Money - Aruba travel advice (2024)

FAQs

Should I exchange money before I travel to Aruba? ›

The currency on the island is the Aruba Florin. You can exchange U.S. dollars, but it isn't necessary. Using American money in Aruba is common and widely accepted.

How much money will you need for your trip to Aruba? You should plan to spend around À586 ($325) per day on your vacation in Aruba, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, À122 ($68) on meals for one day and À58 ($32) on local transportation.

Making Purchases & Aruba Exchange Rate

US dollars are widely accepted, although some shops will not accept $50 bills or $100 bills due to worldwide counterfeiting. All major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted. Personal checks from abroad are not accepted.

US dollars are accepted throughout the Island. Local currency and US dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated all over the islands. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.

The answer is C. Airport kiosks and hotels can be convenient, but they usually have steep exchange rates and charge extra fees. You can get better rates by ordering foreign currency from your local bank or credit union before you start your trip.

Is It Cheaper To Exchange Money at the Bank or Airport? It is cheaper to exchange money at the bank (or by using an ATM) than the airport. That's because currency exchange stores and kiosks at the airports mark up the exchange rate to make a profit.

Aruba is a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By Dutch law, you must always carry identification. You should have a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Aruba's currency is the florin, but the US dollar is also widely accepted. Banks also exchange other foreign currency such as Euros. Traveler's checks are widely accepted and there is normally no charge for using them in hotels, restaurants and stores.

You can pay for your Aruba taxi in both Aruban Florin and USD.

All major resorts have their own casino and they are generally open from noon to just before sunrise, although some casinos are open twenty-four hours a day for slots play. Machines use either US coins or tokens of the same value, depending on the casino, and many machines also accept US paper currency.

What is the etiquette in Aruba? ›

You should not wear beach attire anywhere but on the beaches or by the pool. Make sure to properly greet someone. Ask before snapping a picture of someone. Men should wear dress shorts or slacks to dinner, no jeans allowed in most restaurants.

Yes. Aruba has some of the cleanest and best tap water in the world. Not only does Aruba's water meet high-quality standards and is considered safe to drink, but its government and water authorities work hard to maintain and improve the island's water infrastructure and quality.

ATM withdrawals at Aruba Bank's ATM are free of charge. ATM withdrawals at other Banks: AWG 4.50 per transaction.

Major credit cards are almost universally accepted in Aruba. Visa and MasterCard seem to dominate the landscape, with Discover making a comeback and American Express being at times shunned due to the alleged fees it charges. Diners Club is rarely accepted.

Yes. Cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries for transactions.

It's not always better to exchange before you fly

In many countries, you're likely to get more for your home currency once you arrive – just make sure you avoid airports and unreliable vendors and choose somewhere trustworthy, such as a bank.

Buy currency before you travel.

Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

Credit cards typically provide better exchange rates than what you'll get from ATM machines and currency stands. Depending on your card issuer, your purchases might automatically qualify for insurance. This coverage doesn't simply apply to consumer goods — it also covers travel delays and lost luggage.

Avoid Currency Exchange Kiosks at Airports

If you don't have time to get cash at the bank before your trip, it can be tempting to get foreign currency at an airport kiosk or currency exchange counter. These merchants offer convenience, but their exchange rates are typically much less favorable than your bank at home.

A currency conversion fee is typically 1% of the purchase price. It is levied by the credit card payment processor (usually Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) or ATM network and often passed on to you as part of the foreign transaction fee.

How much does Travelex charge for currency exchange? ›

At Travelex, we offer you $0 commission and a competitive market exchange rate when you buy foreign currency from us online, whether in cash or our Multi-currency Cash Passport^TM card.

Avoid belts, jewelry, clothing with metal buttons and/or metal in your shoes. Coins, keys and jewelry must be placed in a tray or in your carry-on baggage. All shoes have to be screened and you will be asked to take them off and to put them in a tray.

Aruba Customs regulations allow incoming visitors to bring articles for personal use. Persons 19 and over can also bring in 2.25 liters of wine, 3 liters of beer, or 1 liter of liquor and 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and or 250 grams of tobacco.

Travelling with luggage

If you enter or leave Aruba with more than AWG. 20,000,- in cash or securities, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies, you must notify this to the Customs Department (Departamento di Aduana). You'll need a *MOT form (*Unusual Transactions).

In Aruba it's not mandatory to tip, but it's your choice if you do so. However, some restaurants and bars add service charge to your bill. Usually, this adds up to about 10 to 15 percent on food and beverages. If you really like the service, you can still tip, of course!

Latest Currency Exchange Rates: 1 US Dollar = 1.8037 Aruba Florin. On this page convert USD to AWG using live currency rates as of 11/05/2023 14:08. Includes a live currency converter, handy conversion table, last 7 days exchange rate history and some live Dollars to Aruba Florin charts. Invert these currencies?

You have a choice to use your phone (roaming) or buy an Aruba sim card. If you choose to stick with your number remember to contact your phone provider before you fly to Aruba. Ask them if they have cell phone service in Aruba. Maybe a roaming plan, international plan or anything at all!

There is no Uber in Aruba, but you can Book Your Aruba Airport Transportation Here. Does Aruba Have Uber Or Lyft In 2023?

How do I get from Aruba airport to my hotel? Taking a taxi is the easiest way to get to your hotel from Aruba airport. You can take a taxi from just outside Arrivals or you can pre-book a ride with Welcome Pickups' top-rated transfer service.

Are drinks free in Aruba casinos? ›

Glitz Casino

Let the free drinks flow while trying your lucky strike at the slot machines. Or, raise the stakes with exciting bets at the gaming tables, tournaments or check out the sports book. There's also a small podium for live music and karaoke nights. Fun for everyone 18 years and up.

A spectacular selection of slot machines which features over 200 spinning reels, video reels, and video games with jackpots available. Elevate Loyalty Program offering VIP members exclusive rewards and benefits. Four sports betting kiosks. Complimentary beverages offered at table games and for slot machine players.

The US Dollar is accepted all over the island. MC and VISA are accepted in most shops and restaurants. I have never used an ATM in Aruba, but I would be surprised if they did not dispense US Dollars. Aruba is American tourist friendly and tries to accommodate travelers from the USA.

The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions: avoid remote areas at night. don't take valuables to the beach or leave any valuables in your vehicle. make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.

Evening Wear

It's a good idea to pack a light jacket, sweater, or shawl for air-conditioned restaurants and casinos, or for nights that become cool and breezy. Men might consider bringing a sports jacket and slacks, but these are absolutely optional—in Aruba, comfort is key!

As far as whether or not to bring pants, you won't find many people wearing jeans in Aruba due to the heat.

We took a swim in the dark at Eagle Beach right after sun set and stayed until it was completly dark, but we were with our Aruban friends. It's a great experience when it's dark, you can see all the lights from the high rise hotels.

Wandering around at night (especially alone)

Aruba is generally safe, but the crime rate is slightly higher than some other popular vacation spots. To stay safe, take regular precautions.

There is no open container law on the island, so you're allowed to take your alcohol around even in a keep cup from most restaurants! As a downside how ever, locals are relaxed about drinking and driving so be wary of lousy drivers.

Foreign transaction fees can add up fast when using your debit card abroad. The fees are often 1% to 3% of the amount of a purchase, and many banks also apply the fee to ATM withdrawals.

How much are departure fees in Aruba? ›

All visitors incur a passenger facility charge (departure tax). For US bound passengers departure tax is US $36.75 and for international bound passengers the PFC is US $33.50 for international flights. If in Aruba on transit for less than 24 hours, these charges are waived.

What Is a Foreign Transaction Fee? A foreign transaction fee is a fee charged by a credit card issuer or bank for every transaction made in a country outside of the U.S. Fees vary depending on the credit card or bank's terms and conditions, but usually fall between 1% and 5% of the purchase amount.

Yes, using a credit card internationally is the best way to go about paying for things when you're abroad. It's safer because you don't have to carry as much cash, and all major credit card companies offer $0 fraud liability guarantees.

You can use your U.S. license.

The island's official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, but most Arubans speak a minimum of four languages, including English and Spanish. You can drive with your state-issued license without worry.

1. Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee. Before you depart, check your credit and debit card agreements to see if they include such fees. If they do, then apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, as well as for a debit card that does not charge extra for ATM withdrawals in other countries.

US dollars are accepted throughout the Island. Local currency and US dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated all over the islands. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.

The currency on the island is the Aruba Florin. You can exchange U.S. dollars, but it isn't necessary. Using American money in Aruba is common and widely accepted. You may receive Aruba currency as change.

It's not always better to exchange before you fly

In many countries, you're likely to get more for your home currency once you arrive – just make sure you avoid airports and unreliable vendors and choose somewhere trustworthy, such as a bank.

It's generally best to exchange currency before you travel. There's a simple reason why: You can do it at your bank or credit union. Not only is it a safe and familiar option, but banks and credit unions also tend to offer the best exchange rates.

Travelling with luggage

If you enter or leave Aruba with more than AWG. 20,000,- in cash or securities, or the equivalent thereof in foreign currencies, you must notify this to the Customs Department (Departamento di Aduana). You'll need a *MOT form (*Unusual Transactions).

Is it better to exchange currency with cash or card? ›

Fees aside, using your credit or debit card is probably your safest bet for getting an exchange rate that's closest to the market rate. But be aware that while your card's issuer bases its exchange rate on market conditions, it does set its own exchange rate for transactions.

Traveling Abroad Is Cheaper

Because local prices in foreign countries are not influenced greatly by changes in the U.S. economy, a strong dollar can buy more goods when converted to the local currency.

Advantages of using cash

If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

All in all, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the best days for Forex trading due to higher volatility. During the middle of the week, the currency market sees the most trading action. As for the rest of the week, Mondays are static, and Fridays can be unpredictable.

The general consensus is that you should have $50 to $100 in cash per day for each traveler. However, this amount could vary considerably depending on where you are vacationing. Some destinations are more cash-friendly than others.

A typical credit card currency conversion fee is 1% of the purchase price, DCC fees range from 1% to 3% (or more), and a typical foreign transaction fee is 2% to 3%.

The "Law of One Price" dictates that in a world of international trade, the price of a good in one country should equal the price in another. This is called purchasing price parity (PPP). If prices get out of whack, the interest rates in a country will shift—or else the exchange rate will change between currencies.

It usually takes about 45 minutes. Safe travels.