Aruba Travel Tips

The "ED" Card

There is a mandatory fee for visiting Aruba, which is called "sustainability fee" and which is supposed to be slated for improvements of the island's infrastructure such as water treatment system etc. The amount of the fee is $20 per traveler, per year. The document certifying the payment is called "Embarcation/Disembarcation Card" which is most often shortened to "ED Card". The link to the website where the card can be obtained is listed below. It is important to keep in mind that there are plenty of scams going on, on the Internet which pretend to be services processing such fees but in reality will result in exaggerated or fraudulent charges. The official site, at the time of writing, is this: https://edcardaruba.aw/welcome

 

The fee must be paid online using a credit card. At the time of writing, the accepted credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Once the payment is processed, the traveler can download and print the ED card in a PDF format (which is recommended). If you make more than one trip to Aruba within a year, you only need to pay the fee once - the system tracks it by your passport number. Still, you need to visit the website to obtain the card for each trip.

 

It is very likely that the personnel of the airline you are using to fly to Aruba will want to see a copy of this card as a printout or an image on your phone. Upon entry to Aruba, you actually won't be asked to produce this card in most (not all) cases because it's linked to your passport number so the immigration validates it automatically when scanning your passport. Still, it's a good idea to keep the card in a secure place before, during and after the trip, just in case. A PDF file is the most reasonable way to do that.

 

Airport: arrivals, Duty Free store, Customs

Upon arrival, you'll need to clear passport control. Most of the time this is done via automatic scanners/turnstiles, however at times you'll need to speak to an offficer. Average time in line for this procedure can be anywhere between 5 and 45 minutes, depending on the date and time of your arrival and the air traffic situation. You'll then proceed downstairs to collect your checked in luggage, if you have any. The luggage usually arrives pretty quickly. To the right, you'll see a Duty Free store which offers good deals on liquor and local beer (Balashi). The prices might still seem a little high but nothing is cheap in Aruba. The next step is to clear the customs, where the officers might want to X-ray and manually inspect your luggage. One item that's not allowed to be brought onto the island is plastic utensils. We were once stopped by the customs and those were promptly confiscated. And that's about it, once you exit the customs you find yourself in the arrivals area and can proceed to your transportation option, see below.

 

Currency

The local currency in Auba is called "florin" and it's unrelated to its European cousins. The US dollars are universally accepted everywhere, and so are major credit cards. There is no need for foreign exchange. Just like in Europe, there may be cases when AMEX is not accepated but VISA and Mastercard are, so plan accordingly. Importantly, you will need cash to pay for the taxi ride if you take one, so it might be a good idea to keep a few low denomination bills to make the payment process easier.

 

Mobile Communication

If you intend to use your mobile phone, it is highly recommended that the traveler consults their provider, to avoid unexpected charges and to ensure there is actual coverage during the travel. Certain providers offer special plans for international travel, which can be activated before the trip. There are anecdotal reports of occasional problems with functonality of these plans, so again it's helpful to consult with your provider before the trip. A few of the T-Moble regular subscription plans include inexpensive international roaming for calls to the US, which is a great option for travelers. Once again, these details need to be checked with your provider before the trip. Calling local numbers in Aruba while using a US carrier may result in considerable additional charges.

 

There are also a few local providers that offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists, which can be purchased at the airport or in local stores. These cards typically come with a data plan and can be a cost-effective option for travelers who need to use their phones frequently. Aruba is a small island, so the coverage is generally good, however there are some remote areas where the signal may be weak or non-existent.

 

Uber

There is no Uber or other ride share services in Aruba.

 

Taxis

Upon arrival, it's usually very easy to take a taxi to your destination on the island. Minivans are available in case you travel in a group and/or have a lot of luggage.

 

Taxi rates are fixed by the local government. Don't be surprised in you don't see a running meter in the cab. Standard fare from the airport to the Palm Bech resort area is around $35 with higher prices in the late evening and on weekends and public holidays (which are many). The rates are periodically updated, so it's a good idea to check the current rates on the official Aruba tourism website before your trip. The taxi drivers are generally friendly and professional, and they will be happy to assist you with your luggage. Sometimes travelers get charged extra for the luggage, so it's recommended to discuss the total charge with the driver before you start the trip. On the way back to the airport, it is usually easy to ask the front desk personnel at your hotel or property management company to assist you calling for the cab.

 

When considering your mode of transportation, please take a look at the next section since for experienced drivers it may be a reasonable option to rent a car.

 

Should I rent a car?

If you stay at Blue 115 and your primary intention is to enjoy the excellent beaches nearby, you don't really need to rent a car. You just walk to the beach.

 

If however you feel adventurous and want to explore various locations on the island, this would be a very good idea. Even though Aruba is a pretty small island, there are plenty of places worth visting where public transportation won't take you, and taking a cab won't be practical or economical. Car rental rates are competetive and one can shop online before making the decision. A few major car companies have offices and parking lots right at the airport which adds to the convenience. It might be a little cheaper to rent from a local agency off-site, but then you would need to take a shuttle. Both options work rather well. An additional bonus of renting our propterty at Blue 115 is that it comes with a private parking space, clearly marked, located close to the condo. Also, this is a gated community with a guard posted at the gate which adds security to residents, and also gives extra peace of mind when parking your vehicle.

 

Many beaches have adjacent parking lots, which are usually free of charge. The parking lots are typically not very large, so if you plan to visit a popular beach on a weekend, it is a good idea to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot. In Oranjestad and other towns there are also paid parking lots, which are not very expensive. The parking is free in the residential areas, however it is not recommended to leave your car unattended overnight in these areas, since there have been reports of thefts and vandalism.

 

Driving in Aruba

Roadways in Aruba feature a large number of roundabouts, which help keep the traffic flowing. The speed limits are clearly marked, and are typically 30 mph (50 km/h) in urban areas and 50 mph (80 km/h) on highways. Most (but not all) of the roads are in good condition and well maintained. Drivers in Aruba drive on the right side of the road, just like in the US.

 

Roundabouts in Aruba are navigated in a counterclockwise direction, and the vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. They differ from those in the US and Europe in that often there is an additional inside lane, so it's up to the driver to choose the proper lane when entering the roundabout. The rule of thumb is that if you intend to take the first or second exit, you should stay to the right, and if you intend to take the third exit or make a U-turn, you should stay to the left. In any case, you should always use your turn signal when exiting the roundabout

 

Other modes of transportation

The Aruba bus system is good, and offers reasonable rates and a variety of routes, primarily along the populated West coast of the island. Once in Aruba you can install a "Bus App" on your smartphone which is a helpful travel tool e.g. it will tell you when the next bus is coming to your stop. Extra savings can be gained by utilizing a prepaid fare card, however since there is an issuance fee it will only be practical if you intend to make many trips on the island. The bus option will be attractive for your stay at Blue 115 since the bus stop is almost literally at your doorstep.

 

A few locations around around the Eagle and Palm Beaches have parking spots where e-scooters and e-bikes can be rented using a smartphone app, which can be installed using a link posted on these vehicles. These are not particularly cheap but can be helpful if you need extra speed to get to your destination. This is typically not an issue at Blue 115 since our guests can reach both Eagle and Palm beach in about 12 min off leisurely walk.

 

Visiting the Beaches

Beaches are public land in Aruba. Hotels, resorts and other landlords in the vicinity do not have the right to reserve beaches for exclusive use of their guests. There are many palapas installed on the beaches. A palapa is a sturdy umbrella-like structure made of wood and palm leaves, often equipped with a small shelf for your belongings or drinks. All palapas are free. If you see signage placed on the palapas by the hotels, adorned by their logo and a number, it needs to be promptly ignored. It's first come, first served arrangement. Beach loungers, on the other hand, are owned by the resorts and can be in some cases rented by visitors but in any case are not free for public use, please keep that in mind.

 

You can bring your own beach chairs, coolers and umbrellas to the beach. We provide four high quality beach chairs (Tommy Bahama) and a nice cooler for our guests at Blue 115. Chairs and umbrellas can also be rented from a number of companies on the island but it's never cheap.

 

Having a pair of water shoes is not a bad idea. The beaches are mostly sandy but there are occasional patches of coral rock, which can be sharp. The water shoes will protect your feet and make your walk on the beach more comfortable.

 

The Weather

One of many things that make Aruba an exceptional vacation destination is the weather. It's fairly uniform around the year, with plenty of sun and wind. Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt which is another big plus. The ocean is warm throughout the year. It is often windy in Aruba, which helps mitigate the hot climate and flying insects. The wind also makes it important to choose a proper beach umbrella that can be secured in place and doesn't get blown away.

 

The Language

All Aruban citizens are fluent in English and Dutch, and many also speak Spanish. Papiamento is the local language on the island, and it's one of the hardest Creole languages to learn. It has influences from Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and a few African languages.

 

English-speaking travelers will find it extremely convenient to communicate in English while on the island, which adds to its appeal.

 

Safety

Aruba is a very safe travel destination, with conistently low levels of crime. That doesn't mean that there aren't any criminals there. There have been recent reports of items being stolen on the beach, when the visitors let their guard down or go swimming, leaving their belongings unattended. Use common sense. There are a number of solutions that help you secure your items on the beach.

 

Groceries

If your residence has a nice and fully equipped kitchen (like at Blue 115), you can enjoy local grocery shopping and cooking whenever you like. There are two major supermarkets in the Noord area of Aruba:
  • Super Food Plaza
  • Ling and Sons
The Super Food Plaza is located within a 3 min drive from the Blue 115 residence, but it can also be reached in around 20 min on foot if needed. Both stores will deliver groceries to you (except on weekends). Super Food has a minimum purchase requirement for free delivery, while Ling has a flat delivery fee. Both places feature an excellent selection of food products, soft drinks, beer and alcohol. Among others, one thing worth trying is the selection of Dutch products (e.g. cheese) that both stores have.

 

Ling and Sons has a superb seafood section where they sell prepared seafood salads (e.g. tempera, octopus salad) that taste fresh and delicious - highly recommended!

 

Shopping for Souvenirs and Local Art

There are many places in Aruba where you can buy souvenirs. In Oranjestad, there is a market selling local handicrafts, jewelry, clothing and other items. See this map for location. Prices are reasonable and the quality of the items is good. There are also many shops selling souvenirs and local art in the Palm Beach area, which is a short drive from Blue 115.

 

If you decide to explore St Nicolas, which is a town located on the southern part of the island, there are excellent galleries location around Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat. Paintings, posters, souvenirs and designer clothing can be found there as well.

 

Airport: Departures

In 2025, there have been major changes in the logistics of Departures, which include a brand new building for passengers traveling to the US, with a separate flow of luggage. Keep in mind that you will pass the US Customs in Aruba, so many items like fruit and meat products aren't allowed to be carried to the waiting area at the gates. So if you carry an apple, a ham sandwich or a burger as a snack, this may result in major problems. The customs officers are pretty strict. Fines can be steep.

 

Before June 2025, there was a second TSA check after the US Customs. Thankfully, now this has now been eliminated, which saves a lot of time for passengers. There is a new rule which states that you are not allowed to enter the airport more than 3 hours before your schedules departure. The optimal time to arrive is something that still need to be understood since this system is new, but it's no longer more than 3 hours which used to be the norm (really).

 

There are plenty of food, drink and shopping options in the wing where the gates are located, so your wait before departure can be time well spent. It's a good place to get some local specialties like Balashi beer or local rum, at the several Duty Free shops available in this area.