Aruba Travel Information

Climate

Aruba has a desert-like climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The average high temperature is around 32°C (90°F) and the average low temperature is around 24°C (75°F). The island experiences low humidity and little rainfall, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape cold and wet weather.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Aruba is from November to May, during the island's dry season. The weather is sunny and pleasant during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. Additionally, this is also the peak tourist season, so there are more events and activities happening on the island. Keep in mind that prices for hotels and flights are generally higher during this time.

Airport Shuttle

The Queen Beatrix International Airport is the main airport of Aruba, located in Oranjestad. Visitors can take an airport shuttle service from the airport to their hotel or vacation rental. Many hotels and vacation rental companies provide this service, but you can also find it on the airport.

Taxis and Buses

Taxis and buses are readily available on the island and are a convenient way to get around. Taxis are regulated by the government and fares are determined by a meter or a set rate. Buses are a cheap alternative and can be found in major towns and tourist areas.

Car Rental

Car rental is a popular option for visitors to Aruba, as it allows for more flexibility and freedom to explore the island. Visitors can rent cars from several major rental car companies at the airport or in major towns. Keep in mind that driving is on the right side of the road in Aruba.

Bicycles and scooters

Bicycles and scooters can also be rented on Aruba, and this is a good option for visitors who want to explore the island at their own pace.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are available for transportation between some of the island's popular beaches and islands, such as De Palm Island and Renaissance Island. This can be a great way to visit some of the most beautiful beaches on the island without having to drive.

Hotels

Aruba offers a wide variety of hotel options for visitors, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Many of the resorts are located on the beach and offer amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and on-site dining. Visitors can also find hotels in the capital city of Oranjestad and in other towns on the island.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as villas and apartments, are also a popular option for visitors to Aruba. They offer more privacy and space than a hotel room and often come with a kitchen, allowing visitors to cook their own meals. These rentals can be found on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com.

Campsites

Camping is not a popular option in Aruba, as the island does not have any designated campgrounds. However, visitors may be able to find private land owners who rent out their land for camping, but it's rare.

Timeshare

Timeshare properties are also available for visitors to Aruba, which are a good option for those looking for a longer stay or want to make multiple visits to the island. They offer private accommodation and often include amenities such as swimming pools, kitchens, and laundry facilities.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Aruba is a Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters and year-round sunshine. With so many things to see and do, it can be hard to decide what to do first. From exploring natural wonders to experiencing the island's rich culture, Aruba offers something for every type of traveler. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Aruba that you don't want to miss. Get ready to have an unforgettable experience in Aruba!

1. Explore Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island and offers clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. Visitors can also find a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops along the beach.

2. Visit the Natural Pool

The Natural Pool, also known as "Conchi," is a rock formation that creates a natural swimming pool. It is located in the Arikok National Park and is a must-see for visitors interested in nature and outdoor activities.

3. Snorkel or dive at the Antilla shipwreck

The Antilla shipwreck is a 400-foot German freighter that was sunk during World War II. It is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and visitors can see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and coral.

4. Visit the California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the northwest coast of the island. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for beautiful views of the island and the surrounding sea.

5. Take a jeep tour of the island

Jeep tours of the island are a great way to see the rugged terrain and natural beauty of Aruba. Visitors can also stop at various landmarks and historical sites along the way.

6. Go kiteboarding or windsurfing

Aruba is known for its strong trade winds, making it a popular destination for wind sports such as kiteboarding and windsurfing. Visitors can find several schools and rental shops on the island where they can learn or rent equipment.

7. Visit the Hooiberg

The Hooiberg is a 541-foot hill located in the center of the island. Visitors can take a short hike to the top for panoramic views of the island.

8. Take a sunset sail

A sunset sail is a perfect way to end a day in Aruba. Visitors can find several companies that offer sunset sails, and can enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the island's stunning sunsets.

9. Visit the Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is a unique attraction where visitors can see a variety of tropical butterflies in a natural setting.

10. Explore the capital city of Oranjestad

The capital city of Oranjestad is a great place to explore the island's culture and history. Visitors can find several museums, galleries, and historic buildings in the city, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.