Internet, SIM cards and eSIMs in Aruba

What Are the Internet Connectivity Options in Aruba?

To stay connected in Aruba, buy an eSIM before arrival ($15-25 for 7 days, 3-5GB data) or get a local SIM at the airport ($15-25/week). Both options cost 50-70% less than international roaming ($10-12/day). Setar and Digicel provide 4G LTE coverage across 95% of the island.

Aruba offers four connectivity options: local SIM cards ($15-25/week), eSIMs ($15-25/week), Wi-Fi (free in most hotels), and international roaming ($10-12/day). Setar and Digicel are the two network providers with 4G LTE coverage across 95% of the island.

Local SIM cards require an unlocked phone and passport for registration. eSIMs activate in 5 minutes via QR code and work on dual-SIM phones. International roaming costs 2-3x more than local options. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and public areas but limits mobility.

Why Choose eSIMs in Aruba for Travel?

eSIMs activate in 5 minutes without physical installation and cost $15-25 for 7 days of data. You can keep your home number active while using Aruba data, essential for receiving 2FA codes.

What Are the Advantages of eSIMs over Physical SIM Cards?

eSIMs eliminate the risk of losing your home SIM card and activate instantly via QR code. You can use dual SIM capability to maintain your home number for calls while using the eSIM for data.

Key benefits:

• instant delivery via email within 2 minutes of purchase,
• no physical swapping required,
• dual SIM capability on compatible devices.

How to Activate an eSIM Process in Aruba

eSIM activation takes 5 minutes and requires a stable internet connection. Complete setup before your flight or using airport Wi-Fi.

1. verify your device is carrier unlocked and eSIM compatible,
2. purchase plan and receive QR code via email within 2 minutes,
3. go to Settings > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM”,
4. scan QR code and label as “Aruba Travel”,
5. upon arrival, switch Mobile Data to eSIM and enable Data Roaming.

What Are the Best Data Plans for Tourists in Aruba Using eSIMs?

Airalo offers 1GB ($4.50), 3GB ($11), and 5GB ($16) plans valid for 7-30 days. Holafly provides unlimited data for $19-47 depending on duration (3-15 days). Nomad and Ubigi offer 1-10GB plans ranging from $8-35 with validity periods of 7-30 days.

How to Buy Physical SIM Cards in Aruba

Physical SIM cards cost $15-25 for 7 days with 3-5GB data. Both Setar and Digicel sell SIMs at the airport arrivals hall, activating in 10 minutes with passport verification.

Who Are the Main Mobile Network Providers in Aruba?

Setar covers 95% of the island including remote areas with 4G LTE and expanding 5G in Oranjestad. Digicel offers competitive pricing with 4G LTE coverage in 90% of tourist zones and promotional tourist packages.

Where Can You Buy Local SIM Cards in Aruba?

Purchase SIM cards at Queen Beatrix International Airport kiosks (open 6 AM-10 PM daily) for immediate activation. Alternative locations include official stores in Oranjestad, supermarkets, and gas stations.

Purchase locations:

• airport kiosks in arrivals area (10-minute activation),
• official retail stores in Oranjestad (15-minute activation),
• supermarkets and gas stations (prepaid starter packs $15-20),
• hotel convenience stores (10-15% premium pricing).

What Are the Regulations for SIM Card Registration in Aruba?

SIM activation requires a valid passport and takes 5-10 minutes. Your phone must be carrier unlocked. Payment accepted via credit card or US dollars.

Prepaid vs Postpaid SIM Cards in Aruba: What Is Best for Visitors?

Prepaid SIM cards cost $15-25 for 7 days with no contract. Postpaid plans require local bank account, residency proof, and 12-24 month contracts, making them unsuitable for tourists.

Is International Roaming a Viable Option in Aruba?

International roaming costs $10-12 per day ($70-84/week) compared to local SIMs at $15-25/week. Roaming is 3-4x more expensive for stays longer than 2 days.

Roaming vs Local SIM in Aruba: A Cost Comparison

A 7-day trip costs $70-84 with roaming versus $15-25 with local SIM, saving $45-69 (65-75% reduction). Roaming uses your home data allowance while local SIMs provide dedicated Aruba data.

• roaming: $10-12/day ($70-84/week), uses home data, zero setup,
• local SIM: $15-25/week, 3-5GB dedicated data, 10-minute setup.

What Global Roaming Services Are Available for Aruba Visitors?

US carriers offer “Travel Pass” or “International Day Pass” at $10-12/day. For trips longer than 2 days, local SIM or eSIM saves 50-70% compared to roaming.

What Is the Status of Wi-Fi Availability in Aruba?

Wi-Fi is available in 90% of hotels and 70% of restaurants in tourist zones. Speeds range from 10-50 Mbps in hotels, sufficient for video calls and streaming.

Where Can Travelers Find Free Wi-Fi in Aruba?

Free Wi-Fi is available in 90% of hotels, 70% of restaurants in Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, public plazas in Oranjestad, and Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Wi-Fi locations:

• hotels and resorts (10-50 Mbps, password protected),
• restaurants and cafes in tourist zones (5-25 Mbps),
• public plazas in Oranjestad (5-15 Mbps municipal Wi-Fi),
• Queen Beatrix International Airport (20-40 Mbps free connectivity).

Internet Security and Privacy Considerations for Aruba Travelers

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi to encrypt traffic and prevent data interception. Avoid accessing banking or entering passwords on unsecured networks. VPN services cost $3-10/month.

Mobile Internet Speed and Network Quality in Aruba

4G LTE speeds average 20-50 Mbps download and 10-20 Mbps upload across 95% of the island. 5G is available in Oranjestad and hotel districts with speeds up to 100-200 Mbps.

What Is the Typical Mobile Internet Speed in Aruba?

Setar and Digicel provide 4G LTE with 20-50 Mbps download speeds across 95% of Aruba. 5G is available in Oranjestad and Palm Beach with 100-200 Mbps speeds on compatible devices.

Mobile Device Compatibility with Aruba Networks

Your phone must be carrier unlocked and support GSM bands 3 (1800 MHz) and 17 (700 MHz) for 4G LTE. 95% of smartphones from North America and Europe are compatible.