Aruba - What To Bring And What To Buy

ARUBA // WHAT TO BRING // WHAT TO BUY

When booking your plane ticket, check on the luggage restrictions imposed by your airline. Many are limiting checked items to one piece of luggage per person at a maximum weight of 50 pounds.

Sundries

For convenience and cost concerns, take your own everyday health and beauty products with you.
In case you forget something, over-the-counter items such as shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, sun care products, allergy medicine, cough drops, contact lens solution and pain relievers are sold at hotel gift shops/mini-markets.
Resort shops also carry edibles (snacks, bread, cheese, beverages), apparel (t-shirts, shorts, beachwear, sandals), books and souvenirs.

Aruba Photos:

Images Courtesy of: Aruba Tourism Authority

Prescription Drugs / Special Health Needs

It is best to bring your prescription drugs with you. Prescriptions from doctors abroad are generally not honored at pharmacies which may require that you see a local doctor. Also, the specific drug that you take at home may not be available on-island.
US health insurance is not accepted on Aruba. Be prepared to pay with cash or credit card at a doctor’s office, pharmacy or hospital.
Rental of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, special medical equipment and home health care products are available through Labco (tel 582-6651)

Groceries

Aside from small neighborhood grocery stores, there are four giant supermarkets (Certified Mega Mall, Kong Hing, Ling & Sons, Super Food) located in the area of the Divi Resorts a few minutes drive from downtown Oranjestad.
These mega-supermarkets stock everything you find at home, including fruits and vegetables; liquor, wine and beer; diapers, baby food and formula; meat, seafood and poultry; health and beauty products.
As most items are imported, prices may be a bit higher than those to which you are accustomed. Prices are in Aruba guilders ($ 1.00 = afls 1.75).
These supermarkets are generally open from Monday through Saturday from 8 am – 8 pm, and Sunday from 8 am – 1 pm.
Your taxi can return to pick you up with your groceries.

Apparel

Aruba vacations are casual and comfortable, and your apparel should be the same.
The average annual temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hottest months are from May through October and the coolest months are from December through March.

Day Wear

Bathing suits/ swim trunks
Protect yourself from the sun at all hours with cover-ups, pareos, hats, caps, sunglasses
Flip-flops, sandals, aqua socks/ water shoes (for rocky, pebbly beach areas)
Sun products / sunscreen (Aruba Aloe is an excellent brand on-sale everywhere) Be sure to re-apply often, especially between the hours of 10 am – 3 pm.
For off-road adventures, take sturdy walking shoes / sneakers, caps, shirts with sleeves

Night Wear

Light jacket/sweater (for air-conditioned restaurants and casinos, and nights that may be cool and breezy).
Sports jacket and slacks (optional)

Cell Phone

Your cell phone will work here but be aware of the roaming charges. Bring your charger. It is best to contact your local service provider before traveling to Aruba.
Cell phones can be rented right at the airport arrivals terminal

Laptop, iPod, PDA

WIFI hot spots are found at the airport, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, beaches and bars for internet access with a prepaid access code or credit card.
Most resorts now offer WIFI service right on-property in public areas and/or rooms. They may also provide computers for guest use, as well as special daily rates for internet, international and local phone use.
Internet cafes are found in shopping areas both downtown and in the hotel areas.
Bring chargers and cables for your devices.

Paying for Purchases

US currency, major credit cards and travelers 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. Without doing so, overseas charges may be questioned or denied.
Some merchants may not accept US $ 50 and $ 100 due to worldwide counterfeiting. Personal checks are not accepted.
Banks are generally open from 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday, though some branches remain open later on Friday and on Saturday morning.
ATM cards with Cirrus, MasterCard, Maestro or Visa logo can withdraw cash at banks and more than 50 island locations.

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