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Aruba has one of the highest rates of repeat visitors anywhere in the Caribbean. What continues to draw people back over and over again is the great pride and care that Arubans take to ensure that tourists have everything they could possibly need to make their stay both enjoyable and exciting. Arubans are famous for their friendliness and hospitality, the climate is perpetually sunny and welcoming, and great care has been taken to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the environment.

Location

The westernmost of the Caribbean islands, Aruba lies just 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela and 42 miles west of Curacao. The island covers an area of 70 square miles, 20 miles at its longest and 6 miles at its widest. Approximately 81,000 people reside here full time, and more than 540,000 visit during the course of a year. The southern, leeward side of the island is famous for its long stretches of powdery white sand beach, while the northern coast features a rugged and dramatic landscape and secluded coves ideal for swimming.

Climate

Aruba enjoys a dry and sunny climate which is kept pleasant and temperate year-round due to the cooling effects of the trade winds. The average annual temperature is 83 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius), and rainfall amounts to just 17 inches a year, most of which occurs during the months of October, and November. Aruba is located well below the hurricane belt

People

The population of Aruba is of mixed descent and can trace its ancestry back to 40 different ethnic backgrounds from around the world. The native language is a creole dialect called Papiamento which is made up of elements of Dutch, Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, a number of different African languages, and Arawak Indian. Nearly everyone on the island is able to speak English and Spanish, in addition to Dutch, which is the official language of Aruba.

Currency

The Aruban florin is the standard currency of the country, but U.S. Dollars are accepted everywhere, including taxis, and can be expected to be returned in change. Most of the larger hotels provide currency exchange, if needed.

Banks

Banks are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and cash may be obtained at branches of the Caribbean Mercantile Bank and the ABN-AMRO Bank with any major credit card or with Cirrus network ATM cards. Please note however that the ATM's dispense only local currency.

Passports & Travel Taxes

Passports are not required of U.S. and Canadian citizens: just a birth certificate along with a picture ID, or an Alien Registration Card or re-entry permit for immigrants living in those countries. All other travellers must bring a valid passport and a visa. A departure tax of $20.00 per person is imposed upon departure.

Customs Regulations

Visitors 18 years of age and older may bring into the country up to 2 litres of liquor, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 250 grams of tobacco, in addition to those items which they plan on keeping for personal use.

Shopping

Aruba offers duty-free shopping at the airport or at specified duty-free establishments, but the tariffs at other stores are still low at 3.3%, and there are many bargains to be had in European porcelain, jewelry, perfumes, and clothing. The main shopping strip is to be found at the Seaport Village in Oranjestad. Stores are generally open from 8 am to 6 pm with a two-hour break for lunch between noon and 2 pm.

Medical/Health Facilities

Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Aruba is a 280 bed hospital equipped with reputable medical staff and modern equipment. The hospital, which opened in 1976, is located across from Eagle Beach. Services such as oxygen tanks and hemodialysis are available. For more information contact:

• Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital
  Sasakiweg, Aruba
  Tel: 74300 Fax: 73348

Hotels have medical doctors and dentists on call. Appointments, if necessary, can be made through your hotel. Also, each hotel has a doctor on call.

Electricity

Electricity operates on 110 volts alternating current, 60 cycles, and American appliances should work without the need for converters or adapters.

Communications

Aruba has modern international communication facilities. For international telephone calls (direct dial, person to person, or collect calls), telex and telegrams, electronic mailgram and mariphone calls, contact the hotel operator or SETAR.

SETAR located next to the Aruba post office at the Irausquinplein or at SETAR Teleshop at Palm Beach across from Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino or at SETAR Teleshop, Schelpstraat (around the corner of Le Petite Cafe‚ - Downtown, Oranjestad).

Telephone

To direct dial to Aruba from the United States, you must dial 011-2978 + the five digit number. To direct dial from anywhere else you must dial 2978 + the five digit number. From Aruba to the US, dial 001+area code and number.

Tipping

Gratuity of 10 - 15% is usually included on your bill. At your own discretion, you may add an extra amount for good service.

Drinking Water

The water on the island has been desalinated and purified, so it is safe for drinking.

What to Wear

Dress is casual informal summer wear. Ladies may bring along a shawl to throw over the shoulders at night. Dress-up clothes are recommended for a night out in one of the island's elegant restaurants, nightclubs or casino's. Most casino's require jackets for gentlemen. Bathing suits are not permitted in the shopping and business districts.