The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), pegged at 1.77-1.79 AWG to 1 USD, but US Dollars are accepted at 95% of tourist establishments. Standard tipping is 15-20% when no service charge is included, and expect 6-7% in combined taxes (BBO, BAZV, BAVP) added at checkout.
What Is the Official Currency of Aruba?
The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), pegged at 1.77 AWG per 1 USD for cash and 1.79 AWG for checks. The Central Bank of Aruba issues banknotes in 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 Florin denominations, plus coins from 5 cents to 5 Florins.
How to Identify Aruban Florin (AWG) Banknotes and Coins
Banknotes come in 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 Florins, each with distinct colors depicting island culture and wildlife. Coins include 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, plus 1, 2.5, and 5 Florins. The 50-cent coin is square-shaped for easy identification.
What Is the Fixed Exchange Rate Between the Florin and US Dollar?
The exchange rate is fixed at 1.79 Florins to 1 USD for checks and 1.77 Florins to 1 USD for cash. This means prices in Florins are roughly double the USD price minus 10-15%.
Can You Use US Dollars in Aruba?
US Dollars are accepted at 95% of tourist establishments including hotels, restaurants, casinos, and supermarkets. You will receive change in Aruban Florins when paying with USD bills, as vendors do not carry US coins.
Where Are US Dollars Accepted?
Hotels, restaurants, casinos, and large supermarkets accept USD banknotes. Foreign coins are not accepted. Tourist areas in Palm Beach and Oranjestad price goods in both AWG and USD.
Should You Pay in Florins or US Dollars?
Pay in USD for convenience at tourist establishments. Some shops use 1.75-1.80 AWG exchange rates instead of the official 1.77 rate. Carry small USD denominations for tips and small purchases.
- paying in USD: no exchange needed; accepted at 95% of tourist venues,
- paying in AWG: better for local shops, public transport, exact change situations,
- recommendation: carry $20-50 in small USD bills; use Florins received as change before departure.
How Is Change Given When Paying with US Dollars?
Change under $1 is given in Aruban Florins at supermarkets, gas stations, and retail stores. Spend loose Florin coins before leaving, as converting coins back is difficult.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted in Aruba?
Visa and MasterCard are accepted at 90% of establishments. American Express and Discover work at 60-70% of locations. Apple Pay and Google Pay are available at major retailers and hotels.
Which Credit and Debit Cards Work in Aruba?
Visa and MasterCard work at nearly all hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. American Express and Discover are accepted at 60-70% of locations.
- transactions process in Florins or USD,
- notify your bank before travel to prevent card blocks,
- some vendors require minimum $10-15 for card purchases.
Are Mobile Payments and Digital Wallets Available?
Apple Pay and Google Pay work at major retail chains and high-traffic tourist areas. Smaller locally-owned businesses rely on traditional card readers or cash only.
Where Is Cash Still Required?
Carry $50-100 in cash for:
- public buses (Arubus): cash-only fares,
- taxis: 60% prefer or require cash,
- street markets and beach vendors: cash-only operations,
- tipping: cash preferred for hotel staff and tour guides.
What Are the Traveler’s Check Acceptance Policies?
Traveler’s checks are accepted at less than 30% of establishments. Hotels and casinos may accept USD-denominated checks with valid passport. Most retail stores and restaurants refuse them; exchange at banks if needed.
How to Access Cash and Exchange Money
ATMs dispense both AWG and USD at the airport, hotel lobbies, shopping malls, and gas stations. Local banks charge $3-5 per withdrawal; your home bank may add 1-3% foreign transaction fees.
Where to Find ATMs in Aruba?
ATMs are located at:
- Queen Beatrix International Airport: arrival and departure halls,
- hotel lobbies: major resorts have on-site ATMs,
- shopping malls: Renaissance Mall, Palm Beach Plaza,
- gas stations: most service stations.
Most ATMs dispense Aruban Florins and US Dollars.
What Are the Fees for ATM Withdrawals?
Local banks charge $3-5 per transaction. Your home bank may add 1-3% foreign transaction fees plus $2-5 international withdrawal fees. Check your bank’s fee structure before travel.
Where Can You Exchange Foreign Currency?
Exchange Euros and other currencies at:
- local banks: Caribbean Mercantile Bank, Aruba Bank, RBC Royal Bank,
- airport exchange kiosks: convenient but 2-5% worse rates than banks,
- hotel front desks: limited amounts with 3-7% markup.
What Banking Hours Should You Expect?
Banks operate 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some branches open Saturday mornings. Closed Sundays and official holidays.
What Are the Tipping Rules and Customs in Aruba?
Tipping is optional but expected for good service. Standard rate is 15-20% when no service charge is included. Check bills carefully—many restaurants add 10-15% service charges automatically.
Is Tipping Mandatory or Optional?
Tipping is optional but highly appreciated. No legal requirement, but social norms suggest 15-20% for good service. Poor service does not require a tip.
How Does the Service Charge Affect Tipping?
Many restaurants add 10-15% service charges automatically. Check your bill before tipping. If service charge is listed, additional tips are optional (5-10% for exceptional service only).
What Is the Difference Between Service Charge and Gratuity?
Service charges are distributed among all staff or retained by the establishment. Cash gratuities go directly to your server, housekeeper, or guide. Leave cash tips to ensure the individual receives it.
How Much Should You Tip by Service Type?
Restaurants: 15-20% without service charge, 5-10% with service charge. Hotel housekeeping: $2-3 per day. Taxi drivers: 10-15% of fare. Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours.
Tipping Guidelines for Restaurants and Bars
- service charge added: extra 5-10% for outstanding service,
- no service charge: 15-20% of total bill,
- bartenders: $1-2 per drink.
How to Tip Hotel Staff and Housekeeping
- bellhops/porters: $1-2 per bag,
- housekeeping: $2-3 per day, left daily with a note,
- concierge: $5-10 for special arrangements.
What Is the Customary Tip for Taxi Drivers?
Tip 10-15% of the fare. For short trips, round up to the nearest dollar. Add $1-2 extra if the driver helps with heavy luggage.
Tipping Expectations for Tour Guides and Activity Staff
- tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours,
- boat crew: $10-20 per couple for snorkeling or sunset cruises.
How Much to Tip at Spas and Salons
Tip 15-20% of the service cost. Check if service charge is already included before calculating.
Should You Tip Grocery Baggers?
Give baggers $1-2 (or 2-3 Florins) depending on the number of bags. Baggers work solely for tips.
What Taxes and Fees Apply to Transactions?
Expect 6-7% combined taxes (BBO, BAZV, BAVP) added at checkout. These turnover, health insurance, and pension taxes are listed separately on receipts and added to shelf prices at the register.
Understanding the BBO, BAZV, and BAVP Taxes
- BBO (Belasting op Bedrijfsomzetten): turnover tax,
- BAZV (Belasting Algemene Ziektekosten Verzekering): health insurance tax,
- BAVP (Belasting Algemene Vrijwillige Pensioenen): pension tax.
Combined total: approximately 6-7% added to purchases.
How Do Taxes Impact Your Final Bill?
Taxes are added at the register, not included in shelf prices. Restaurant bills list taxes as separate line items. Budget an extra 6-7% beyond listed menu or shelf prices to avoid underestimating expenses.
