ARUBA INFORMATION

We realize, you may just need a quick question answered so we have created this page to present answers to the most frequently asked questions.

 When is the best weather in Aruba?
 Do I need a passport to visit Aruba?
 Is the water safe to drink?
 Should I exchange my money for local currency?
 Are there any airport fees?
 What is the legal drinking/gambling age?
 Can I get married in Aruba?
 Can I bring my pet to Aruba?
 What about fishing?
 Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?
 Where are the "clothing optional" beaches?
 What is there to see or do in Aruba?
 Aruba is a great place, can I move there?
 How can I get employment in Aruba?
 What about "island hopping" or visits to Venezuela?
 Are there any gay/lesbian related businesses on Aruba?
 How do I get to my hotel from the airport?
 Can I access the Internet from Aruba?
 Can I use my cellular telephone in Aruba?

When is the best weather in Aruba?
= Aruba's weather is nearly the same year round, 82 degrees F. average during the day, 79 degrees F. average at night. Nearly constant tradewinds 10 to 20 mph., occasional short showers, occurring more often from mid October through December. Aruba is completely outside the hurricane belt. For current weather look here .


Do I need a passport to visit Aruba?
= Visitors from, and who are citizens of, the U.S. and Canada do not need passports. A birth certificate with a raised seal and a photo I.D. are required. The birth certificate MUST be issued by a government agency. Certificates issued by churches or hospitals are NOT acceptable. A driver's license with photo will serve as the I.D. It is recommended, however that if you intend to visit Aruba often, you do obtain a passport. There are no plans to change this requirement. For other countries please see our detailed page.


Is the water safe to drink?
= Aruba has pure, refreshing water, distilled in the world's second largest saltwater purification plant, and is completely safe.
Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc.?
Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC, the same as standard in the United States. Visitors from countries with other types of electrical systems will need adaptors. (Many hotels will supply hairdryers, check with your hotel for details.)


Should I exchange my money for local currency?
= Visitors from the U.S. do not have to exchange currency. U.S. dollars are accepted virtually everywhere along with all major credit cards and traveler's checks. You may, however, have difficulty changing US$100.00 bills in shops and restaurants. Visitors from other countries may exchange currency at banks but traveler's checks and credit cards may be more convenient.


Are there any airport fees?
= You must pay a departure tax of US$34.25 per person (over 2 years of age)when leaving the island. The tax is usually included in the ticket price if you are flying on a US based airline, but please verify with your airline or travel agent.


What is the legal drinking/gambling age?
= The legal age for both drinking and gambling is 18 years. It is not, however, widely enforced. You will not usually be "carded".


Can I get married in Aruba?
= New laws now permit you to get married in Aruba. Please see Weddings in Aruba for details.


Can I bring my pet to Aruba?
= Pet cats and dogs from most countries are allowed if accompanied by valid rabies and health certificates from a veterinarian. Pets from South and Central America are not allowed. However, most hotels do not allow pets. Please check with your hotel in advance.


What about fishing?
= All beaches are public and surf fishing is allowed except in swimming areas. There are no fresh water fishing locations. We are not aware of anyone who rents out small boats and fishing gear. There are a number of deep sea fishing trips available from the piers at Seaport Marina.


Can I use a metal detector on the beaches?
= There are no restrictions on the use of metal detectors.


Where are the "clothing optional" beaches?
= Public nudity of any kind is illegal and insulting to the Aruban people. However, there are many very secluded small beaches along the northeast coast, some requiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle to reach, where you may be alone and do as you wish, subject to interruption at any time by 4-WD or horseback tours. There are no facilities of any kind nearby and the surf is extremly rough and dangerous for swimming. Topless sunbathing and swimming is tolerated on some beaches, notably at Manchebo and Bucuti Beach Resorts, Amsterdam Manor's beach, but not on resort grounds or on the beaches at the timeshare properties (Playa Linda, Casa del Mar, Aruba Beach Club, Costa Linda), or at most of the major chain hotel properties at Palm Beach.


What is there to see or do in Aruba?
= There are many things to see and do in Aruba: watersports; gambling; island tours; snorkle, diving and booze cruises; horseback riding; shows; nightclubs; deep sea fishing; shopping and many others. See the Calendar of Events , or see the Activities Pages.


Aruba is a great place, can I move there?
= The Aruban government introduced a strict immigration policy effective July 1st 2002. The procedure of handling your permit request will be much faster (within a month). However you must have a decent home already available in Aruba before emigrating and you must have a job on the island. You are allowed to stay for a maximum of 3 years on the island and then you must leave the island for 3 years before extending your permit for another 3 years. You are not allowed to bring any family members with you unless they have a job in Aruba as well. Employment will only be available to you if there are no Arubans available to fill that position. You must also have an HIV test done and a proof of general medical good health. You also need a proof of good conduct in the country on which you are residing in at the moment. These are a few of the rules that have been imposed or changed.
Non citizens (visitors) of Aruba cannot stay more than 90 days without a residency permit. To get a permit you must show financial resources to support yourself (and anyone with you) without employment. There are other requirements, contact the immigration authorities in Aruba for details.


How can I get employment in Aruba?
= Your prospective employer must obtain a work permit on your behalf. Foreigners may be employed in Aruba only if no Arubans are available for the job in question. You should be fluent in Dutch and be willing to learn Papiamento. The work permit must be renewed annually. For detailed information contact Aruban immigration authorities.


What about "island hopping" or visits to Venezuela?
= There are day trips by air to Caracas and nearby islands. Contact De Palm Tours for details.


Are there any gay/lesbian related businesses on Aruba?
= The gay population is not large enough to support gay businesses (bars, nightclubs, etc) in Aruba. Neither is the visiting gay/lesbian market to the island. Aruba is "gay friendly" and welcomes all lifestyles.


How do I get to my hotel from the airport?
= Taxis are always available and there are many car rental agencies at the airport. Hotels do not provide shuttle service. If you are traveling on a "package plan", transfers are usually included.


Can I access the Internet from Aruba?
= The only Internet Service Provider in Aruba, the government operated telephone company known as Setar, now allows dial-up access to non-residents and visitors. Many hotels also provide dial-up capabilities for guests, either complimentary or for a small fee. Check with your selected hotel for more information.
The Internet Cafe located at the Royal Plaza Mall in downtown Oranjestad will provide access for approximately US$7.00 per half hour. There are no local access numbers for America On-Line, Prodigy, Compuserve, ATT etc., all are expensive long distance calls to the US.


Can I use my cellular telephone in Aruba?
= Cellular roaming service and GSM capabilities do not exist in Aruba. You can rent a local cellular telephone from Dantel NV. See their website for details.



All this information has been provided by Aruba On-Line, and you can just find about everything you need to know about visiting Aruba is contained in Aruba On-Line