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Only Aruba
Located
about 12 degrees north of the equator, approximately
18 miles (29 km) off the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela.
The island, one of the Lesser Antilles islands, is
about 19 miles (30 km) long & about 5 miles (8 km)
wide with an area of 75 sq miles (193 sq km) & a population
of some 89,000.
Drinking Water
All
water on the island is supplied from the island's
desalinations plant which is the second largest plant
in the world. This water is desalinated and purified
to ensure pure, safe drinking water which is totally
safe for drinking.
Electricity
Electricity
operates on 110 volts alternating current, 60 cycles,
thus American appliances work without the need for
converters or adapters. European appliances (that
use 220 volts) need a converter to be used on the
island.
Clothing
With
Aruba's tropical climate and hot temperatures in Aruba,
it is advisable to wear cotton and light clothing.
Informal dress is casual summer wear (resort wear).
Dress-up clothes may certainly be worn for a night
out in one of the island's elegant restaurants, nightclubs
or casinos.
If you go shopping, bathing suits are not permitted
in the shopping and business districts. In addition,
there are no bathing suites permitted to be worn inside
casinos.
If you’re going on a sailing excursion, sometimes
the wind can make it bit chilly, so bring a light
jacket. Ladies may bring along a shawl or sweater
to throw over their shoulders at night for chilly
breezes and casino and restaurant air conditioning.
Safety
Aruba
has always been considered one of the safest destinations
in the Caribbean, however incidents may occur. At
night walk in well lit areas and always with a companion.
Do not provide temptation by leaving valuables unattended
on the beach. Valuables in a rental car should be
stored in the trunk out of sight with the vehicle
locked at all times.
Post Office
When
using the postal service, you must use Aruban stamps.
The Central Post Office is located onZoutmanstraat
in downtown Oranjestad across from San Francisco Church.
It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to Noon
and 1 pm to 4:30 pm. The Post Office in the Royal
Plaza Mall in Oranjestad is open Monday - Saturday
from 7 am to 6:45 pm. There are additional post offices
with convenient hours located around the island.
Postal Rate Aruba has its own postage stamps since
1986. Rates to US & Canada - Afls 1.40 or US$
0.80 for the first 10 grams. Postcards Afls. 0.60
or US$ 0.35. To Europe Afls. 1.50 or US$ 0.90 for
the first 10grams. Postcards Afls. 0.70 or US$ 0.40.
Service Charges & Tipping
Aruban
restaurants charge a gratuity of 10 - 20% which is
usually added directly to your restaurant bill. At
your own discretion, you may add an extra amount for
good service. Restaurants will note on their menus
when they do not automatically add a service charge/gratuity
to the bill.
It is customary to tip the porters, bellmen and taxi
drivers an average of US$ .50 cents per bag for luggage.
Other tips may be left to a guest's discretion.
Taxes
Inquire
with your resort as to the taxes and service charges
which will be added to your bill. Percentages vary
from resort to resort and for timeshare accommodations.
Generally resorts charge approximately a 11% service
charge. There is also a 6% government tax on rooms.
Queen Reina Beatrix International Airport
The
airport is located on the southwest coast of island
just a few miles from the capital city of Oranjestad.
Travelers returning to the US from Aruba will enter
US Customs & US Immigration when departing Queen
Reina Beatrix International Airport. Allow yourself
plenty of additional time prior to your flight to
go through these processes. Hotels do not operate
shuttle service to and from the airport.
Time
Aruba
is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) which is one hour
ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST). During the winter
Aruba is one hour ahead of New York City. In summer
time when most of the United States switches over
to Daylight Savings Time, it is the same time
in Aruba as it is in New York City. Aruba does not
change their clocks and are in the same time zone
throughout the year.
Religious Services
Aruba
visitors are welcome at all places
of worship. Hotel front desk personnel will provide
times of worship and locations.
Duty Free Shopping
The
main shopping area on the island is in downtown Oranjestad.
There is the Renaissance Marketplace Mall as well
as a Main Street. Most resorts have shops and boutiques
as well. Upon departure there are duty free shops
at the airport.
Weather
Aruba
is the island destination for sunshine! Aruba is close
to the equator so it is hot and the sun is extremely
strong. The saving grace is tradewinds. Daytime highs
average 90° in summer and 87°
in winter. Water temperatures average 80° year round.
· Bon Bini
Festival ·
· Tuesday Weekly 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Fort
Zoutman, in Oranjestad ·
· Local cuisine & beverages · Folkloric
dance show · Aruban music · Aruban
craft ·
· Dera Gai-
Feast of St. John, June 24 ·
· Burying of the rooster (now a gourd) to
celebrate the harvest ·
· Festive song · Traditional costumes
& dance ·
Rates for taxis
are a fee set by the government, based upon
destination, number of passengers and car
or van and not by the mileage traveled. There
is a minimal extra charge for Sundays, holidays
and fares after midnight.
Each taxi has a unique ID based upon their
vehicle's license plate number. Take note
of this information should you leave behind
an item or wish to use this driver again in
the future.
Most resorts have taxis waiting for passengers
around the clock. Taxis are also plentiful
and lined up right outside of the doorway
at Queen Reina Beatrix Airport. When dining
out, most restaurants upon delivery of your
check, will inquire as to whether or not they
may call a taxi for you.
Travel Around the Island
· Aruba Bus Schedules
·
The public bus
service, Arubus, is inexpensive at $2.00 USD
roundtrip, and runs daily between the island
districts and the hotel areas. The main bus
station is located in downtown Oranjestad
across the street from the port entrance.
Your hotel can provide schedules and hours.
Driving
is on the right side of the road using
International road signs with speed
limits posted in kilometers. There is
"no right turn on red light"
allowed anywhere on the island. Not
all roads are well marked.
Children's car seats are not required,
but most agencies have them available.
Road maps are supplied free of charge.
Cars may be picked up at the airport
or most resorts. Many agencies offer
free pick-up service.
Gasoline
Gasoline
service on the island of Aruba is not self service.
Attendants will pump gasoline which is registered
in liters and is priced in Aruba Florins. 1.06 quarts
are equal to 1 liter. One gallon is equal to 3.78
liters.
· Air
Ambulance ·
· Botica (Pharmacy) Santa Anna NV · · Labco Medical Care Products- Home Healthcare
·
· Medical
Assistance ·
· Resorts have Doctors & Dentists on
call · · Prescriptions filled by local Doctors
only · · 24 hour Botica (Pharmacy) are available
·
· Travel
to Aruba with Disabilities ·
· Limited facilities available for the handicapped
·
Telephone & Service
· Telephone &
Telephone Service ·
· International
Calling ·
· International Dialing Codes ·
· Country Calling Codes & World Time
Zones ·
· Local Calls · Cell Phones ·
Phone Cards ·