The Aruba Cheat Sheet: Tips I tell Everyone Before Visiting
- Alanna O'Connor
- Feb 10
- 13 min read
Updated: Feb 11
One of the best ways to truly relax in Aruba is to do a little homework before you arrive. I get these questions all the time and even have an email I send to clients to help them feel prepared before their trip. Since I’m asked so often, I figured — why not share it with everyone?
After spending six months out of the year in Aruba, I’ve learned what actually matters, what to pack, what to plan ahead, and what you can completely stop worrying about. Think of this as your Aruba cheat sheet — the CliffNotes version of my website, covering the most important things you need to know, with links to more in-depth information if you want it. That way, once you land, you already know what to do and can focus on relaxing, exploring, and enjoying One Happy Island.
This is a longer post, but it’s meant to be a resource you can come back to. Bookmark it or save it for later — there’s a lot of useful information here to help you plan a smooth, stress-free Aruba vacation.
*Please note that some are affiliate links, which help support my small business!
Don’t Forget the ED Card (and Your Passport!)
To enter Aruba, you’ll need to complete an ED card online. It’s quick, easy, and costs $20, and you can submit it up to 6 days before your trip.
The ED card fee is now payable once within a 12-month period from your previous entry, and it’s tied to your passport number. This means if you travel to Aruba again within one year of your last visit, you won’t have to pay the fee again.
This also applies if your incoming flight gets canceled or rebooked — you may need to complete a new ED card form, but you will not be charged again as long as it’s within one year of your previous entry and linked to the same passport.
While Aruba technically does not require the 6-month passport validity rule, it’s still a very good idea to renew your passport before you get close to that window. My boyfriend just renewed his passport with expedited service, and it only took about two weeks (this was in December 2025).
Bottom line: don’t risk travel stress over a passport that’s about to expire.
Read more HERE
Languages Spoken in Aruba
Aruba is incredibly multilingual. Locals commonly speak English, Dutch, Papiamento, and Spanish, and in most places you’ll find that everyone speaks excellent English. Communication is rarely an issue, even in more local spots.
If you ever get stuck, Google Translate works great in a pinch, but overall there’s absolutely no need to stress about not being able to communicate.
Airport Tips: Arriving & Departing Aruba
When you arrive in Aruba, the process usually goes much faster than you expect, even with long lines. Aruba has upgraded many of its immigration lines to digital processing, so you may not receive a passport stamp — which is a bummer, but helps move things along. It’s also a very small airport, so you won’t get lost. Everything is clearly marked and easy to navigate.
After baggage claim, Duty Free is right there (more info below) — you truly can’t miss it — making it super easy to grab your alcohol before heading out. Once you exit the airport, taxis will be located to your left and are easy to grab, but there may be a long line.
If you’re renting a car, follow the specific instructions provided by your rental company, as pickup locations can vary. You can also arrange private transportation ahead of time if you want to start your vacation off stress-free.
When it’s time to head home to the U.S., plan to arrive at the airport about three hours before your flight. There’s no need to arrive earlier than that, as you may be asked to wait outside until check-in opens.
Aruba has made major upgrades to its overall departure process, so you no longer have to go through security twice or re-check your checked bags. It’s now a much smoother and faster experience. Another great perk is that you’ll clear U.S. customs and immigration in Aruba before leaving the island, so when you land back in the States, your arrival will feel just like a domestic flight.
One thing to keep in mind when going through security: there is no TSA PreCheck in Aruba, so everyone will need to remove shoes and take electronics out of their bags. Planning ahead for this will help keep things moving smoothly for everyone.
Be sure to read more in-depth airport tips HERE.
Alcohol in Aruba & Duty-Free Tips
Alcohol in Aruba is expensive — everything is imported, and even the local beer made on the island isn’t cheap. To save money, be sure to buy your alcohol at Aruba Duty Free at the airport when you land. It’s hands-down the cheapest place on the island to stock up.
You can even reserve your items ahead of time online and skip the line when you pick them up, which is a huge win after a long travel day. Each traveler is allowed 1 Liter of alcohol duty-free. You can purchase more than that, but you may be taxed on the excess. If that happens, you’ll need cash (USD is fine), and even with the tax, it’s still usually cheaper than buying alcohol at a store on the island.
You may also find off-brand liquor at lower prices at some of the Chinese markets around the island, which can be another money-saving option depending on what you’re looking for.
Currency, Cash & Cards: What to Know
If you’re coming from the U.S., there’s no need to exchange money — U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere in Aruba. Bring a mix of $1s, $5s, and $20s, which are the easiest to use. $50s and $100s can be difficult to break, especially at smaller businesses.
Bonus tip: if you can find $2 bills, bring them for tipping — locals absolutely love them.
Cash is important in Aruba and is commonly needed for taxis, roadside food stops, tipping on tours and at resorts, beach bathrooms, and small local vendors. If you need more cash while you’re on the island, hotel and casino ATMs dispense U.S. dollars. If the ATM gives you $100 bills, you can exchange them at the casino cashier window. You can also take cash directly out at the casino window, but there is a 9% fee. Yes… 9%. So plan accordingly.
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses, and this is what I recommend using whenever possible. I do not recommend traveling internationally using a debit card for everyday purchases — there’s often very little recourse if something goes wrong. Instead, choose a good travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees and earn points toward your next trip while you’re at it.
Read more HERE
Getting Around the Island
There’s no Uber or Lyft in Aruba, but getting around is still very easy. You can grab a taxi at any hotel—even if you’re not staying there—or call one from your vacation rental. If you’re visiting during high season (roughly Christmas through April), plan ahead or expect to wait, as taxi times can be longer. If you’re out at a restaurant and need a ride back, the staff will happily call a taxi for you—no problem at all. Keep in mind that you can’t get into a taxi wet or sandy after the beach. You’ll need a dry change of clothes, and you’ll also need to call a taxi from the beach, as they don’t typically wait there. Be sure to have cash on hand for taxi fares.
Taxi pricing in Aruba is government regulated, and there is an official price list that drivers follow. While the list is a few years old, these are still the current rates. Taxi fares are based on areas of the island, not exact street addresses or locations.
You can view the taxi price list & more info HERE.
You can also take the Arubus if you wan to try out the public transportation in Aruba.
That said, I highly recommend renting a car while you’re in Aruba. You’ll be driving on the right side of the road, just like in the U.S., so it feels familiar right away. The only adjustment is getting comfortable with roundabouts, since there are no stoplights on the island and very few stop signs.
Renting a car is the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore Aruba, especially if you want to venture beyond your resort or hotel. If you're renting a private vacation home, a car is 100% needed and will make your vacation so much easier. Be sure to book your rental well in advance, particularly during busy season, as cars do sell out. I also always recommend choosing a local rental company — you’ll usually get better pricing, more flexibility, and a much higher level of service.
With a rental car, you can beach hop, explore different parts of the island, check out local restaurants, and discover new spots every day. And don’t forget — Aruba is extremely safe, which makes getting around and exploring on your own easy and stress-free.
Read more about Car Rentals in Aruba HERE
Beaches in Aruba
One of the best things about Aruba is that all beaches are public and completely free. There are no private beaches here (except Flamingo/Renaissance Island), so everyone is welcome to enjoy the sand and sea, whether you’re staying at a resort, a condo, or somewhere inland.
Almost all beaches in Aruba also have easy, free parking nearby. The main exception is Palm Beach. Parking there is usually still free, but depending on where you go and the time of day, you may need to get a little creative. You can read more about the
If you’re looking to rent beach chairs and shade, the main beaches that offer rentals are Arashi Beach, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Baby Beach. That said, rentals aren’t required, and many people enjoy Aruba’s beaches without renting anything at all.
At most beaches, if you arrive early in the morning, usually before 9am, you can usually score a free palapa (the thatched shade huts) without much trouble. This is true at many beaches around the island, but it’s much harder at Palm Beach and Eagle Beach in my opinion.
At those beaches, many resorts have placed their own lounge chairs under the palapas and allow their guests to reserve them, sometimes for a fee. This has long been a point of frustration, since all beaches in Aruba are public by law and palapas are generally considered public infrastructure, meaning ANYONE should be able to use them. While this practice is widely tolerated, it’s also widely debated — and enforcement is sometimes inconsistent.
Personally, when I go to Palm or Eagle Beach, I usually don’t bother trying to claim a palapa. I honestly don’t feel like dealing with awkward situations or someone getting upset about it. Instead, I’ll either skip the shade, bring my own umbrella or plan to just float in the water.
It’s much easier to find free palapas at other beaches around the island, and many beaches also have natural shade from trees, which works well too!
Another big plus for beach hopping in Aruba is that most private vacation rentals provide beach chairs, towels, and often coolers and umbrellas, which makes it incredibly easy to explore different beaches all over the island without needing to rent equipment each time. If you’re staying in a hotel and want to do the same, be sure to check out the section below about Coconut Rentals, which is a great option for renting beach gear during your stay.
If you want more in-depth information about all of Aruba’s beaches, including which ones are best for snorkeling, which have food and drinks nearby, bathrooms on site, and other helpful details,
you can read more info HERE and also download a free beach guide!
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is a Must
Help protect Aruba’s beautiful reefs by using reef-safe sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Apply it at least 30 minutes before swimming so it has time to absorb — better for your skin and the ocean.
It feels funny to even have to mention this, but I’ve seen way too many comical sunscreen applications in the Aruba wind not to. If you’re using spray sunscreen, try to do your initial application in the shower or somewhere with blocked wind. Aruba is breezy (which feels amazing), but that same wind will blow half the sunscreen right off your body — and you’ll end up fried. And trust me… that is NOT fun on vacation.
Take precautions and reapply often — more than you think you need to. The sun in Aruba is strong, and consistent reapplication makes all the difference.
Safety: Relax, But Stay Smart
Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, which is a huge reason people love it. That said, common sense still applies. Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach (or at least make sure you can see them from the water), keep your belongings close, and avoid leaving a bunch of items in your car. Always be aware of your surroundings, don’t accept open drinks from anyone, and stick with friends at night — and never ditch the friend who had one too many!
It’s also a good idea to leave expensive jewelry at home. There’s no need to bring anything flashy on vacation, and you’ll feel more relaxed knowing your valuables are safe.
Read more in depth about Safety in Aruba HERE
Packing Tips You’ll Be Glad You Didn’t Skip
A few small items can make a huge difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your Aruba vacation is.
Bring insulated cups to keep your drinks cold during the day — the sun is strong and drinks warm up fast. If you love frozen cocktails, pack reusable straws. Aruba uses paper straws everywhere (which is great for the environment), but they get soggy quickly and don’t hold up well with frozen drinks. Love beer? Bring your coozies! Just keep in mind that one of Aruba’s delicious local beers is served in 7-oz glass bottles (Chill), while others come in 12-oz cans.
A float for the ocean or pool is another must. My all-time favorite is the water hammock — I will NEVER not bring one...plus a backup! They pack easily, don’t take up much room, and inflate super fast. You can sit or lay in them, float comfortably, read, sip a drink, and chat — truly the BEST to hang out in all day!
Also don’t forget towel clips. Aruba is breezy (which feels amazing), but that wind will absolutely send your towel flying if you’re not prepared.
If you love to snorkel and explore, be sure to bring your own snorkel gear & water shoes for easy exploring!
Lastly, pack more swimsuits and cover-ups than actual clothes. You’ll live in swimwear all day, and Aruba is very casual. Leave the super dressy outfits at home — cute, comfortable, and beachy is the vibe here. Just remember, it’s breezy, so short dresses may be a challenge, lol.
If you like bringing cold drinks and snacks to the beach, consider packing a soft-sided insulated bag. It’s much easier to carry than a hard cooler and doesn’t require two people to lug it around. Most vacation rentals provide coolers, but a soft insulated bag is perfect for quick beach trips, beach hopping, or when you want to travel light and keep things simple.
Aruba’s Water Is Amazing
Aruba has some of the cleanest, best-tasting water in the world thanks to its desalination plant — and yes, you can drink it straight from the tap. Many hotels have water-filling stations throughout the property, so definitely bring an insulated water bottle if you like to stay hydrated (and you should!) and keep that water cold!
If you’re staying in a private vacation rental, most homes provide pitchers you can fill with tap water and keep in the fridge, so you always have cold water ready to go. The sun is no joke in Aruba — and it’s humid too — so staying hydrated is extremely important, especially if you’re spending time at the beach or out exploring.
Beach Gear Rentals = Big Savings
If you’re planning to beach hop and don’t want to pay daily fees ($40-$80+) to rent chairs and umbrellas at every beach, there’s a much cheaper (and easier) option. You can rent beach gear for the week, including chairs, umbrellas, coolers, floats, baby gear, and more.
The rental company will deliver everything directly to your hotel or vacation rental and pick it up at the end of your stay. You can keep the chairs and umbrella right in your trunk and take them with you wherever you go — easy peasy. This is a great way to save money, have shade and seating whenever you want, and truly explore Aruba’s beaches at your own pace.
I personally work with and love Coconut Rentals and had a great experience renting from them. I rented a chair and umbrella for an entire week, and everything was clean, newer, and super easy to use and set up. Delivery and pickup were completely seamless, and I loved having everything brought right to me. It made beach hopping super easy!
You can book Coconut Rentals HERE.
Explore Aruba Before You Go with My Walking Videos
One of the best ways to get a feel for Aruba before you even arrive is by watching my walking videos on YouTube. These videos let you explore the island from home and see what different areas are really like in real time — plus I share my personal stories and experiences along the way.
They’re especially helpful for understanding what’s around you in places like Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, including how walkable the areas are, where restaurants, bars, beaches, and shops are located, and what the overall vibe feels like. Watching ahead of time can make planning much easier and help you choose the best location for your stay.
Check out my Aruba walking videos on YouTube HERE.
A Few Other Helpful Things to Know
No power converters needed
Aruba uses the same outlets as the U.S., so your chargers will work just fine.
Cell phone service
I use Verizon’s international plan and it works great in Aruba. If you want to avoid international fees, you can put your phone on airplane mode and use it only when connected to Wi-Fi (double-check your plan to be safe). You can also look into eSIMs — I don’t have much experience with them, but there is a Digicel booth to the right as you exit the airport if you need local service and Airalo worked pretty good as well.
Download WhatsApp
It’s widely used in Aruba for communication, especially if you’re staying in a vacation rental, coordinating with property managers, or meeting up with private tour guides.
Maps & Navigation
Google Maps and Apple Maps both work well in Aruba, but keep in mind that some locations don’t always show up exactly where they are, which can be a little frustrating. You’ll get there eventually. For backup, you can download offline maps using Maps.me.
Ocean safety tip
Don’t touch the ropes in the ocean. Soft corals often grow on underwater ropes, and they can sting and cause a very uncomfortable, itchy rash. Best to admire from a distance.
Sea Turtle & Fish
You may see sea turtles and lots of tropical fish while snorkeling in Aruba. Please be respectful of wildlife and the natural environment. Don’t feed the fish, as this disrupts their natural behavior and ecosystem, and never chase, touch, or attempt to interact with sea turtles. Give them plenty of space and admire them from afar — it’s better for them and makes the experience more special for you.
Garbage
Please be sure to take all of your garbage with you when you leave.
Leaving nothing behind but footprints helps keep Aruba’s beaches beautiful for everyone.
Aruba isn’t complicated — it’s just better when you know what to expect. A little planning goes a long way, and once you’re here, it’s all about beach days, great food, cold drinks, and island time. Trust me… you’re going to love it.
Did I miss anything?
If you’ve been to Aruba before, I’d love to hear your favorite tips or must-knows — drop them in the comments and help future travelers out too!
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