TRAVEL TIPS
GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR ARUBA TRIP
Telephone Services
There is free wireless Internet at the villa. If you would like to make local calls we recommend buying a prepaid SIM-card at Setar or Digicel (there are shops located at the airport and Palm Beach).
Electricity
Aruba has the same voltage standard as in North America (110 volts AC). Therefore, European appliances (that use 220 volts) generally cannot be used in Aruba (unless you have a converter).
Drinking Water
Aruba's tap water is completely safe to drink and tastes fine. In fact, Aruba's water system is one of the cleanest in the world. Therefore there is no need to buy bottled water.
Bringing Alcohol
If you wish to bring alcohol, please keep in mind that the airport customs allow up to one 1L bottle per person. You can buy it as well after you land in Aruba, at the duty-free shop next to the luggage belts.
Taxis
Taxi service is well arranged on Aruba and at the airport, right outside the arrival terminal you will find a taxi stand. Rates, set by the Government, are based on destination rather than mileage traveled and are for the total number of passengers in the car or van.
Traveling by taxi from the airport to Merlot Villas should be around US$ 25-35 and takes about 20 minutes (tel. 00297-587 5900).
Safety
Aruba has always been considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, however incidents may occur. Merlot Villas is located within a safe gated community and all villas have an alarm system. Please do not provide temptation by leaving the windows open when you leave the villa or leaving valuables unattended on the beach or in your rental car.
Currency
Aruba's currency is the Aruban Florin (AFL or AWG), but the US dollar is also widely accepted. The exchange rate for 1 USD is generally 1.75 AFL and if you buy USD, the exchange rate is usually AFL 1.80.
The Weather
Aruba is part of the Caribbean and famous for its sunny days almost whole year around, however please keep the following things in mind:
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Apply sunscreen: use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn.
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Stay hydrated: drink plenty of liquid in addition to any alcohol you consume.
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Use insect repellent when there are mosquitoes starting one hour before sunset.
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Keep all opened food in the fridge. Otherwise ants will find it, also when you have food upstairs.