Aruba is an amazing island with the natural beauty of turquoise Caribbean waters, pristine beaches and stunning panoramas.  Aruba resorts range from opulent high-rise resorts to casual beachfront low-rise resorts.  Choose a one-stop, action-filled all-you-can-eat-and-drink Aruba all inclusive vacation or wind down and be pampered at a stylish and tranquil retreat with luxury accommodations and a rejuvenating spa.

Follow our tips to make sure and get the most out of this unforgettable experience, and understand how things work on the island.

MONEY - To change florins to US dollars, divide florin amount in half and add 10%. This formula will be especially useful when shopping in supermarkets. Exchange rate for US dollars is awg 1.77 for cash and awg 1.78 for travelers checks. (awg 1.75 at supermarkets and gas stations / awg 1.80 at shops and restaurants) All major credit cards and travelers checks are accepted. Personal checks from out of Aruba are not accepted. Some shops will not accept US $ 50 or US $ 100 due to worldwide counterfeiting.

SERVICE CHARGE AND TIP - The service charge at a restaurant is shared among servers and kitchen staff. If there is a service charge, a tip is not obligatory but a token amount left for excellent service is greatly appreciated. If there is no service charge, a tip is appropriate as in the US (+/-15%).

TIME - Aruba is on Atlantic Standard Time year-round. This is one hour later than in the northeastern United States when the clocks there are turned back in the fall for Daylight Savings Time. When the clocks are moved forward in the spring, Aruba has the same time.

US CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION - Aruba provides the services of the Department of Homeland/Security/ U.S. Customs and Protection (USCBP) for all passengers departing on flights to the U.S. To allow sufficient time to clear both Aruban and US procedures which include Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandated screening of passengers and luggage, passengers are requested to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure. Passengers are allowed a US $ 800 duty-free exemption. US $ 1,000 per person is dutiable at the flat rate of 3%.

WEATHER - Average temperature year-round is in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 30 degrees Centigrade). It is a good idea to bring a sweater or sports jacket for breezy evenings and air-conditioning.

DRINKING WATER - Aruba’s water meets the highest quality standards of the World Health Organization and is distilled in the world’s second largest desalination plant.

DRIVING - The road signs in Aruba are different from those in the US. Familiarize yourself with traffic rules and signs before driving. Roads are very slick after a rain; drive cautiously. For off-road adventure, consider renting a car with 4-wheel drive or a jeep.

LEGAL AGES - Drinking age is 18. Gambling age is 18. Identification may be requested in both cases.

Thanks to VideoVik for the photo from Flickr!