Last updated: August 27, 2026
Everything you need to know before your first trip to One Happy Island — when to go, what things cost, what to pack, and the small stuff that makes a big difference.
When to Visit
Aruba is a rare Caribbean island with great weather year-round: it sits outside the hurricane belt, gets under 20 inches of rain a year, and holds steady around 82°F with constant trade winds. High season (mid-December to mid-April) brings peak prices; May–August is the sweet spot for value; September–November is quietest and cheapest.
Money
The Aruban florin (AWG) is pegged to the US dollar, and dollars are accepted everywhere — you never need to exchange money. Cards are widely accepted; keep small cash for food trucks, beach vendors, and Zeerovers. A 15% service charge often appears on restaurant bills; an extra 5–10% for great service is appreciated but not expected.
Getting There
Queen Beatrix International (AUA) has nonstops from most major US East Coast hubs plus Amsterdam and several Latin American cities. US-bound travelers clear US Customs preclearance in Aruba before flying home — arrive at the airport 3 hours early for that reason. Compare fares across airlines below:
Is Aruba Safe?
Aruba is consistently rated among the safest Caribbean islands, with low violent crime and drinkable tap water (it’s desalinated seawater and genuinely good). Normal precautions apply: don’t leave valuables visible in rental cars, especially at remote beaches.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen (the sun is stronger than it feels in the breeze), water shoes for rockier snorkel entries, a light layer for aggressive restaurant air-conditioning, and motion sickness tablets if you’re prone and planning a catamaran day. Dress is casual almost everywhere; a collared shirt covers fine dining.
Quick Facts
Language: Dutch and Papiamento officially, but English is spoken universally. Power: 120V US-style plugs. Water: tap is excellent. Driving: right side. Time zone: Atlantic Standard year-round. Travel insurance is smart for any trip — medical care is good but private.
Aruba travel tips locals actually give
These are the Aruba travel tips we repeat to every visiting friend. First, the US preclearance line at the airport can be long, so arrive three hours before your flight home. Second, the sun is stronger than it feels in the trade winds — reef-safe sunscreen is not optional.
- Money: US dollars work everywhere, so skip the currency exchange.
- Water: tap water is excellent — refill, don’t buy.
- Weather: Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, so fall trips are safe bets.
- Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated; check if service is already included.
- Sundays: many local restaurants close, so plan a beach barbecue.
Aruba travel tips: FAQ
December to April for perfect weather, May, June, or November for value. Either way, the beaches deliver — see our best beaches guide.
It is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Even so, use normal common sense with valuables on the beach.
Now put the tips to work: browse things to do, book your tours, and shape your week with our itineraries.
Arriving by ship? Start with the cruise port guide. Packing? The honest Aruba packing list has you covered. And if fall travel tempts you, November is the shoulder-season sweet spot.
Two bookings worth making before you fly: an airport transfer and any must-do boat day.
Some links on this page are affiliate links — full disclosure.
Before you fly: the mandatory ED card and its $20 fee, and our money & tipping guide so the wallet lands prepared too.
Want the island to open up? Learn a few Papiamento phrases before you land — bon dia and masha danki go a very long way.