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Pelican Adventures in Aruba

What to Pack for Aruba

Are you wondering what to pack for Aruba? Allow us to give some packing list tips so you can fully enjoy your stay.

Casa Alistaire in Aruba

THE ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST FOR ARUBA

Do you know what to bring to Aruba? We’ve put together a smart packing list with essentials you shouldn’t forget, like prescription drugs, your visa, a credit card and of course outfits for sunny weather. Bring these and your stay on our island will be a definite success. 

SUNDRIES

For convenience and cost concerns, bring your own everyday health and beauty products with you.

In case you forget something, don’t worry! You’ll be able to find whatever you need—from sun care products to over-the-counter medications—at hotel gift shops, mini-markets, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS & SPECIAL HEALTH NEEDS

When packing for Aruba, don’t forget your prescription drugs. Prescriptions from doctors abroad are generally not honored at local pharmacies (boticas), which may require you to see a local doctor. Also, the specific drug that you take at home may not be available on the island.

Be prepared to pay with cash or credit card at medical facilities, like a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or hospital.

Rental of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, special medical equipment, and home healthcare products are available through Labco (Tel: +297 582-6651).

APPAREL: WHAT TO WEAR IN ARUBA?

Aruba holidays are casual and comfortable, and your apparel should be the same. Weather in Aruba is pretty consistent year-round, but there are some slight differences in temperature in Aruba and precipitation from month to month. 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. So, what to wear in Aruba?

Daywear

A packing list for Caribbean holidays must include bathing suits/swim trunks, flip-flops, and sandals. Water shoes will come in handy at rocky, pebbly beach areas. For sun protection, bring some sort of cover-up (pareo, rashguard, etc.), wide-brimmed hat or cap, and sunglasses. Be sure to reapply sunscreen often, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Aruba Aloe is an excellent locally made brand sold everywhere.)

For off-road adventures, bring sturdy shoes, a hat, and a shirt with long sleeves. If you plan to do some horseback riding, consider bringing a pair of long trousers.

Evening Wear

It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket, sweater, or shawl for air-conditioned restaurants and casinos, or for nights that become cool and breezy. Men might consider bringing a sports jacket and slacks, but these are absolutely optional—in Aruba, comfort is key!

PERSONAL DEVICES & INTERNET ACCESS

Wi-Fi hotspots are found at the airport, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, beaches, and bars for Internet access with a prepaid access code or credit card—or oftentimes for free! Additionally, the Aruba Tourism Authority proudly offers free Wi-Fi zones in several areas around the island for your convenience.

Most resorts offer Wi-Fi 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 and phone (international/local) use.

Remember to bring chargers and cables for all your devices.

PAYING FOR PURCHASES

U.S. currency, major credit cards, and traveller'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.

PASSPORT & VISA

When entering our country, a current passport is required of all passengers. American, Canadian, and EU and UK citizens do not require visas, nor do most South Americans, e.g. Colombians and Venezuelans. Check the list of countries to find out if you are or aren’t in need of a visa.

You are requested to fill in an ED-Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card) during your flight. With the online version of the ED-card, you can complete and print this form before embarking on your journey to Aruba. Don’t forget to fill in the form and print it to pass easily through customs.


Aruba offers a consistent temperature throughout the year, typically varying between 26 to 32 degrees Celsius or 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Though the weather is tropical, it's not extreme. Rainfall in Aruba is erratic and in short, bursts, averaging 18 inches per year, delivered mostly in the months of October, November, December and January.

Packing for Aruba is slightly different than packing for a city break. Since the climate is tropical, casual summer clothes will provide the most comfort. Are you wondering what to wear when going out in Aruba? For restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs, light evening wear is recommended. Elegant clothes are not necessary for nightlife as casual silk or linen dresses and slacks will do.

In Aruba, the sun is strong! Peak hours are between 11 am and 2:30 pm, and if you plan on spending time on the beach, you'll definitely want to consider bringing sun block, lip balm with sunblock, after sun products, sunglasses, a hat, a bathing suit, beach bags, and perhaps a cooler or insulated bag.

In addition to your luggage, there are a few more essential items to put on your Aruba packing list. You must bring documentation to be allowed entry into Aruba, including a valid passport, a completely filled-in and signed Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card), and a valid return or onward ticket.

As for money, the official Aruba currency is the Aruban florin, but the U.S. dollar is widely accepted throughout the island.

Hotels and Resorts in Aruba

From relaxing resorts to bustling hotels and casinos, Aruba has welcoming accommodation for everyone and every budget.

Explore
Aerial view of Hooiberg
Holiday Rentals Aruba
partial view of the golf course together with California Lighthouse.
Timeshares in Aruba

Turtle Nesting Season

How to Protect our Sea Turtles during your Holiday!

Volunteers from Turtugaruba devote many hours watching over, protecting the nests and educating us during the season.

Travel to Aruba With Your Loved Ones

6 Reasons to choose Aruba for your Great Family Holiday

Check out these 6 reasons why you should choose Aruba for your next Caribbean family holiday.

Discover Aruba

Bathroom at the Spa Tierra del sol in Aruba

Wellness

The Spa at Tierra del Sol

Honoring Aruban traditions centuries-old, the Old Cunucu House Restaurant is a perfect way to enjoy homemade local cuisine and warm island hospitality in an authentic atmosphere. This charming cunucu home built 150 years ago reflect the architecture of the time, with pitched roof thick walls, and various interesting feature. The criollo menus of Aruban specialties include hearty servings of keshi yena (stuffed cheese), stewed beef, chicken and goat, and fresh local fish all accompanied with pan bati, funchi (polenta), rise, plantain and much more. The old Cunucu house also has an international menu that features pasta, steak, lamb, and veal cooked to perfection

Eating and Drinking

The Old Cunucu House

We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will leave you sunnier, happier, and (of course) a little more tanned.

Discover the Aruba Effect