Packing list for Aruba, travel insurance for Aruba, and taking your belongings

What to bring to Aruba: highlighted

Highlighted items:

• Documents: of course a passport that is valid for 6 months is essential. Also make sure you have an online/offline copy.
• Money: The currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), but the US dollar (USD) is accepted everywhere.
• Cash for the first few days can be useful, but using an ATM (so bring your debit card!) is also very easy.
• Care: coral-friendly sunscreen with a high factor, otherwise you will quickly be sick.
• Outdoor and handy items: Sunglasses and a cap/hat. That helps a lot against that tropical sun.
• Clothing: Light clothing made of cotton or linen and a warm sweater (yes really!) for the air conditioning…
• Shoes: sandals/slippers for the beach and closed shoes for desert trips (the sand is HOT!).
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and ORS (dehydration is a thing). Safety: Money belt or fanny pack always gives a slightly safer feeling.
• Technology and equipment: world plug type A/B, just like in America.

What else can you take with you:

• A reusable water bottle is always handy!
• Quick-drying towels and swimwear for the many days at the beach. Also handy if they are already in a beach bag.
• A good mood, but if you forget it, you can find it there too.
• An international driving license is useful if you want to rent a car.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Aruba?

• What you can and cannot take into and out of the country.

Are there mosquitoes in Aruba?

• There are mosquitoes in Aruba, especially in the rainy season from October to December, but they are usually not a big problem.
• Mosquitoes like the mornings and evenings the most.
• Because they can make you quite sick, it is important to protect yourself.

Are there sand flies in Aruba?

• Sand flies are not a problem in Aruba.

Can you buy DEET or other mosquito repellents in Aruba

• Absolutely! Deet and Picaridin and other products are easily available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Where can you get your food and drinks in Aruba?

• There are large supermarkets and small local shops on the island that also offer many imported products from the US and the Netherlands.
• You can eat out, but you can also just get a nice snack.
• There are sometimes food trucks and stalls at markets and events if you prefer real street food.

Can you buy a beer or wine in Aruba, or take it to Aruba?

• That is a resounding "Yes!". Every supermarket, bar or resort sells alcohol.
• You are allowed to have 1 liter of spirits or max 2 liters of wine with you upon arrival.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Aruba, or take it to Aruba?

• Cannabis is illegal, so bringing weed is also punishable.
• Other drugs are also illegal.
• Vapes are legal, but you are not allowed to vape everywhere.