearance at the freight department.
Getting Around: To explore the interior or northern windward part of the island, it is necessary to hire a car. There is a useful, frequent bus service between Malmok, on the northwest of the island through Oranjestad, the resort strip, past the airport and on to
San Nicolas in the Southeast. Local buses can be found in Oranjestad's bus station alongside Royal Plaza. Taxis are freely available and can be hired at hotels and tourist spots. Establish the fare beforehand as taxis are unmetered, but rates are regulated by the government on a zone system.
Tourist OfficeAruba Tourism Authority, Oranjestad: +297 582 3777 or www.aruba.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 911
Embassies
Royal
Netherlands Embassy,
Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Aruba): +1 202 244 5300.
Royal
Netherlands Embassy,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Aruba): +44 (0)20 7590 3200.
Royal Netherlands Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada (also responsible for Aruba): +1 613 237 5030.
Royal Netherlands Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia (also responsible for Aruba): +61 (0)2 6220 9400.
Royal Netherlands Embassy,
Pretoria,
South Africa (also responsible for Aruba): +27 (0)12 425 4500.
Royal Netherlands Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland (also responsible for Aruba): +353 (0)1 269 3444.
Royal Netherlands Embassy,
Wellington,
New Zealand (also responsible for Aruba): +64 (0)4 471 6390.
US Consulate General,
Curacao,
Netherlands Antilles (also responsible for Aruba): +599 (0)9 461 3066.
Consulate of Canada, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles (also responsible for Aruba): +599 (0)9 466 1115.
