Before heading to Aruba on vacation, take some time to learn about some customs and facts that will be important to you during your stay on the island.  Topics include tipping etiquette, information on languages spoken in Aruba, and the hours of operation for most businesses...

Currency and Credit Cards

The Aruba Guilder/Florin is Aruba's official form of currency, though the United States Dollar is accepted at many establishments.  Exchanging your money can easily be done at local banks and credit cards are widely accepted...

Customs

Traveler's can purchase up to $800(USD) worth of goods in Aruba and bring them through customs duty free.  Make sure to have all purchased items and reciepts readily available as you go through customs...

Hotels and resorts of all styles, shapes and sizes color the coastline and dot the interior of the island. Whether you want to be taken care of at a 5 star hotel or fend for yourself in a rental property, you'll find Accommodations to suit your tastes. There's even a breathtaking National Park full of Eco-Tourism opportunities...

Culinary Styles

Most travelers will be eager to sample the island's local fare, in addition to the many international dishes that are offered. Seafood is a staple, and local fishermen provide a great variety of regional fish including red snapper, mahi mahi, and grouper. Another popular dish featured throughout the island is shark. Fast food restaurants are becoming more and more popular in Aruba, allowing visitors to enjoy a little comfort food in an unfamiliar surrounding. As a perfect complement to any meal, vacationers will enjoy a variety of interesting European and Caribbean beverages...

Restaurants

A diverse selection of restaurants provide options for all types of visitors. While most establishments are very accommodating, and the comfort of guests is usually their main concern, certain attire can be required during the busy season. Detailed information is provided in our comprehensive dining guide, so you can easily plan ahead...

Deterred by its desert landscape, early European colonizers barely touched Aruba. When the Dutch gained control from the Spanish in 1636, it was a peaceful takeover. Today's travelers will be impressed by the same tranquil atmosphere that has prevailed throughout Aruba's history. In the past, the local economy has been based upon gold mining and oil production, but now the economic mainstay is tourism...

History

The Arawak tribe known as the Caquetios were the first settlers in Aruba, although the Spanish would take over in 1499 and enslaved many islanders as workers in Hispaniola's mines.  Pirates frequented the island, stashing their gold in caves...

Economy

Though the Spanish originally thought that Aruba was an agricultural wasteland, the discovery of gold in 1847 allowed the island to prosper.  Today, tourism, oil, and banking are the countries top money makers...

Crime

Although Aruba is considered one of the safest islands, it is always best to take precautions to protect yourself and your valuables.  Learn how with our guide to Crime in Aruba...

Paved, well-marked roads and the abundance of car rental agencies make getting around Aruba on your own easier than many other islands in the Caribbean.  Even if you don't feel comfortable behind the wheel in another country, public transportation is excellent on the island as well...

Taxis

Taxi fares are set by the government, making the cost taking a cab more affordable than many other Caribbean islands.  Be warned, however, that travel with more than five passengers or on holidays will cause the price to go up...

Buses

Vacationers have the option of traveling from place to place aboard the public Arubus or one of 40 privately owned mini-buses.  Whether private or public, buses are the most affordable forms of transportation in Aruba...

Ferries and Boats

The only ferry service available in Aruba runs each day to De Palm Island, which is one of the area's premier snorkeling spots.  If traveling between Aruba and other nearby islands is on your agenda, air travel will have to do...