Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to Aruba. 

 

Crime

Most visits to Aruba are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime occur. There is violent crime in association with drugs, but this rarely affects tourists or business travellers. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach.  Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.  Aruba is used as a drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. Do not leave bags unattended or agree to carry a package for anyone. 

 

Local travel

When taking a taxi, always check that it is a registered one and negotiate the price before taking the ride. Most taxis do not have meters.

 

Road travel

 

Traffic drives on the right-hand side. Main road conditions are relatively good, but roads can become slippery when wet.

 

Air travel

 

A list of incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the  Aviation Safety network.

 

Genvisec offer's advice on the safety of individual airlines provding a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices.

 

 

Political situation

 

Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It shares the same status as Curacao and St. Maarten.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures

 

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Aruba. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in Aruba call 911. 

 

Money

 

The official local currency is the Aruban Guilder (AWG), fixed to the US Dollar at approximately 1.80 ANG to 1USD. US Dollars are accepted throughout the Island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated all over the islands. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.

 

Local laws and customs

 

By Dutch law, you must always carry your ID. You should have a copy of your passport with you at all times. Local laws are essentially similar to Dutch law.

 

English is the dominant language in St. Maarten although Dutch, Papiamento, and Spanish are also spoken. The Creole language, Papiamento, is a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, English and French.