8 Things to Know Before You Go to Aruba
- Jonna Royer
- Feb 6, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: May 14, 2024
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Planning your trip to Aruba can be overwhelming because there are so many basic decisions to make from whether to stay in a hotel or rental to what to do when you get there. (I highly recommend the Jeep tour!) Add into that all the questions that come with visiting a place for the first time and you really have a lot to think about. For me, Aruba was the first island I visited outside of the United States, so a lot of the experience took me by surprise. Why is the landscape littered with cactus? Why can’t I get an Uber? Is it okay to drink the water? Going to a new destination is sure to fill you with questions, so here are eight things you’ll want to know about Aruba when you’re planning your trip.
1. Will I need a passport to visit Aruba? What about customs?
Make sure you have a valid passport with you because you’re not getting on the plane without it. I use this passport holder so it's easier to handle and I don't lose it in my bag. Upon arrival in Aruba, you will go through an automated booth where you slide your passport into a screen reader and get your picture taken. If you have trouble with this, there are agents monitoring the booths that can assist you.
When leaving Aruba to go to the United States, you will go through customs before you even get on the plane. You will need to check in for your flight at the ticket counter and give up your luggage before going through security. Make sure you have Air Tags or Smart Tags so you can keep track of your bags. At this point, you would be done at most airports and you are in an eating/shopping area so it looks like you are just waiting to get on the plane. However, this is not the case. Once you are through security and you finish your duty-free shopping, you need to pick up your luggage and go through U.S. Immigration where you will be asked if you have anything to declare. After this, you will once again hand your luggage over and it will now be loaded onto the plane while you go through security again. At this point, you are finally done and just waiting to board your plane, so it's a great time to grab some food or have a drink.
2. What currency do they use in Aruba? Can I speak English in Aruba?
While Aruba has its own currency, U.S. dollars work everywhere on the island, and they are often preferred, so exchanging your money would be pointless. The people of Aruba speak anywhere from 2-5 languages, including their native tongue Papiamento. However, most islanders speak English or Spanish as their first-choice language, and English is required in the school systems when the students reach 5th grade.
3. How do I get around Aruba?
Your Uber app is useless there, but you can get everywhere you need to go by taxi. However, don’t try to hail one by raising your hand. If you desire taxi service, it is customary to call for one. Many hotels or restaurants are willing to assist you in this process. Also, taxis do not have meters because rates are based on the destination. These fares are regulated by the government and you can ask your driver to show you the rate sheet.
4. What is the weather like in Aruba?
Being this close to the equator has its advantages. The temperature rarely moves outside the 80-90 degree range all year, but the ocean breezes make the heat comfortable and pleasant. But this lack of clouds means the sun can beat down on you, so make sure you have a sun hat like this one. Aruba only averages 18 inches of rain per year, but these come in short erratic bursts. The good news is the showers won’t last long if you do happen to get caught in one. If you did want to be prepared, you could carry a compact umbrella like this one, which is only 10 inches long when folded and easily fits in your beach bag.
5. Why are there cactus in Aruba?
Aruba is a desert island. There are a lot of palm trees adorning their picturesque beaches, but you will also find quite a bit of cactus. In fact, the prickly plants are often used as hedges to mark property boundaries.
6. Can I drink the water in Aruba?
Aruba is home to a saltwater desalination plant that distills seawater in order to provide water to its residents and guests. Using reverse osmosis, the plant is able to produce some of the purest water in the world, so put that refillable water bottle in your luggage and fill it from the tap while you’re there. I take this water bottle on all my trips because it folds up so small!
7. Will I need to use sunscreen in Aruba if I have a base tan?
It is advisable to get a base tan before going on any beach vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind once you get to Aruba. The island is close to the equator so the UV rays are a lot stronger than what you may be used to, and those wonderful ocean breezes do a great job of cooling you off, but they may also hide the fact that you are beginning to burn. In addition, those gorgeous white-sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters act like a mirror bouncing the sun’s rays back onto you. This means you are not exempt from applying sunscreen just because you are under a shady umbrella. Trust me, I learned the hard way! Now, I travel with this sunscreen for my body, which is reef act compliant, and, because I have sensitive skin, I use this sunscreen on my face to avoid breakouts.
8. Is tipping included in the bill in Aruba?
When you get your bill, you may see a service charge of around 10 to 15 percent. This extra fee is split among the chefs, hostesses, and servers. If you are pleased with your service, you are welcome to leave more specifically for your bartender or waiter.
After experiencing Aruba and all its surprises, I can confidently say that it's my favorite Caribbean island. It has an authenticity and ruggedness that will steal your heart. Still, if you've never been there, it's helpful to have insight as to how your trip will go. From the abundance of cactus in the landscape to the absence of Uber rides, and even the concern over drinking water, my journey was filled with questions and discoveries that I wanted to pass along to you. As you plan your trip to this beautiful island, remember these eight essential insights. Embrace the unknown, soak in the culture, and let Aruba leave you with unforgettable memories. Safe travels, adventurers!
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I put together this handy list so you can easily pull together the essential items you'll need for your trip from the moment you settle into your lounge chair until it's time to head home. This list will cover everything from lounging on the beach to dinner at a nice restaurant and everything in between! Take a picture of it with your phone, so you have a handy reference when you're ready to pack. Better yet, to bookmark this post, so you can refer to it when it's time to shop for your next beach vacation!
Who is JJ? For as long as she can remember, JJ has wanted to travel the world. In 2016, she turned her hobby into a career by writing for travel magazines and making art with the photographs captured on her adventures. After listening to many people speak about the difficulties of packing for a trip or how they wish they had known certain things before visiting a location, JJ decided to launch Call Me JJ, a blog dedicated to preparing travelers for their trips. Visit her storefront to find the trusted fashions and gadgets she uses that make every trip easy and perfect!
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