TRAVEL TIPS
ARUBA
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Located 30km North of the of Venezuela and
population also speaks English or Spanish,
with a land area of 112 square kilometer, Aruba
especially in tourist areas.
is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the Caribbean. Because of its closeness to the
Foreigners need a valid passport to enter
Equator it is summer all year long.
Aruba and a Visa is not necessary in most of the cases. To further information it is advised
The population of around 120.000 people from
to contact the department responsible for the
80 different nacionalities is very polite and
foreigners entrance.
known for their hospitality. Aruba attracts more than 800.000 international visitors
Except for rare climate events and some fast
yearly and is the perfect destination for those
rains, the sun is always shinning in the island.
who like informality, fresh and comfortable
Vacations in Aruba are casual and comfortable
clothing, Latin music and exciting nightlife.
just like the clothes you should wear while
Aruba also has something for those who enjoy
there. The annual average temperature of the
sophistication and luxury: the casinos.
island reaches 27.7 ° C.
Despite the Dutch colonization, the official
This wonderful climate is the reason why
language is the Papiamento, a local dialect
Aruba has the high.
quite understandable for Portuguese speakers. However, a great part of the
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ARUBA
The tourists who look for the Caribbean islands
TAXI
usually are escaping from the winter in their
There are taxis available in different parts of
countries. That is why during December the
the island with rates set by the Government.
main beaches and hotels in Aruba are always
The price follows a chart, so there is no
crowded. The best is to book your stay in advance. The low season starts in April and ends in October and the hottest months are August, September and October. International music festivals, cultural events, tournaments and regattas are held throughout the year. The Carnival of Aruba is just as great
taximeter. A ride from one side of the island to another costs around US$12.
CAR There is also the option of renting a car for a good price to visit the touristic points that are located far from the hotels. Jeeps and cars with air conditioning are available.
as the Carnivals from Rio and New Orleans. It is a thrilling spectacle that enchants the country for 65 years. The frenzy of the preparations is absorbed by the entire population. Carpentry and sewing garages are everywhere. Beauties of all ages compete in the choice of the Carnival Queen in differents categories. Aruba is an invitation to enjoy a landscape with stunning beaches and white sand, lapped by crystal clear water and with a summer that has no end.
TRANSPORT BUS Fast and easy, safe and cheap. Regular busses are available in the downtown of Oranjestad, the capital of the island. The main bus station is located in the downtown. Only the natives used this kind of transportation, but nowadays tourists are also enjoying it.
ATTRACTIONS Surrounded by the sea Aruba offers attractions such as diving points and beautiful beaches, which are great for water sports like windsurfing,
kitesurfing and jet-skiing. During the day a nice
popular one with its Arawak drawings. The
option is to do jeep tours but at night the casinos,
Huliba cave is also known as “Tunnel of Love”
malls and night clubs are highly south.
because of its heart shaped entrance.
The famoust beach is the Palm Beach, known for
One of the most important attractions in the
its calm waters and located in front of the luxury
island is the Arikok National Park. The park
hotels. The Eagle Beach provides a great sea
takes up approximately 18% of the island.
bath for the local population who has it as their
Walking or by bike the visitors will discover a
favourite beach. This is a nice place to do a picnic
landscape full of cactuses, dunes and caves.
under the palm trees. The Baby Beach stands out for its shallow waters. At the point where the
The Natural Pool known as “Conchi” is a great
bay empties into the sea, there is the practice
destination for kids and youth. A paradise where
of diving, where people can contemplate the
the biggest adventure is to jump from the rocks
colorful coral reefs and the tropical fish.
into the pool that is protected with salt water.
Aruba has many historical sites, monuments
The gambling houses are located at the
and natural attractions. Almost all the stories
impressive hotel complexes at Palm Beach. The
and legends about pirates and treasures that
resorts also have tenis courts, pools as big as
surround Aruba are in the island’s caves, like
a lagoon, many restaurants, theaters and even
the Guadirikiri, that has chambers for the
towers with panoramic views.
entrance of sunlight, and the Fontein, the most
WHERE TO STAY The island’s fame may relate to luxury resorts, but there are also accessible inns. Some of them also have a complete kitchen which will help you saving some money with food. Beyond that there are houses to rent, which is a great option for groups, familis or for those who are looking for some privacy. The most famous luxury resorts are the Occidental Gran Aruba, the Hyatt Regency and the Marriott Aruba Resort. All of them offer the sophistication that their guests are used to, and have excelent restaurants, casinos, pools, sports fields, spas and stores.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ARUBA
The most popular inns are the Aruba Beach
casual, elegant and luxurious atmosphere and
Front Villa, the Aruba Dushi Villa and the Aruba
an excellent service that provides to you a
Renta Villa. Well-equipped houses with a great
unique experience.
location and a familiar environment. The inns meet perfectly the needs of their guests.
Frog legs, duck, venison steaks, Argentine barbecue, Spanish tapas, lobster from Maine, stuffed goat and yena keshi are some of the
DINING OUT
delicacies from the island that you can try in many restaurants. The small island has a great reputation when
Aruba has excelent gastronomic options, but
talking about sophisticated cuisine. There
be prepared to spend some money. Fishes and
are restaurant for all kinds of taste in the
seafood are the typical dishes in the island.
downtown of Oranjestad with varied prices, just like the Tua Casa chain of restaurants. It
In the resorts there is a variety of restaurants
does not matter where you are going, you will
with recipes prepared by internationally
always find a delicious typical or international
renowned chefs, fine international wine list,
menu to enjoy.
SHOPPING Oranjestad’s downtown is a shopping paradise. Tourists have more than 5 malls and many stores to visit and look for something to take home. You will find all the best brands there. The prices are 10 to 35% cheaper than in the US. There are also stores that sell only local handicrafts. The main streets and the colorful markets of Aruba, with tempting storefronts, attract the tourists attention to the parfums, jewelry, clocks and precious stones. The stores in Aruba are full with luxury objects and imported goods with accessible prices. The stores open Mon-Sat from 8am to 6pm in the main streets. Some of them close for lunch (from 12pm to 2pm). In the malls the stores open from 9:30am to 6pm. When there are cruises in the island some stores open Sundays and Holidays.
STREET MARKETS The Aruban handicraft is rich and illustrates the creativity, the good taste and the island’s own style. The objects can be bought in stores close to the beaches or in the harbor. Sometimes the objects will be produced right there in front of you. The docking area of the Oranjestad harbor is really colorful and can be very interesting for those who like to negotiate. Paintings, t-shirts, pictures, ceramics and jewelry stores can be found in the main street. The payment can be done with Aruban florins or US Dollars.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS ARUBA
To try the local taste of Aruba and to go shopping you should go to the Flea Market.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Many Caribbean products and typical foods are found there. The most popular place to get something to eat is the “Big Daddy’s BBQ”. The Flea Market open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 8pm.
CURRENCY The Aruban florin is the currency from Aruba
+297 911
TELEPHONE CODE EMERGENCY
AIRPORT
(297) 582-4800
and it is subdivided into 100 cents. The coins in circulation are from 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, 1 Aruban florin and 5 Aruban florins. The 50 cents coin is squared and is called “yotin”. The US Dollar is accepted in almost all establishments just like credit cards. It is advised to bring US Dollar and to use credit cards to make a withdrawal in the ATMs. All hotels have at least one ATM where you can do it with safety. You should make the withdrawal in the local currency, the Aruban florin, so you will not need to worry with the exchange rate of the agencies.
POLICE
(297) 582-4000