Aruba Currency, Language and Tipping: A Quick Primer

Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which gives it a unique blend of Caribbean, Dutch, and South American influences. That mix shows up in its money, its languages, and the small etiquette norms that visitors should know. The good news: almost nothing here will trip you up if you come prepared. Here is what to know before you land.

Currency

The official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged to the US dollar at roughly 1.79 to 1. In practice, you can pay for nearly everything in US dollars, including taxi fares, restaurant bills, and gift shop purchases. Hotels almost always quote rates in USD as well.

ATMs across the island dispense both florins and US dollars; you can choose which you want. If you withdraw florins, you may take a small hit on the exchange when you spend leftover bills at the airport. Most travelers find it easiest to use US dollars and a credit card, and keep about $100 in small bills for tips and small vendors.

• Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, including at small restaurants
• Foreign-transaction-fee-free cards (e.g. Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture) save you 2 to 3 percent on every swipe
• ATMs are widely available in Palm Beach, Oranjestad, and at the airport
• Notify your bank of travel in advance to avoid fraud holds

Language

Aruba has four widely spoken languages: Papiamento (the local creole), Dutch (the official administrative language), English, and Spanish. According to Wikipedia's overview of Papiamento, it evolved from Portuguese-based creole influenced by Spanish, Dutch, and African languages.

In practice, every Aruban you interact with as a tourist will speak fluent English. Hotel staff, restaurant servers, taxi drivers, tour guides, and shop attendants switch effortlessly between languages. Aruba is one of the easiest Caribbean destinations for English speakers.

Useful Papiamento phrases

• Bon dia: Good morning
• Bon tardi: Good afternoon
• Bon nochi: Good evening
• Danki: Thank you
• Por fabor: Please
• Dushi: Sweet, lovely, delicious (used affectionately and on menus)

Even a single 'danki' to your server at a place like Papiamento Restaurant gets a warm smile and frequently an upgraded experience.

Tipping

Tipping in Aruba mostly follows American conventions, with one important wrinkle: many restaurants automatically add a service charge of 10 to 15 percent to the bill. This is sometimes called 'servicio' on the receipt. Check before you tip.

Recommended tips

• Restaurants: 15 to 20 percent total. If a 10 to 15 percent service charge is already on the bill, add 5 to 10 percent more in cash for good service
• Bars: $1 to $2 per drink, or 15 to 20 percent on a tab
• Taxis: round up the fare, or 10 percent for longer rides; airport drivers expect about $5 for handling luggage
• Tour guides: $10 to $20 per person for a half-day group tour, more for private tours
• Housekeeping: $3 to $5 per day, left daily so it reaches the right person
• Bellhops/porters: $1 to $2 per bag

Other practical norms

Aruban service culture is warm and unhurried; you will rarely be rushed through a meal. If you want the check, you will usually need to ask for it. Dress codes are casual everywhere, even at higher-end restaurants in Oranjestad. Public displays of affection are fine. Topless sunbathing, however, is not permitted on Aruban beaches.

Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean and tourist-targeted crime is rare. Use standard precautions: lock valuables in your hotel safe, do not leave anything visible in a parked car, and you will be fine.