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Can you haggle in Aruba?

There are also great conversations to be had with the local artisans. While not everyone is willing to haggle, many booths are more than happy to go back and forth on an item's price.



In Aruba, haggling is not a standard part of the shopping culture as it is in parts of Asia or the Middle East. In high-end boutiques, luxury jewelry stores (like those in Oranjestad), supermarkets, and restaurants, the prices are fixed and non-negotiable. Attempting to haggle in these establishments is generally considered awkward or impolite. However, there are minor exceptions at flea markets, local craft stalls, and street vendors near the cruise terminals. In these informal settings, if you are buying multiple items, you can politely ask for a "best price" or a small discount. Even then, the "haggling" is very mild—you might save a few dollars, but you won't be negotiating prices down by 50%. Taxi fares are also fixed by the government based on destination rather than meters, so you should not haggle with drivers; instead, ask to see the official rate sheet they carry. Overall, Aruba operates on a Western-style pricing model, so you should expect to pay the sticker price for almost everything during your vacation.

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Overall, Aruba is expensive. Being an island in the Caribbean it's easy to spend a ton of cash on expensive resorts, flashy dinners, and high-cost cocktails.

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Shipping costs, along with import duties and residual costs such as labor, result in prices somewhat higher than what you might find back home. So next time you're in Aruba and the cost of food strikes you, remember that the higher prices are a fundamental part of helping you have a worry-free and enjoyable holiday.

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In Aruba it's not mandatory to tip, but it's your choice if you do so. However, some restaurants and bars add service charge to your bill. Usually, this adds up to about 10 to 15 percent on food and beverages. If you really like the service, you can still tip, of course!

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Shopping in Aruba is known for a variety of products and goods. Shoppers often visit Aruba for its shops devoted to jewelry, perfumes, leather goods, designer fashion, electronics, locally made crafts, Cuban cigars, Dutch licorice, Dutch Cheese, and much more!

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Aruba's beautiful weather and mostly flat terrain, makes walking and hiking a pleasure for everyone. If you're looking to experience Aruba's monuments up close, a walking tour is the best way to do it.

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While wind-fueled watersports, delectable fresh seafood, and those breathtaking white beaches have made Aruba a beloved vacation spot, the island has plenty more claims to fame. Dramatic rock formations, for example, and colorful architecture, or soothing natural aloe and a constantly evolving street art scene.

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It is generally cheaper to fly to Aruba than to Curacao. Aruba tends to have more direct flights from airports around the world, which cuts down on both flight time and cost. Additionally, Aruba has more low-cost carriers flying into its airport than Curacao.

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