Aruba Good to Know Info

General - Aruba is a small Caribbean Island, located off the coast of Venezuela. The island is about 7 miles wide and 20 miles long, which makes getting around easy. I think this is one of the best countries to visit, especially if you haven't been outside of the US.

Language - Aruba has 4 official languages, English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento. Everyone speaks all 4, unless they are not from Aruba.

Crime - Very low, with the majority coming from tourists. I never once felt unsafe or uneasy. However, always use common sense.

Money - Aruban Florin is the currency. The exchange rate is about 1 USD = 1.75 Florins. However, everywhere I went accepted credit cards and US Dollars (USD). Even shopping the prices tags had USD and Florins prices listed. If neither are not listed, confirm before you order or buy what currency the price is, especially in restaurants. I never exchanged money, I used my credit card and USD.

A good thing to keep in mind, since Aruba is an island, everything must be shipped in, which is reflected in the cost of goods and food. I didn't feel food prices were high in restaurants, but groceries were higher.

Hint: Before you travel make sure you use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. There are a lot of them out there. Those can add up fast.

Water - Aruban water is safe to drink straight from the tap and is very good.

Tipping - Is not mandatory. Check your bill because a lot of places will add a service charge/fee. This is usually 10-15% and is distributed to the staff (not just for your server). You are welcome to tip more.

Bathrooms - Do not flush toilet paper. This is very common in a lot of countries. The pipes are either too narrow, or they don't have a process to break down the toilet paper. If there isn't a bidet, then throw the toilet paper in the waste basket. 

Driving - I found driving about the same as in the US with one major exception. Aruba doesn't use stop lights/signs. Instead, they have roundabouts. I know these are very confusing for most people. So here are some helpful tips.

• The roundabouts will either be 1 or 2 lanes wide.

• GPS will tell you which exit to take, Exit #1, #2, #3 or #4.

• Exit #1 is the same as making a right-hand turn.

• Exit #2 is the same as going straight.

• Exit #3 is the same as a left-hand turn.

• Exit #4 is the same as making a U turn.

• Know which exit you need BEFORE entering the roundabout. This makes it easier for you. For example, if you need to make a U turn (Exit #4) the inside lane is best. If making a right-hand turn (Exit #1) you don't want the inside lane.

• Some have a curb like divider between the 2 lanes.

• To enter the roundabout, you Yield to cars in the roundabout. Cars in the roundabout have the right of way over cars entering.

• The inside land ALWAYS has the right of way.

• Once in the roundabout, drive in a circle until your exit, then follow the exit lane.

Electricity - Aruba uses Types A, B and F outlets. Check to see if you will need an adapter before you go.

• Type A is the same as the US, it's the one that has the 2 flat pins.  

•  Type B also same as in the US but it has the grounding pin.

•  Type F is rare and it a circle with 2 round pins.