28 Tips for First-Time Visitors to Aruba from the United States

Learn all the things you need to know before visiting Aruba with these 28 tips for first-time visitors to Aruba.

As a first-time visitor to Aruba from the United States, you are about to experience a Dutch-influenced paradise island. Aruba, often referred to as the “One Happy Island,” is home to friendly locals, diverse cuisine, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether you plan to relax on the beaches or learn about the island’s rich history and natural wonders, Aruba promises an unforgettable experience.

This guide is designed to provide you with essential tips for Aruba to make your visit seamless and allow you to fully savor the beauty and hospitality that defines this Caribbean gem. What are we waiting for… let’s get started!

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Basics about Traveling to Aruba from the United States

Before we dive into tips, let’s take a look at some of the most important things you need to know about traveling from the United States to Aruba. This will help you set the stage for your trip by understanding the basics of the island.

• Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip in Aruba. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. You’ll also need to fill out your Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED card) up to 7 days before your arrival in Aruba!

• Currency: The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. There is no need to exchange money on the island. Most places also take credit cards.

• Language: The official languages in Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Weather: Aruba has a tropical climate year-round with constant trade winds. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen.

• When to Visit: With consistently warm weather, Aruba is the perfect year-round island destination. It also sits outside the hurricane belt!

• Safety: Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands, but it’s wise to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

• Time Zone: Aruba is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4).

• Electricity: The standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. U.S. appliances and devices should work without the need for adapters or converters.

• Emergency Services: Memorize or save local emergency numbers. The emergency number in Aruba is 911.

Packing Tips for Aruba

In addition to knowing the basics, you also may want some insider tips for Aruba. Let’s start with knowing what to pack for Aruba, with tips to keep you from overpacking while also encouraging you to throw in items you don’t know you need!

Let me just tell you, these tips are all coming from hard-earned lessons from first-time US visitors to Aruba!

Tips for What to Wear in Aruba

• Unpack half of the clothes you think you need. Or as the saying really goes – pack half the clothes and twice the money you think you’ll need!

• Pack less clothing for during the day or going out to dinner and more swimsuits and coverups. You’re sure to spend most of your time at the beach!

• Dress casually. It’s a laid back island and very few places require you to dress up. Leave the heels at home!

• Bring maxi dresses or rompers, not short dresses or flowy skirts. The wind can be brutal and you don’t want to show too much!

• Leave the hair dryers and curling irons at home. With the crazy wind, you will never do your hair. Instead bring tons of deep conditioner and ponytail holders to wear your hair up!

Tips for the Beach in Aruba

• Take reef-safe sunscreen 50+ SPF as it is expensive to buy sunscreen in Aruba. Also, skip the spray sunscreen and pack lotion. With the wind, much of the spray won’t actually hit you and you don’t want to burn! Similarly, don’t forget SPF chapstick too! The sun is extremely harsh on the island.

• Consider taking a rash guard and wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself further from the sun. You may want to choose a hat with a chin strap or some other way to attach it to prevent it from blowing off in the wind.

• Bring water shoes, snorkeling equipment, and a float with you if you love the water. While all can be purchased (or rented) in Aruba, you will save a bunch of money packing them with you!

• Take towel clips or bands to keep your beach towel in place with the wind. Trust me, you don’t want to be running down the beach after it!

Practical Tips for Aruba Packing

• Throw in a reusable grocery bag or two as grocery stores in Aruba don’t provide them free of charge. Also, single use plastic bags, like from American grocery stores are not allowed in Aruba.

• Bring a reusable, insulated water bottle, Yeti, or Stanley cup to keep your ice from melting and your drinks cold. Bars are even willing to pour drinks into your insulated cups!

• Pack a reusable straw, like a silicone or metal straw if you are a straw user. All straws in Aruba are biodegradable, like the paper ones that lose their shape quickly.

• Consider taking a collapsible cooler if you want cold drinks at the beach. Go one step further and pack gallon ziplock bags to fill with ice and avoid the dripping melting ice can cause!

• Know the Duty Free limits (1L of spirits or 2.25L of wine or 3L of beer) and bring alcohol from home or buy it at the Duty Free store before you leave the airport. Alcohol is expensive in Aruba!

• Stash lots of $1s, $5s, and $10s in your wallet for all of your tipping needs in Aruba.

Transportation Tips for Aruba

Looking for more tips for a smooth trip to Aruba? I’ve got you covered. Here are some Aruba transportation tips to help you maximize your time and enjoy a stress free vacation!

• Fill out your ED Card online (Embarkation and Disembarkation) and pay your $20 Sustainability Fee in the 7 days before you board your flight to Aruba.

• Arrive 3 hours before your flight out of Aruba during the week and 4 hours before your flight on weekends. This helps ensure you don’t miss your flight, even if the lines at the airport are long! Trust me, the airport can get crazy!

• Consider expediting your time at the airport with the VIP Airport Hosting program.

• Apply for Global Entry to get through US immigration faster in the Aruba airport. (Yes, you go through United States immigration and customs in Aruba!) Or download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app if you don’t have Global Entry. Both will expedite your departure process in the airport.

• Rent a car to get around the island. It’s fairly cost efficient and gives you full access to the island! Driving is on the right side of the road.

• Download offline maps from Google or Maps.me if you are renting a car or off-road vehicle to ensure you always have directions – even when you’re away from cell phone reception.

• Carry cash for taxis – most do not take credit card!

Dining Tips for Aruba

Want even more tips for first-time visitors to Aruba from the US? I’ve got a few more to throw at you! Here are a few tips that will help save money on your food and drink around the island.

• Drink the tap water in Aruba! It’s not only safe, but it’s some of the best water in the world!

• Take advantage of happy hour to get discounted drinks (and food) on the island. Most bars and restaurants have a set time for happy hour. Learn them. Visit them. Drink during them!

• Check for the included service charge at Aruban restaurants. Many restaurants automatically add this to the check. While it is not technically a tip for the waitstaff, you will want to adjust your tip according to the service charge so that you’re not paying an additional 30 – 40% for every meal!

• Try the amazing restaurants in Aruba, even if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort. Venture out – it’s worth it!

• Make dinner reservations in advance. Many restaurants book up weeks in advance. If you have specific places you want to go, book them! This is especially true for beachfront, fine-dining, and romantic restaurants.

• Stock up on snacks at Super Foods or one of the other grocery stores on the island – if you’re traveling on a budget. It will save you from splurging on overpriced convenience foods, especially after you’ve had a few drinks! Also, it’s worth noting that the bag boys at Super Foods don’t get paid an hourly wage. They only work for tips. Tip them!