While flip flops are great for the beach, there are lots of places in Aruba where you'll be better served by a pair of sturdy water shoes or sandals. Examples include the Natural Pool, where you can't even enter barefoot or in flimsy footwear.
While Zika is not yet a prevalent disease in Aruba, it's important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. The easiest way to do this is by using bug repellent. Make sure to apply bug repellent before heading out of your accommodations, and reapply as necessary throughout the day.
PAYING FOR PURCHASES. U.S. currency, major credit cards, and traveler's checks are widely accepted on Aruba. It is a good idea to contact your credit card provider prior to departure and advise them of your travel plans. Otherwise, overseas charges may be questioned or denied.
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.
In restaurants which do not automatically add the service charge, a tip of 15% - 20% is appropriate depending on the quality of the service you received. Upon receiving your bill, carefully review it to determine if a service charge has already been added.
In July and August, 'skeeters were the bane of existence but by the time September ended they were all gloriously dead. Over here, there's a chance of mosquitoes all year long. Did you know that Aruba's drinking water is rated one of the best in the world?
Dress shorts are appropriate at most restaurants on the island as well. At our own restaurant at the beach, we describe our dress code as “casual elegance” in the evening. In casinos, casual clothes are the norm. Do keep in mind that the air-conditioning tends to be kept cold inside casinos.
The best currency to take to Aruba is the local currency, the Aruban florin. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices.
Aruba is a country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By Dutch law, you must always carry identification. You should have a copy of your passport with you at all times.
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.
When is Rainy Season? Aruba's wet season starts in September, peaks in November, and tapers off by early January. Although most rain arrives in November, that month's precipitation averages about 3.8 inches, much less than what you would experience on more northerly Caribbean islands.
Is it rude to not leave a tip at the hotel? In many ways, there is no wrong way to tip. However, in countries like the U.S. where workers depend on tips to supplement salaries, it can be considered rude not to do so.
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.