You’re planning a trip to Aruba! Great choice! It’s outside the hurricane belt, has more sunshine than anywhere else in the Caribbean, and they have flamingoes! But, like anywhere in the world that you’re visiting for the first time, there are a few things to know before you go. Here is all the info you need to start your planning and research!

Getting There

Paperwork

Everyone coming into Aruba–residents and visitors alike–must fill out the appropriate paperwork before or upon arrival. You can do this online here, up to 7 days in advance. Once you do that, you can get to Aruba in one of two ways: Cruise Ship or Airplane.

Cruise

If you’re cruising, you’ll also likely visit nearby Bonaire and Curaçao (the B and C in the “ABC Islands”), but cruise ships take many routes around the Caribbean, so you could certainly visit many others along with Aruba.

Airplane

If you’re coming by airplane, you’ll fly into AUA, Queen Beatrix International Airport. There are daily non-stop flights from several U.S. cities, Canada, other Caribbean islands, Central and South America, and because Aruba is still technically Dutch, there are also flights to and from the Netherlands.

If you’re heading to the United States upon departure, you’ll go through U.S. Customs in the Aruba airport. This is great, as it could save you hours of time at U.S. Customs upon arrival into the United States!

Read next: Your Ultimate Guide to Packing for Aruba

Getting Around

Getting around Aruba is easy, and there are plenty of options for you.

Rental Car

The easiest and most flexible way around the island is by rental car. Prices are reasonable, and renting a car for all or even just part of your trip will allow you to see the entire island, not just your resort or what’s nearby.

Arubus

If you’re not into driving yourself, you can take the Arubus! It’s Aruba’s public transportation, and while it may not go everywhere you want to go, it will definitely take you to most of the top spots on your Aruba to-do list. Click here for fare information, and click here for schedules and routes.

Taxis

As Aruba is a small island, it’s possible to get around using taxi service, which is plentiful on the island. Aruba’s taxis do not have meters, so prices are fixed from one area to another. Ask your taxi driver how much the fare will be before you get in so you’ll know. Rates will be in Aruban florins as well as U.S. dollars, and the minimum rate for any distance is Afl. 12.60, which is $7 USD. The maximum number of people allowed per taxi is 5 people, and there is a nightly surcharge from 11:00pm-7:00am. For more details, click here.

Read on: Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Famous Flamingoes on Aruba

Money Matters

One of the most important parts of planning travel? Making sure you know what money to use, and when you need to use or save it, so you don’t get scammed! Here are the essential tips you need about money on Aruba.

Currencies and ATMs

You can use one of two currencies on Aruba: The Aruban florin (AWG or Afl.), or the U.S. dollar (USD). Check the latest exchange rate here. You can use either currency anywhere, but whichever you choose to use, you will most likely get change back in AWG. Local ATMs also only dispense AWG.

Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted on Aruba, but some businesses may be cash-only, so it’s a good idea to have some on-hand. Just make sure it’s one with no international fees! If you’re not sure, call your credit card company to confirm.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary on Aruba, but you can leave a tip if you receive exceptional service. Some restaurants will add a 10-15% surcharge to your bill, so be sure to check before you pay, just in case. Tipping your taxi driver is appreciated, but also not mandatory.

Related: The Best FREE Things to Do on Aruba

Weather

Aruba has one of the most predictable weather forecasts in the world: An average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and rarely any rain! It’s a desert island, not a tropical one, so they have almost entirely all sunny days. Additionally, it’s outside the Caribbean’s famous hurricane belt, so they also have almost no hurricanes. One stray hurricane will come over once in a rare while, but generally, you can expect near-perfect weather any time of year!

Read next: How to Have the Ultimate Romantic Getaway on Aruba

Essential Facts

Now that the big things are out of the way, here are the rapid fire, essential facts you need to know before you go:

• Water: Yes! You can drink the water on Aruba. Drink up, it’s hot and the sun is powerful there!
• Languages: Dutch and Papiamento are the two official languages on Aruba, but locals are also fluent in English and Spanish as well.
• Sunscreen: You definitely need a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more. Again, the sun is very powerful on Aruba. Additionally, you will want to use a reef safe sunscreen, as Aruba has banned sunscreens with Oxybenzone. This one is my preferred type and brand.
• Outlets: Aruba uses the same outlet interface as the United States. If you’re coming from North America, you won’t need to bring a converter or adaptor.
• Visa: You will have to fill out a specific form to enter Aruba, but you can stay up to 30 days without a visa.
• One Happy Island: Aruba’s nickname is “One Happy Island,” so you will see this reference a lot!
• Safety: Aruba is one of the safest islands in the entire Caribbean. I wouldn’t be at all hesitant to travel solo here!

More here: Where to Eat on Aruba

Want more? Get everything you need to plan your tropical adventure on my dedicated Aruba Page!

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