Yes, you can absolutely use U.S. Dollars (USD) throughout the entire island of Aruba. It is one of the most "US-friendly" currencies in the Caribbean. Most prices in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants are listed in both Aruban Florin (AWG) and USD. The exchange rate is officially pegged at approximately 1.75 AWG to $1.00 USD, though many merchants use a rounded 1.80 rate for convenience. You do not need to exchange your money at a bank upon arrival; however, there is one important caveat: if you pay in USD, you will often receive your change in Aruban Florin. This can be tricky on your last day of vacation, as Florin cannot be easily exchanged or used back in the United States. Major credit cards are also accepted nearly everywhere, from high-end boutiques at the Palm Beach Plaza to small local cafes in Oranjestad. For the best experience, carry smaller USD denominations ($1, $5, $10) for tipping and taxi fares, and use your credit card for larger purchases to get the most accurate official exchange rate without the hassle of carrying excess local coins.