Aruba Fast Facts

Best Time of Year to Visit
Mid-December through mid-April is the peak season to visit (and also the most expensive). The weeks around the holiday period are always in demand, with a slight dip in prices in early January.

Unlike most of the Caribbean, Aruba doesn’t worry much about the hurricane season (which runs from June through the end of November.) Why? Aruba is located south of the hurricane zone so just about every storm misses the island!

Climate

Basically there are two words of the weather of Aruba: hot and dry. A look around this desert island and you’ll see cacti, windblown trees, and little of the verdant tropical vegetation you see on other Caribbean islands. The reason: rainfall is a very rare commodity. What you miss in tropical color, though, the island makes up for in beautiful, sunny days. Unlike most islands which have an afternoon shower almost daily, the weather in Aruba is almost always sunny, sunny, sunny.

Do plan for windy conditions. A quick look at the tree of the island--the divi tree--reveals the windblown look the vegetation gets from that constant breeze. (Bring hairbands or your hair will wind up looking like those trees...in Aruba they call it “divi hair.”)

Crime

The crime rate on Aruba is very low. Take the normal precautions that you’d take at home (don’t leave valuables on the beach, don’t take candy from strangers, you know all that stuff.)

Currency

Aruban florin; US dollar widely accepted

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are accepted around the island but don't count on using your ATM card at the local bank.

Dress

Aruba is a very casual destination; shorts and t-shirts are the order of the day. Evenings are semi-casual with khakis and polos or sundresses acceptable at most restaurants.

Entry Requirements

American citizens need to present a current passport, official birth certificate, or voter registration card along with a photo ID. In 2006, American citizens will need a valid passport to return to the US.

Internet Site

http://www.aruba.com

Language

Dutch is the official language; Papiamento is the language of the streets. Don't have any worries about being understood, though; nearly every resident speaks fluent English...not to mention Spanish and at least one other language as well!