Aruba  Information

Population:
90,000 (approx.) Visitors annually: approx. 900,000

Capital city:
Oranjestad (pop 20,500)

Language:
Dutch, Papiamento (a mix of Spanish, Dutch, English, French, and Portuguese), English and Spanish

Religion:
Roman Catholic (82%), Protestant, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim

Government:
Autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Location:
Aruba is an island in the Carribean Sea 20 miles from the northern coast of Venezuela.

Size:
70 - 75 square miles

Elevation:
Highest peak is 617 ft.

Time Zone:
The time in Aruba is Atlantic Standard Time. It is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings time, but continues all year round.

Telephone:
The international dialing code for Aruba is 297. Area codes do not exist in Aruba, all numbers start with 8 except for cellular telephone numbers which start with 9.

Children:
Aruba is a great place for all ages. There are a number of children's playgrounds and all sorts of activities that will ensure that children won't want to leave!

Communications System:
Aruba has a modern telecommunications network. Long distance calls can be placed from any telephone or from SETAR (Aruba's Telecommunications organization) locations around Aruba. AT&T customers can dial 800-8000 from special phones located at the airport and at the cruise ship docking area. From other phones dial 121 to contact the SETAR international operator to place a collect or calling card call. Cellular phone rental is also available (Call 297 820005)

Emergency numbers:
Police 100
Fire alarm/Hospital 115
Hospital & Ambulance 874300
Ambulance: Oranjstad 821234
San Nicholas 845050
Air Ambulance: Richard Rupert 829197
Fax 832791
Cellular 932329/930201
Medical Center 848833
Dept. for National Security 811911

Medical:
The main 280-bed hospital is well-equipped with staff and equipment. Oxygen tanks and hemodialysis services are available. Hotels have doctors and dentists on call and appointments can be arranged. Several other medical clinics also exist on the island.

Postal Rates:
Aruba has had its own postage stamps since 1986.

Room Tax:
There is a 6% government tax on rooms and 11% hotel service charge on rooms, both of which will be shown on your hotel bill.

Banks:
Should you need banking services when you arrive you'll find a bank at the airport. There are also five banks with several branches at other convenient locations. ATM facilities exist at some of these banks.

Credit Cards:
All major credit cards are accepted.

Currency:
Aruba's currency is the florin, denoted by the letters 'Afl.' , divided into 100 cents. Traveller's checks are widely accepted. Note: The Dutch Antillean florin used on the nearby islands of Bonaire and Curaçao isn't accepted on the island of Aruba.

Tax:
There is a 7% government tax on hotel rooms. Hotels add a 10-15% service charge, plus other energy surcharges. Restaurant service charges are also in the 10-15% range; there's no need to tip on top of this except for superior service.

Customer Service:
Compliments and complaints regarding Aruba's tourism can be voiced by calling the Customer Service Hotline on (297) 839000, active Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. An answering machine records calls outside these days and hours. The individuals and/or establishments concerned will be informed.
The Caribbean climate is constant. The average year-round temperatures for the region is 82°F. . The extremes of temperature are 65°F low, 95°F high, but, the absence of high humidity and the presence of tropical breezes, make this an ideal climate. Downtown shopping areas feel hot at midday any time of the year, but air-conditioning provides comfort inside the shops. Near beaches, water and the trade winds keep things at just the right temperature.

Hurricanes:
Aruba is below the hurricane belt, so the traveler will not be able to experience a hurricane in Aruba.

Packing:
Women usually wear casual cottons, linens and lightweight synthetics, hats for protection against the sun, flat heeled , sturdy shoes for walking and hiking. Shorts and slacks can be worn on the streets of Oranjestad. There is no need for formal evening wear. A light sweater for the cooler evenings might come in handy. Men might consider casual shirts and shorts. It is no longer customary for men to wear ties at business appointments. Sport coat for business is optional. Be sure to bring sun screen and insect repellent.

National Holidays:
New Year's Day - January 1
Betico Croes' Birthday - January 25
Carnival Monday - Late February
National Anthem & Flag Day - March 18
Good Friday - March; April (varies)
Easter Monday - March; April (varies)
Queen's Day - April 30
Labor Day - May 1
Ascension Day - May (varies)
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26