Aruba🇦🇼
Aruba, a small Caribbean island located off the coast of Venezuela, is a constituent country of the Netherlands. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches and clear blue waters, this island nation is part of the ABC Islands of the Leeward Antilles. Despite its size, Aruba has a strong cultural heritage with influences from Amerindians, Spain, and the Netherlands, creating a unique fusion of food, language, and customs. Some of its notable attractions include the Arikok National Park, the California Lighthouse, and the iconic Divi-divi trees scattered throughout the island. Aruban culture includes the traditional music and dance of 'Dande', celebrated during the festive holiday season. Aruba stands out with its sustainable tourism, developing a plan to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2020.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid swimming alone in isolated stretches of the coast where currents can be strong, and lifeguards may not be readily available.
- Avoid walking alone in less crowded or unlit areas late at night.
- Avoid disrespecting local customs and traditions; it’s important to dress and behave respectfully.
- Avoid environmental harm; do not touch or collect coral when diving or snorkeling.
- Avoid getting too close to the shore along the northeastern coast as the waves and currents can be very strong.
- Avoiding renting equipment from unlicensed operators for water sports and other outdoor activities. Safety standards are not always met.
- Avoid leaving valuables unattended in public places, including on the beach.
- Avoid illegal drugs; penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe in Aruba.
- Avoid touching or feeding wild animals.
- Avoid handling unfamiliar plants and animals as some may be hazardous.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Aruba has a low crime rate compared to other Caribbean islands. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing or purse snatching occur, especially in busy tourist areas like Palm Beach. Visitors are advised to be mindful of their belongings, especially in crowded areas or at night. The capital city, Oranjestad, and the resort area of Palm Beach are generally regarded as safe, but one should still exercise caution.
Terrorism 💣
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There have been no significant incidents of terrorism in Aruba. The country's political stability and lack of involvement in international conflicts make it a low-risk destination in terms of terrorism. Nonetheless, the global risk of terror attacks cannot be completely ignored, and travelers should remain vigilant.
War ⚔️
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Since Aruba has no history of war or internal conflict, the risk associated with war is practically nonexistent. The island enjoys political stability under the constitution of the Netherlands.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Located outside the Caribbean's hurricane belt, Aruba rarely experiences natural disasters. However, occasional tropical storms can cause heavy rainfall and flash flooding. In 2020, Tropical Storm Gonzalo caused heavy rains but no significant damage.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical facilities in Aruba are generally good, with the island's main hospital, Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital, offering a range of services. However, for more severe conditions, medical evacuation may be necessary. Health care can be expensive, so travelers are recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Aruba is safe to drink. The island's water is desalinated and meets the standards of the World Health Organization.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Aruba has a low risk of infectious diseases. However, occasional cases of mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya have been reported. Travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is not a significant problem in Aruba, as it ranks quite well in regional corruption indices. However, some instances of corruption tied to political scandals have occurred in the past.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Aruba is generally safe for solo female travelers, and harassment is not commonly reported. However, it is advisable to observe basic safety precautions such as avoiding less populated areas at night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Aruba is relatively accepting and safe for the LGBTQ+ community. Although same-sex marriage is not recognized, Aruba does recognize same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands.
Censorship 📺
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Aruba enjoys freedom of speech with no significant media censorship. The local press operates relatively freely, and access to the internet is unrestricted.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Aruba's public transportation system consists of buses operating on the main routes and taxis. However, service can be unreliable and infrequent, especially outside of Oranjestad. Travelers may prefer to rent cars for better mobility. Driving is generally safe, but caution should be exercised due to local driving conditions.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Aruba is generally safe for tourists. Common safety precautions should always be taken against pickpocketing and other petty crimes, particularly in crowded places. It's also important to stay alert for aquatic safety if participating in any water-related activities. Make sure to have valid travel health insurance, keep emergency numbers, and stay updated on local news.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
There are no foreign embassies in Aruba. However, there is a handful of consulates representing countries like the U.S., Venezuela, and Colombia. For further diplomatic assistance, one can refer to their respective embassies in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Visitors to Aruba should be up-to-date on routine vaccines like MMR, DPT, Chickenpox, Polio, and flu. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended due to the potential for contaminated food or water.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
While marine life like barracuda and sharks are present in the surrounding waters, they do not pose a significant threat to swimmers. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and can transmit diseases. It's recommended to use bug repellent and cover exposed skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most travelers to Aruba do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, a valid passport is required. Visitors should always check visa requirements based on their nationality.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are also accepted in most places.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Aruba at hotels, restaurants, and major retailers. However, it's always a good idea to keep some cash on hand for small vendors or in case of technology failures.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Aruba's work permit process can be complex and is typically initiated by an Aruban employer. Restrictions apply for the employment of foreigners. For shorter stays, volunteer work may be a good choice. It's also a popular destination for digital nomads due to the pleasant climate and stable internet connection.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Aruba is on the higher end in terms of cost when compared to other Caribbean destinations. Accommodations can be pricey, especially in high season, and dining out can add up. However, costs can be managed with budget accommodations, cooking own meals, and using public transportation.