Essential information for Aruba
As Aruba sits just below the hurricane belt it misses most of the storms that roll across the Caribbean from the Atlantic Ocean every year. The warm all-year-round weather in this Caribbean island make holidays to Aruba an ever-popular choice.
Temperatures never drop below 24°C, though some months are considered better than others with an average temperature through the year of 28°C, heating up a little more between April and September. That said, the winter is a popular time to travel to the warm shores of Aruba.
Health and safety
It is recommended that most travellers to Aruba get Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines before they go, though this is not compulsory. Health warnings can be found on the government website, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba/health for more information and speak to your doctor or nurse practitioner if you have any queries or concerns.
Remember to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance. See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit http://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba/health.
Passports and visas
If you’re a British passport holder you do not require a visa if you’re staying in Aruba for up to three months. You will be permitted entry to the island as long as your passport is valid until the end of your stay. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba/entry-requirements.
Getting around
For convenience on your Aruba holidays, you can hire a car at the airport. Another popular way to explore this sunny island is by scooter, trike, or motorcycle – you can even hire a Harley Davidson and enjoy a tour of hidden Aruba. You will need a valid driving license for all the above options.
If you just want to hop on a bus, the services are cheap, regular and efficient and connects all districts. From the main station in the capital city, Oranjestad, you will find buses that will also connect you to all the areas on the hotel stretch. The government sets taxi fares so you needn’t worry about a meter clocking up the miles.
If you’re booking your Aruba holidays All Inclusive, Half-Board or with another type of package, your tour operator may well include airport transfers. This means that getting to and from the airport will be free and effortless.
Advice for travellers with children
Aruba is a family-friendly island with a warm and calm sea in most parts making it great for little holidaymakers. Surfing is popular around the east coast but there are beach areas that offer smaller waves where children can experience watersports such as body boarding. Many hotels also offer programmes and activities for children.
Electricity
The power sockets used in Aruba are of type A/B/F. You will need a power adapter for all these sockets.
Aruba has a low voltage of 120V, and low 50Hz frequency. You can’t use your electrical appliances without a voltage converter.
Smartphones, cameras, laptops, tablets, cameras, etc, can be used in Aruba, as long as you have a voltage converter, or the original plugs say something like: ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’.
Emergency information
The medical facilities in Aruba are good. In case of an emergency use the following numbers:
Ambulance and Fire department: 911
Police: 297 527 2900
British Consulate
If you are a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate General Amsterdam. It provides service to British Nationals in the Dutch Caribbean Islands, which includes Aruba.
Phone (from Aruba): +31 (0)70 4270427 Phone (from the UK): +31 (0)20 7008 1500
Hospitals
There are two hospitals in Aruba.
Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital Boulevard #1 Oranjestad, Aruba Phone: (+297) 527-4000
Pastoor Hendrikstraat 10, San Nicolas, Aruba Phone: (+297) 524 8833