Travel tips for Aruba - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Island of Aruba is part of the Kingdom of Netherlands. Russian citizens need a visa to enter Aruba. It can be issued at the embassy in Moscow or consulate general in St. Petersburg.

2. Direct air transportation between Russia and Aruba is not in existence yet. You can fly to the island only through the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. To do this, tourist will need a Netherlands transit visa.

3. In Aruba, it is prohibited to export things with historical or artistic value without special permission. Items found on the ocean floor are also included in this category. It is prohibited to bring into Aruba more than 1 liter of alcohol, more than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars. There are no restrictions on the import of spirits or perfumes.

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4. For you to visit Aruba for the purpose of relaxation, you do not need special vaccinations. However, medical professionals recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and poliomyelitis. You must get a Medical insurance issued before visiting Aruba.

5. The Island has a dry tropical climate. There is no rainy season here, and the temperature fluctuation per day does not exceed 40°C. All year round, the day temperature on the island is comfortable, about +28°C. In this regard, you can plan a trip to Aruba at any time of the year, but it is worth remembering that the off-season begins from mid-April to mid-December. At this time, many hotels offer good prices on their services. Discounts on housing during the off-season period reach 25%.

6. You can make payment in shops either by credit card or local Aruban Florin. Other currencies are not quoted in Aruba’s stock market. Foreign currencies brought by tourists may be exchanged at bank offices. The ATMs in Aruba issue cash only in the local currency. Dollars can be withdrawn only in ATMs at the capital city. Bank branches at the airport works every day from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

7. The voltage in electricity network of the Islands of Aruba is 110v. In general, electrical outlets in hotels are of American model. Before you go to the Island, it is necessary to check that all your electrical devices that you plan to take with you on the trip are compatible with electrical outlets, or better still purchase the corresponding adapters and extensions. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. Tipping in hotels and restaurants is usually 10% or 15%, and they are included in the bill automatically. It is not accepted to leave tips for taxi driver. Nonetheless, additional payments are accepted by them only for luggage.

9. In general, the Island has a fairly low crime rate. However, tourists often have their personal belongings stolen. In places with large crowds of people, airports and public institutions, you can meet many pickpockets. It is therefore better not to carry large sums of money, documents and things of value with you to such places. You can quietly leave them in safes in hotels, without fear for their safety. It is not necessary to take out your purse in front of everybody in crowded places or leave it or other personal belongings at a station in the front seat of a car.

10. All public beaches on Aruba are considered municipal, and therefore entrance is absolutely free of charge for everyone. Beaches usually charge for rental of any beach or sports equipment. Many hotels have their own beaches, accessible only to their guests.

11. You can swim at the beaches of Aruba without fear. There are no sharks and other marine predators in the coastal waters. They all live in the reef surrounding the Island. Swimming is still better on specially equipped beaches and places, as there are very strong undercurrents in the high seas. On the Island itself, there are a several dangerous insects. There is also one species of rattlesnake that lives here. However if you do not touch them, then these animals will pose no risk to the tourists.

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12. The basis of Aruba cuisine is seafood. Tourists can find a great variety of them here. There are various kinds of fish, lobster, shrimp, spiny lobsters and langoustine, all sold in raw and ready form. Delicious local beers are brewed on the island. The water in the water pipes is chlorinated, but visitors are better off drinking bottled water as it is safer.

13. Buses are operational between the cities of Aruba from 06:00am until late in the evening. They make runs every 30 minutes, but it is much more convenient to move around the Island by car. You can rent a car by presenting your international driver’s license. That said, you also need to possess at least two years driving experience, and the driver must be no younger than 21 years of age and not older than 70 years.

14. Tourists should not go around the city or other public areas in swimming suits, swimming trunks, pareo or tops with shorts. Normal clothes on the Island for male are considered to be trousers and shirt, and for the females, dresses or skirts with blouses. Such a dress code is a prerequisite when visiting restaurants, casinos or major shopping centers.

15. In order to avoid unpleasant and conflicting situations, the Island’s attractions are best visited as part of excursion groups. Cases of fraud among unverified guides from among the local population are not excluded.

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Aruba guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Travel tips for Aruba - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

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