Frequently Asked Questions

Restaurants in Aruba are to be found in various locations. However there is a large concentration of them in two main areas, one being the Palm beach hotel area and the other being downtown Oranjestad. Please see our Aruba restaurant map for a complete overview of all major restaurants in Aruba.

Aruba is in the southern Caribbean, located about 17 miles north of Venezuela. Non-stop flight time to Aruba is about 2.5 hours from Miami, 3.5 hours from Atlanta, 4.5 hours from New York City. Please see our 'Where is Aruba?' page for more information.

Please check our Aruba hotel map page.

Aruba weather is tropical but not extreme, with a median temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). Rainfall averages about eighteen inches a year, with October, November, December and January accounting for most of it. Rain tends to be erratic and come in short-lived showers. It is important to mention that Aruba lies south of the general hurricane paths and usually only experiences fringe effects of nearby tropical weather. See current Aruba weather or learn more about the climate and weather of Aruba.

Topless in Aruba is not illegal, there is no specific law against it, but it's not permitted on public beaches. There are two private beaches where this is allowed, namely on Renaissance Island & De Palm Island. As Manchebo Beach Resort and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts cater to many European guests. They do have separate areas where Europeans can go topless, but they are not permitted to walk on the beach topless.

More information is available on our Aruba entry requirements and visas page.

In most cases passports are required. More information is available on our Aruba entry requirements and visas page.

The currency of Aruba is the florin, denoted by the letters 'Afl.' , divided into 100 cents. It is also referred to as the guilder denoted by the letters 'Awg.' The rate of exchange with the US dollar is Afls 1.77 for cash and Afls. 1.79 for checks. Traveler's checks are widely accepted.

More information is available on our Aruba entry requirements and visas page.

Whether you're looking for a beachfront stay in Aruba, or a place more in tune with nature, or an adults-only resort, Aruba has accommodation options for everyone! Aruba offers full-featured hotels, apartment resorts, all-inclusive resorts, vacation rentals as well as timeshare resorts. Please also see our Aruba Hotel Map with the location of all Aruba hotels and resorts.

Aruba's Time zone is GMT -04:00 (Caracas, La Paz) without daylight savings. Florida is GMT -05:00 so that would make Florida 1 hour behind our time, depending on daylight savings in your zone.

VisitAruba.com has an extensive guide to Aruba restaurants, which are numerous and varied in cuisine and ambiance. Please visit our guide to Aruba restaurants for complete information including a detailed Aruba restaurant map.

Yes you can! The best way to get great Aruba discounts and special offers is to apply for your own personalized VisitAruba Plus discount card. This discount card is accepted at over 80 different Aruba businesses, and in most cases, by using your card just once you will have recovered the cost of purchase. After that, it's pure savings. As you may make use of the card and discounts as many times as you'd like. More information is available on the VisitAruba Plus website. Furthermore, make sure to check out our Aruba Deals and Special Offers page for the latest specials offered in Aruba.

You can request brochures via our contact form.

We would suggest that students consider an apartment or guesthouse rather than a hotel, as these tend to be more budget-friendly accommodation options. Keep in mind that Aruba's high season is between December 15th and April 14th and the low season is from April 15th to December 14th. High season can affect pricing overall with an increase in price, compared to normal fares.

You can find Aruba vacation rentals information on our Vacation Rental Properties in Aruba page.

If you're looking for suggestions on fun things to do with the fam while vacationing on the One Happy Island, check out our Family Vacation in Aruba: 18 Kid-friendly Activities blog for inspiration. For more information on planning your family trip, view our Aruba Family Vacations page.

There are currently 3 major golf courses on the island, The Divi Links at Divi Aruba, Tierra del Sol, and Aruba Golf Club. For more information on golfing in Aruba check out our Golf page.

Every year Aruba celebrates the windsurfing and kite surfing sports by hosting the annual Aruba Hi-Winds Kitesurfing & Windsurfing Tournament. For more information on windsurfing and kite surfing in Aruba, check out our Windsurfing & Kite Surfing page.

Before starting its business operations, a corporation must apply for the following licenses:

A business license

This allows the company to start and maintain a business in Aruba. Applications must be directed to the Minister of Economic Affairs.

A director's license

Must be sought for each of the company's foreign managing directors, allowing him/her to act on behalf of the company. Applications must be directed to the Minister of Economic Affairs.

A residence and work license

Must be sought for any foreigner to be employed by the company, who intends to take up residence in Aruba.

The application for a business license has to be done with: Directie Economische Zaken
L.G. Smith Boulevard 160
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel:(297) 5821181
821942 Fax:(297) 5834494

After the application is presented on sealed paper (obtainable with the post office and Board of Taxes) to Economic Affairs you are called to give further information on:

• the proposed activities of the company
• the number of employees
• the projected investment
• the location of the company curriculum vitae of the managing director(s), stockholder(s) or owner(s)

The remaining documents e.g. permits for different branches, work and residence permit, proof of registration in the Census Office Upon receipt of confirmation of the business license, a confirmation fee has to be paid. It is recommended to allow ample time for the application. As it is forbidden to establish a business without a license, authorities can close down the company with immediate effect.

There are also moratoriums on certain businesses. With this in mind, it would be a good idea to contact the Chamber of Commerce - you can see all the details here.

The 15% service charge added to your bill is a gratuity divided among service and kitchen staff according to a point system and is part of their salary. However please feel free to tip where individual service has been excellent.

The famous Aruban cocktail, "Aruba Ariba" which was created back in 1963, is an iconic drink favorited by both locals and visitors alike. You can find the recipe for the "Aruba Ariba" on our Aruba Cocktails page.

Aruba's Departure Tax or Passenger Facility Charge is US $36.75 for US-bound passengers. The Aruba airport has US pre-clearance, however it is not possible to transfer directly to a US-bound flight. A transferring passenger must follow full check-in procedures for the connecting flight and therefore pays the same charges as passengers originating from Aruba. If in transit in Aruba for less than 24 hours, these charges are waived for any passengers transferring to non-US bound flights.

Regulations vary depending on your nationality. You can find information about what the requirements are on our Aruba entry requirements and visas page.

Children under the age of 18 not traveling with parents must have an original birth certificate or a certified copy of birth certificate AND a notarized letter of permission signed by BOTH parents or a Sole Custody or Father Unknown document.

Civil marriage on Aruba is allowed only if one of the partners is an Aruban resident and/or one of the parties has been a resident for at least six months. You can arrange religious wedding ceremonies, provided that you are legally married within your own country and that the proper officials in Aruba are contacted in advance.

Please note that non-Protestants can be married by the Protestant Church. The prospective bride and groom should marry before civil authorities in their country. In the U.S., that would be a justice of the peace or a municipal judge; in Japan, that would be a prefect; in Europe, that would be the official connected with the local town hall administration in charge of weddings. They should bring along their wedding certificate or a similar official document verifying that they have been married according the the law of their country.

In order to make the necessary preparations for the wedding ceremony before coming to Aruba, contact:

Pastor Anthony van der Doel PhD,
Bilderdijkstraat 7, Aruba
Tel: (297) 5821435 (church), or (297) 5821961 (home)

The ceremony can be conducted in one of the church buildings, at the host hotel, on the beach, or anywhere the couple prefers. The ceremony fee is U.S. $200, which includes a wedding certificate. Non-Protestants can be married by the Protestant Church.

The scenic vistas of the California Lighthouse, which looks out over Aruba's windward coast and the rugged California dunes from the nothwestern tip of the island.

The intimate beauty of Baby Beach, at the southeastern tip of the island. A stunning spot for a private beach rendezvous.

The dazzling beauty of the waters of Arashi Beach, on the northern side of the island. A beautiful snorkeling site.

The exotic sand dunes of Boca Prins, on the northeastern shore.

The tropical surrounds of Andicouri, a coconut grove and picnicking spot with a magnificent island view.

The private coastal islands of Sonesta and De Palm.

The secluded cove of Spanish Lagoon, once the haunt of early island pirates.

The wonder of the Natural Bridge, with the surf pounding against the rocks or dipping into the Natural Pool, or Conchi.

Under a Divi tree at sunrise, sunset, or any other time.

The broad panorama from Yamanota Hill, the highest point on the island.

The Ministry of Health of Aruba established that, as of March 1, 2018, the requirement for the Yellow Fever Vaccine proven by an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is in force for all passengers entering the island from endemic areas. The vaccine is mandatory for all passengers arriving from Central American, Latin American and African (high risk) countries. Please view a list of the specific countries and more detailed information here: https://www.airportaruba.com/yellow-fever. Currently there are no vaccination, inoculation or immunization requirements for any other countries. However, it is recommended you and your children are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the However, it is recommended you and your children are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP).

As a tourist one can stay 180 days per calendar year.

The Inspectie voor Geneesmiddelen can be contacted for information about import regulations of medicines. The Inspectie voor Geneesmiddelen need to receive a signed letter from the treating physician at the community center with the following information:

• Information about the patient
• List of medication
• Contact information (address) in Aruba
• Travel dates
• If the methadone will be imported to Aruba
• If the methadone needs to be provided to the patient in Aruba

Contact information Inspectie voor Geneesmiddelen:
Phone: (+297)526-2160

Yes! Our team created a VisitAruba blog specifically touching on this topic called, Shopping in Aruba: 4 Oranjestad Retail Therapy Spots. Check out the blog for your guide.

For location information and more details on where to find drug stores and places to find apothecaries in Aruba, check out our Drug Stores & Pharmacies page.

Food shopping in Aruba is quite popular for visitors who are staying at timeshares or apartment resorts. Ling & Sons, Super Food Plaza & Super Do It Center are the most popular large grocery stores where you can find many items just like back home!

You can find a couple of digital Aruba gift certificates for purchase on our Online Aruba Gift Certificates page. 

Yes! Our team created a VisitAruba blog specifically touching on this topic called, Mother’s Day in Aruba: Brunch, Gifts & Fun! Check out the blog for your guide.

For information on temporary permits and Aruba, see the Temporary Permit section on our Moving to Aruba page.

For information on temporary/work permits and Aruba, see the Temporary and Permanent Work Permit section on our Moving to Aruba page.

Check out our sister company, ArubaRealEstate.com, for information on all things Aruba real estate. See their Buying a Home on Aruba page for specific details and insights on purchasing a home in Aruba. See their Advice on Buying Property in Aruba page for specific info on purchasing property in Aruba, as well as taxes and costs. For more insights on life on Aruba, see their Living in Aruba page.

There are always taxis ready and waiting outside of the airport at the taxi stand. Please view more information on taxi fares and regulations.

If you are interested in renting a car, please view a list of car rentals here. Please note the majority of car rentals offer free drop of and pick up service. Also, many of their offices are located at the airport. Please inquire directly with the car rental company of your choice for more detailed information on services and reservations.

Lastly, you have the option to book an airport shuttle transfer. View a list of airport transfers here.

Please note all taxis must be ordered via telephone and not flagged down from the streets. However, it is important to note that most of the time you will find taxis ready and waiting at hotels, restaurants and other popular tourist spots. Lastly, there will always be taxis ready and waiting at the airport.

The main area for nightlife in Aruba is Palm Beach - this is where you will find Aruba's hottest nightclubs, bars and lounges.

However, Aruba's downtown Oranjestad area also offers diverse little hole-in-the-wall bars such as 5 o'clock Somewhere at Renaissance Marketplace,  Alfie's In Aruba, Cafe Chaos Aruba, On The Rocks Cafe, and 7 West Lounge.

ICE ICE BABY! Sometimes those sweet-tooth cravings hit you hard! Other times it's just so hot out that all you can think about is cooling off with a little cold-something. Have no fear, we've compiled a list of prime spots to indulge in ice cream, just check out our Cool Down Your Summer with These 7 Dushi Ice Cream Spots in Aruba blog.

P.S. Numero uno on the list also offers vegan ice cream!

Find all restaurants in Aruba that offer take out or delivery service here.