Should I carry cash in Aruba?

Arm Yourself with Small Bills -- Bring a bundle of small bills (if your currency is American dollars) to make for easy tipping and small purchases. There's no need to bring large sums of cash, unless you're planning to make big purchases and prefer not to use a credit card.



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Major credit cards are almost universally accepted in Aruba. Visa and MasterCard seem to dominate the landscape, with Discover making a comeback and American Express being at times shunned due to the alleged fees it charges.

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Generally, we don't recommend exchanging currency before travelling to Aruba. Although having some Aruban florin cash on hand can be helpful, we recommend drawing some from an ATM once you've arrived in Aruba using a prepaid multi-currency card like Revolut to avoid the hidden currency exchange fees.

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Traveler's checks are widely accepted and there is normally no charge for using them in hotels, restaurants and stores. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments (valid ID is required) while personal checks are normally not accepted.

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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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Buy currency before you travel. Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

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Laptops should be taken out of their bag and should be placed in a tray for screening. It is illegal to take out any conch shells, sea stars, turtle eggs and/or any form of coral. No liquids, gels, and/or aerosols are permitted except when packed in a clear transparent resealable 1 quart (1 liter) size plastic bag.

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A quick-drying microfiber towel. While many resorts provide beach towels, a lightweight, packable towel will come in handy at the beach as well as on excursions like snorkeling trips or adventures into Arikok National Park.

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How much money will you need for your trip to Aruba? You should plan to spend around À586 ($325) per day on your vacation in Aruba, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, À122 ($68) on meals for one day and À58 ($32) on local transportation.

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While you're out exploring, forgetting to bring dollar bills when you're out can be a big inconvenience, especially when it comes to public restrooms. Unlike the United States, Aruba lacks free restroom facilities, instead, many shops and public restrooms charge $1 per visit.

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All major resorts have their own casino and they are generally open from noon to just before sunrise, although some casinos are open twenty-four hours a day for slots play. Machines use either US coins or tokens of the same value, depending on the casino, and many machines also accept US paper currency.

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The best place to keep your money is in a place that is 100 percent hidden and unnoticeable. Money pouches are an effective way to keep your valuables safe and on your person at all times. Some can be attached to your belt, others may hang around your neck.

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Guidelines/Tips for Traveling with Cash
  1. Carry as little currency as possible.
  2. Carry cash in a money belt that sits on your waist (under your clothes) or a money pouch that hangs around your neck.
  3. Keep cash concealed and close to your body at all times.


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Drinking Water There is no need to buy bottled water in Aruba. Aruba's tap water is pure and refreshing, meeting the highest standards of quality of the World Health Organization. Since Aruba does not have any significant natural sources of fresh water, the water is distilled in a saltwater desalination plant.

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While Uber is not currently available in Aruba, there are plenty of other transportation options to get you around the island. Whether you choose to rent a car, take a taxi, hop on a bus, or join a guided tour, there is a mode of transportation to suit every budget and preference.

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