Island, Aruba
Aruba
Easy, safe Caribbean island with reliable weather, white beaches, wind sports and good infrastructure. Mostly resort pricing and heavy tourism in Palm Beach; Oranjestad and San Nicolas are cheaper and more local.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,350–5,030Comfortable, one person · Afl.6,000–9,000Details
- Best time to goJan–May, AugWarmest: Sep, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is desalinated and safe to drink, and many say it is among the best in the Caribbean.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$50–89Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundArubus public busWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless accepted almost everywhere; USD is accepted too.Details
Where to stay in Aruba
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Eagle Beach | Quieter beach stay, mid-range hotels, near Oranjestad |
| Palm Beach | Resorts, nightlife, restaurants and watersports |
| Oranjestad | Capital: markets, cheaper stays and local restaurants |
| San Nicolas | Murals, local food and cheaper rents, near Baby Beach |
Apps that work in Aruba
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Eat.aw | Local app with many restaurants and shops |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Aruba Tourism: Official visitor info
- Taxis: No Uber or Lyft. Taxis are dispatched and fixed-fare; ask your hotel to call or order via a taxi company, and agree price before leaving.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Aruba.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless accepted almost everywhere; USD is accepted too. Keep a little cash for buses, snack stalls and small bars.
- Currency: Guilder (AWG). US$1 ≈ Afl.1.79 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs widely available; they dispense Aruban florins and sometimes US dollars. Fees depend on your bank.
- Tipping: Many restaurants add a 10–15% service charge; check the bill and add a little extra for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and contactless cards work in hotels, shops and restaurants.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the free online ED card (embarkation/disembarkation form) up to 7 days before arrival and show approval to your airline.
- You may be asked for a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation.
- A visitor environmental levy is added to accommodation bills; the 'One Happy Workation' packages are tourist stays, not a work visa.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, F · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
SETAR and Digicel prepaid SIMs at the airport and shops with passport; a few weeks of data cost roughly US$15–35. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Aruba solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Aruba meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.