£1 AWG 2.44
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Weather & climate
Weather in Aruba
Aruba
28°
Thunderstorm
Thu
26°
28°
Fri
26°
28°
Sat
26°
27°
Sun
26°
27°
Mon
26°
27°
Tue
26°
27°
Wed
26°
28°
SPF level in Aruba
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Aruba
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Aruba for up to 3 months without a visa.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Aruba.
You must complete an embarkation card up to 7 days before you arrive in Aruba.
You need to show proof of approval of the embarkation card to your airline before you can fly.
It is illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.
Good to know:
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Aruba, and you must declare certain items.
If you are travelling through Aruba, you need to fill in the embarkation or disembarkation card.
Safety in Aruba
Tips when travelling
Aruba is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Avoid walking in remote areas at night to reduce the risk of street crime.
Do not take valuables or cash to the beach as petty theft occurs there.
Always carry a copy of your passport with you as it is a legal requirement.
Agree the taxi fare in local currency with the driver before you set off to avoid being overcharged.
Do not leave bags unattended or agree to carry a package for anyone due to severe penalties for drug offences.
Bonus tips:
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements, such as needing 2 years of driving experience and a higher minimum age.
Monitor local weather reports during the hurricane season, which normally runs from June to November.
More information
Driving in Aruba
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Aruba for tourist purposes. An International Driving Permit is recommended, but not always required.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
80 km/h
Urban speed limit
30 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Aruba drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Aruba
The UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are not valid in Aruba. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
The risk of Zika virus is present in Aruba. All travellers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Consider visiting your GP around 4-6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get travel health advice. Medical facilities are generally good, but can be expensive, so ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Aruba, especially in tourist areas. However, smaller establishments might prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Aruba
Tipping is customary in Aruba for various services. While not mandatory, it's a common practice to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
15-20% of the bill if service is not included. Check the bill, as some restaurants automatically add a service charge.
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill, or AWG 1-2 per drink.
Taxi
10-15% of the fare, especially for good service or assistance with luggage.
Hotel Porter
AWG 2-5 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
AWG 2-5 per day, left in the room.
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price, especially for a well-conducted and informative tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Aruba, as they can be significant. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
5 GB for 100 AWG (~£40)
Network coverage
4G, LTE
Electrical in Aruba
Voltage
120 V / 60 Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B, Type F
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Many places provide free WiFi, but quality can vary. Consider a local SIM if you require dependable internet connectivity.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
100
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Aruba
Country code
+297
To call the number 582 2900 in Aruba from the UK, you would dial 00 297 582 2900.
The country code for Aruba is 297. To call Aruba from outside the country, you need to dial your country's exit code, followed by 297, and then the local number.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Willemstad
John G. Emanstraat 5, Unit 33, Sun Plaza Building, Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.