Aruba At A Glance

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MCM Tours is an official Aruba wholesaler. Unbeatable vacation packages to Aruba that will suit any need. Specialty vacation packages available for honeymooners, golfers & families

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aruba visitors are welcome at all places of worship. Hotel front desk personnel will provide times of worship and locations.

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.

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.

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.

· Banking ·

· Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital ·
Hospital & Ambulance
Phone 587 4300
Ambulance Oranjestad
Phone 582 1234

· Telephone & Telephone Service ·

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