Last updated: August 26, 2026
Aruba currency questions have wonderfully boring answers — and that is good news for your vacation budget. Here is everything about money on the island: what to bring, what to skip, and how tipping actually works.
The Aruban florin — and why you may never touch one
Aruba’s official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged steadily at about 1.79 florin to the US dollar. However, US dollars are accepted absolutely everywhere — restaurants, taxis, shops, food trucks. Most visitors never exchange money at all.
Cards, cash, and ATMs
- Credit cards work nearly everywhere; Visa and Mastercard lead.
- Keep some small US bills for food trucks, beach vendors, and tips.
- ATMs dispense florin or dollars; your change often arrives in florin — spend it before you fly.
- Skip airport currency exchange entirely; you simply do not need it.
One important exception to “cash works everywhere”: several big resorts have gone cashless. The Ritz-Carlton, the Marriott, and the Renaissance Wind Creek accept only room charges, credit cards, or debit cards on property — no bills, no coins. Keep your cash for the food trucks and beach vendors instead.
How tipping works in Aruba
First, know this: tipping in Aruba is not obligatory — but the island is very much used to it, and good service is warmly rewarded. Many restaurants add a 10–15% service charge to the bill — check before doubling up. Where it is included, a few extra dollars for great service is appreciated, not expected. Without a service charge, tip 15–20% as at home. Taxi drivers round up; housekeeping appreciates a couple of dollars a day.
What things cost
For the full price picture — meals, taxis, tours, groceries — see our honest breakdown in Is Aruba Expensive? and the budget guide. Spoiler: eating where locals eat, via our district food guides, is the single best money move on the island.
Before you fly
Handle the ED card and its $20 fee online, pack off the packing list, and land ready. The local tips page covers the rest.
