The absolute most important tip is sunscreen. Aruba is very close to the equator and the rays are very strong. Be sure to limit your sun exposure during the first couple of days and reapply your sunscreen often. Don’t ruin your vacation with an uncomfortable burn!
1 U.S. dollar is 1.77 Aruban Florin
There are plenty of grocery stores on the island. If you’re staying closer to the city, then we recommend Ling & Sons. If you’re staying closer to the High Rises, Superfood is the way to go.
Check out the huge selection of dutch cheeses and meats (We recommend Vincent cheese - not biased at all)
Superfood has a drugstore attached to it
Be sure you’re looking at the U.S. prices and not the Florin prices
The grocery stores have great prices on Chilean wines
A normal case of beer (24-pack) on the island averages ~$35-$50
Have kids but want a parents’ night out? Most all hotels have kids programs with daytime and nighttime activities that give you a little bit of alone time.
Should you need it, one of the urgent care centers is located right across the road from the Holiday Inn Hotel behind Paseo Herencia. They are pretty quick, will get you what you need and the pharmacy is right nearby.
Happy-Hour hop! Don’t pay full-price for a cocktail. You can find 2-for-1’s at almost all times on the Island. We particularly love the mojitos at Carlito’s Beach Bar and the Bahama Mama’s at One Happy Bar, whose happy hour starts after 5.
There are two good options for transportation on the island:
If you’re staying for a while, there are really easy car rental places, which is what we usually use.
If you’d rather go the taxi route, you can get them easily all over the island. A general ballpark estimate for a taxi ride from the airport to your hotel is around $20-$30.