Good to Know Info

 

CLIMATE

Aruba weather is sunny and perfect … with an average daytime temperature in the low 80’s F with evenings in the 70’s F. Aruba’s residents and visitors are blessed with clear skies, bright sunshine and cooling trade winds practically every day of the year. Wonderful weather is one of the many reasons for Aruba’s highest return-visitor rate in the Caribbean.

LANGUAGE

Papiamento and Dutch are the official languages, while English and Spanish are widely spoken.

CURRENCY

Aruba's currency is the florin denoted by the letters 'Awg.' but also widely known as 'Afl.' The official rate at which banks accept U.S. dollar banknotes is Awg. 1,77 and checks at Awg. 1,78. The rate of exchange granted by shops and hotels ranges from Awg. 1,75 to Awg. 1,80 per U.S. dollar. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in Aruba, and banks may exchange other foreign currency. Traveler's checks are widely accepted and there is no charge for using them in hotels, restaurants and stores. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments while personal checks are normally not accepted. Travelers with ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS, MAESTRO or Plus System network logos can withdraw cash in Aruban florins. Home bank accounts will be debited in dollars at a favorable exchange rate, and a service charge will apply. Before departing for Aruba, it's important to verify whether your PIN number will work in Aruba by calling 1-800-4-CIRRUS.

TIME ZONE

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. Aruba will be on the same time as Ohio when we travel on March 22.

LONG DISTANCE / CELL PHONE CALLS

Long distance phone calls from the hotel are very expensive. If you need to make or receive calls while in Aruba, we recommend calling collect or using a cell phone. Your cell phone will work in Aruba but be aware that there will be roaming charges. Please contact your local service provider before traveling to Aruba. It is possible to rent a cell phone at the airport arrivals terminal; cell phone rentals require proper identification such as a passport, and a deposit is usually required.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

In general Aruba is very informal and “resort casual sportswear” best describes the preferred attire for sightseeing and shopping. Appropriate evening resort wear for men would be slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, shoes or sandals. For dinner, slacks are required for men in the resort’s gourmet restaurants. For women: slacks, skirts, nice blouse, casual dress, sundress, sandals or casual shoes. Attire for evening receptions, dinners and farewell festivities is “upscale resort casual”. It is also highly recommended that you bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for shopping, tours, etc., and sandals for the poolside and beach. A sweater or jacket for cool evenings may be beneficial.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Most airlines have implemented changes in their free baggage allowance for international travel, and may charge fees for checked bags. For the most current information on baggage allowance policies, please check with your individual airlines. One piece of carry-on luggage is permitted free of charge if it fits under the seat of the aircraft or in the overhead compartment. Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in one, quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag. In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. Please visit www.tsa.gov for up-to-date information regarding carry-on luggage restrictions.

INSURANCE

We suggest you check your current medical insurance for coverage of a medical emergency including air evacuation and hospitalization while in Aruba. Neither Leff Electric, nor Westgate Travel Service is responsible for lost luggage; but our staff and the airlines will make every effort to recover lost luggage. If you are not covered by homeowner's insurance, you may want to purchase a travel insurance policy.

CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTS

To visit Aruba, all U.S. Citizens must have a valid U.S. Passport. Please visit www.travel.state.gov for up-to-date information regarding documents required for U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Aruba. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their appropriate consulate for entry requirements into Aruba as well as returning to the United States. Do not pack your passport in your luggage! You must carry it with you as it will be necessary to present your passport at the airport upon check-in.

AIRLINE TICKETS

Your airline e-tickets are issued on a special fare that carries certain restrictions. After receiving your airline itinerary, if you have any questions pertaining to your flight schedules, please contact The GRA Group as soon as possible at 440-540-4760.

IMPORTANT CREDIT CARD NOTICE

When you pay for goods or service outside of the United States or its territories with a credit card, the invoice is always shown in the currency of the country you are visiting i.e. pounds, sterling, euros, etc. Visa, MasterCard and others are now adding a transaction fee (surcharge) based on percentage of the total transaction and/or a flat fee for each ATM withdrawal. Check with your credit card issuer before you leave home to fully understand their individual policy.

 

TRAVEL TIPS

 

ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN

• When traveling internationally, check-in two hours prior to departure.
• You will need to provide your government issued identification (driver's license, passport etc.) and copy of ticket itinerary or reservation number at your specific airline counter.
• Check the airline for baggage restrictions.
• Be sure to pack your prescription drugs (in original containers), and valuable items such as jewelry, camera and laptop, in your carry-on.

LIMITATIONS FOR CARRY-ONS

• 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids, gels and aerosols (hand lotion, toothpaste etc.) should be placed in a 1 quart clear plastic zip-top bag.
• Limit of 1 zip-top bag per passenger will be placed in the plastic bin for screening. See www.tsa.gov for exemptions.
• Check the airline for baggage restrictions.

BE PREPARED FOR SCREENING

• Clothing: Be prepared to place certain wearable items, such as belts with metal buckles in the provided plastic bin.
• Footwear: You will be required to remove footwear for X-ray screening. Wearing footwear that can be easily removed helps speed you through screening.
• Boarding Pass and ID: When approaching the security checkpoint, you will be asked to present your boarding pass and your government issued identification. Please keep the boarding pass out and available throughout screening.

TSA CONTACT CENTER

For questions or concerns about security and screening call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at (866) 289-9673. Traveling is a team effort involving your travel agent, TSA, airlines and passengers. TSA's mission is security, and they intend to maintain reasonable wait times without compromising security.