Aruba Ultimate Travel Guide

Aruba is a small island country located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Part of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao), Aruba is also one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island of Aruba is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and warm climate, making it a popular tourist destination. Aruba is near and dear to my heart, because this is the destination that we chose to have our wedding at. The island offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, snorkeling, and hiking, as well as several cultural attractions, such as the Butterfly Farm, the California Lighthouse, and the Alto Vista Chapel. Aruba's economy is largely based on tourism and offshore banking, and its official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, a creole language spoken by the majority of the population.

Best Time to Visit

Aruba can be visited any time of the year, but the best time to visit is from April to August. This is considered the low season for the island and you will be able to find might more reasonable pricing on hotels and airfare. The weather is consistent all year round and it is outside of the hurricane belt, so anytime you visit, you can expect great weather. It hardly ever rains on the island and the climate is quite dry and desert-like.

What to Expect

Language: The official language in Aruba is Papiamento and Dutch. English is spoken by everyone, and we never had a problem with any sort of language barrier.
Currency: The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Guilder (AWG), fixed to the US dollar at 1.80 AWG to 1 US dollar. US dollars are accepted throughout the Island.
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in Aruba, and if not you will surely find an ATM within minutes while driving around the island or directly at your hotel. Keep some cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is not widely accepted, but can be used at several places in Reykjavik so its worth it to try!
Plugs: In Aruba, the plugs are type A and B, the standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Visitors from the United States will not need an adapter or converter.
Safety: There is a reason why Aruba sees so many repeat visitors year after year. Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean countries to visit. Violent crime rates are low compared to other islands in the Caribbean, making petty theft the main crime to be wary of when exploring.

TRAVEL GUIDES

  • 5 Perfect Days in Aruba: Your Ultimate Itinerary

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  • Curacao Itinerary - Discover the Caribbean’s Hidden Gem

    My fiance and I went to Aruba to book our destination wedding and decided to spend half our time exploring an island we had both never been to before Curaçao. It is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Curaçao is the perfect place for you.

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