Aruba is a tropical paradise renowned for its year-round warmth with temperatures averaging between 80°F to 90°F throughout the year and rainfall is a rare occurrence. If the Aruba forecast says it’s going to rain, it’s very likely that it will be a 5-minute shower. Additionally, it can be windy, with trade winds providing relief from the heat. Evening temperatures only fall to around 75°F for a low, so sweaters or pants are rarely needed in the evenings.
Renting a car is an option if you would like to roam the very safe island. Michelle's car rental preference is Tropic Car Rental which offers very affordable rates.
Cabs are very plentiful also if you choose to take it easy and have someone else drive.
Passports are required to enter Aruba.
The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation) is a mandatory requirement for all individuals, including infants and children, entering Aruba. It is necessary to complete and obtain approval for this document. To access the official ED Card page, click this link. Please note there is a $20 fee. You can fill in the ED-Card within the 7 days before your travel to Aruba.
When dressing for Aruba, prioritize lightweight, casual summer clothes like t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sandals as the climate is tropical and relaxed, with the key focus being on sun protection with a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen; for evenings, a light cover-up or dressier top is usually sufficient for most restaurants.
Key points to remember:
Casual is king: Aruba has a laid-back vibe, so avoid overly formal attire.
Lightweight fabrics: Opt for breathable materials like linen and cotton to combat the heat.
Swimsuits: Pack plenty of swimsuits as you’ll likely spend a lot of time at the beach.
Sun protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the strong sun. Be sure to reapply sunscreen often, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Aruba is only 12 degrees north of the equator so you will burn if not protected!)
What to wear:
For the beach:
Bathing suits
Cover-ups like sarongs or lightweight dresses
Flip flops or beach sandals
For daytime casual:
T-shirts
Shorts
Linen pants
Flowy sundresses
Casual sandals or sneakers
For evenings out:
Nice shorts with a dressier top
Lightweight linen pants with a blouse
Casual dress or skirt
Casual shoes or sandals
Light sweater, or shawl if you plan to go to air-conditioned restaurants and casinos.
Men - there is no need in bringing a sports jacket and slacks, nice shorts and a collared shirt are sufficient for nicer restaurants unless maybe you’re going to the Ritz!
Our wedding will be casual, so no need to bring anything dressy!
U.S. currency, major credit cards, and traveler's checks are widely accepted on Aruba. It is a good idea to contact your credit card provider prior to departure and advise them of your travel plans. Otherwise, overseas charges may be questioned or denied.
If you’re traveling with US Dollars, Aruba currency exchange will not be necessary; however, you may receive Aruba currency as change when paying with US Dollars. Some merchants may not accept $50 bills and $100 bills due to worldwide counterfeiting. Personal checks are not accepted.
Banks are generally open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, though some branches remain open later on Friday and on Saturday morning.
ATM cards with a Cirrus, MasterCard, Maestro, or Visa logo can withdraw cash at banks and more than 50 island locations.