If you are staying at a hotel or private vacation rental that does't have beach chairs, cooler, umbrella, baby items, etc, and you want to beach hop, you can rent them from Coconut Beach Rentals!

They will drop off and pick up!

​

English is spoken almost everywhere, so no worries about not being able to
communicate!  Dutch, Spanish and Papiamentio are also spoken here!  You can also you google translate or the translate app on your phone for Spanish, which a ton of people speak!  

 

Everyone is really nice and happy that you are there, experiencing their Island, so in return, treat the Island, and it's people, with respect!

 

You do not need to exchange any money!  USD is widely accepted.  If you are Canadian, I suggest converting to USD.

 

Bring some cash, specifically smaller bills like 20's, 10's, 5's, 1's, etc. Especially if you're staying at an all-Inclusive or plan on taking a lot of taxis!  Places like Philip's Animal Garden, the Donkey Sanctuary and bathrooms (at some places)require cash and some people wont be able to make change from larger bills.  

 

If you need more cash, the ATM's (usually a $10 fee) at all the casinos will disperse US dollars, not florins.  If you get large bills fro the ATM, I suggest asking the cashier at the casino for smaller bills as $50's and $100's are sometimes not accepted

 

Use credit cards, preferably a good travel one, not a debit card as they are easier compromised and not much recourse if your card gets hacked or stolen.  Double check if your credit card covers international car rental insurance

 

Rent a car! Go with a local company!  We love NEXUS!  

​

When getting gas, you usually have to enter and exit the station in a certain direction, so pay attention to the signage.  You also will need to go inside and give the cashier your pump # and Credit card and then go pump and go back inside and pay.  OR you can pre-pay a certain dollar amount with cash.

​

No outlet adapters needed coming from the US

 

No Visa needed from American, Canadian and EU Citizens and most South Americans for a vacation.  An ED card is required, see Travel Requirements.

​

Don't touch the ropes in the ocean!  Soft corals also regularly begin to grow on the under water ropes.  These can sting and cause a very irritating rash

 

While Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands, you should always pay attention to your surroundings.  To be on the safe side, leave your valuables at home or in the hotel safe.  Especially jewelry.  So many people lose their rings or important pieces in the water.

 

That being said, I see people leave their purses, phones, everything all over the place at beaches, restaurants, bars, get up to dance, etc.  We leave everything on the beach when we get in the water, we just try to keep an eye on it.  We have never had any issues!

 

Download an Aruba map from Aruba Smart Maps or Maps.me to use offline and driving around, or you can use google maps too if using data.  Just keep in mind some places will not come up exactly where its located, even with the exact address:)

​

You can put your cell phone on Airplane mode, wifi calling and use What's app for free, otherwise you can pay your international fee and phone works perfectly.  You can also purchase a sim card at the Digicel booth leaving the Airport.  Or try Airalo, an e-sim app.

​

Stop at Duty Free at the airport for cheaper Alcohol!  You can buy more than 1L and pay the tax on it

​

Download Whatsapp before you arrive, especially if staying in a vacation rental as it will be your primary form of communication with your host once you arrive!

​

Pro Tip: 

If you're worried about valuables at the beach, be sure to purchase a lockable bag that you can connect to your chair or palapa!  I like this one!