Aruba
| Frequently Asked Questions
General Info, Travel Info, & FAQs are provided to assist with your vacation.
FAQs What is the population? The population of Aruba is about 100,000.
How big is the country/island? Aruba is 19.6 miles long by six miles wide for a total of 70 sq miles.
Can I drink the tap water? Yes, you can drink the tap water, which is desalinated salt water.
What are the best things to buy here? Luxury goods include perfume, liquor, linens, jewellery, watches, cameras, designer fashions, crystal and china.
For souvenirs with local flavour look for local handicrafts and products such as aloe skin care products, paintings, pottery and jewellery.
Are there nude beaches? Nude sunbathing is prohibited by law. Topless sunbathing, though frowned upon by locals, is not illegal, but it is also not permitted on public beaches. Topless sunbathing is available at the Aruba Renaissance Beach Resort & Casino's private island, the private De Palm Island and a separated area at the Manchebo Beach Resort.
What are the main industries? The main industries are tourism, offshore banking, transshipment facilities and oil refining.
What is the drinking/gambling age? The legal age for both drinking and gambling is 18 years.
What native dishes should I try? A favourite Aruban snack or appetizer is pastechis, little deep-fried pastries filled with spicy shrimp, fish or meat (keshi yena). Bitterbal consists of mild, crusty meat balls dipped in tangy mustard. Erwten soep is a robust pea soup from Spain and tutu is a cornmeal mush with black-eyed peas. For desert try kesio, a caramel custard, or pudin di coco, a coconut pudding. Ponche crema is a deliciously rich eggnog-type of drink generously laced with rum.
Can I use my calling card from here? Directory assistance: International enquiries, 121 Local enquiries, 118
AT&T: service suspended
BT: no service available
Canada Direct: no service available
MinutePass Plus: Service is available at the airport and cruise ship terminal. Dial 800-8888.
Sprint: Calls can only be placed from airports. Dial 800-8870. Calls can only be made to the US (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and Saipan/Mariana Islands).
For more information see the section in General Info: Telecommunications.
How should I dress to go out? Casual, informal summer wear is appropriate in Aruba. Still, it is unacceptable to wear bathing suits in public. You may wish to bring dressier clothing for a night out at elegant restaurants, nightclubs and casinos. Jackets and ties are not required for men except at a few restaurants. You may want to bring a light sweater/jacket for evenings.
Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver? Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles, which is the same as in North America.
How much should I tip? Tip about 10-15%. Hotels and restaurants usually add a service charge of 10-20% in lieu of a tip. While tipping is not mandatory, you may tip your taxi driver 10-15%.
Disclaimer:
Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All information should be verified prior to travel.
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