November 4th, 2014
8:00AM - 5:00PMAruba is a 20-mile-long island located in the southern Caribbean, and is one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. It is located about 17 miles off the coast of Venezuela's Paraguaná Peninsula. Oranjestad, the capital and largest city, is located on the western end of the southern coast of the island. Weather
Language and Currency The official languages in Aruba are Dutch (since Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) and Papiamento (a creole language spoken on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao). Papiamento is the mostly widely spoken of the two. English is spoken my many people in the more touristy areas. The official currency is the Aruban florin, which is pegged to the US dollar at 1.79 florins to 1 USD. However, most businesses in tourist areas take US dollars. Getting Around
Taxis Taxi rates are fixed by the Government of Aruba, although cab drivers are notorious for trying to overcharge tourists. Drivers are required to carry a fare sheet, so make sure to ask to see it and agree on a rate before getting in the cab (the port area will be listed as Oranjestad or O'stad). If they won't show you the sheet, get another cab or threaten to report their cab number to the Aruba Tourism Authority. You can download a copy of the sheet here. Fares are listed in US $ per ride, not per person. Taxis by law may take a maximum of 5 persons and there is an additional charge of $3 each way to be picked up or dropped off inside the port, but you can walk through the visitor's center out to the main street to avoid that charge (plus you avoid much of the traffic). Public buses The island’s Main Bus Terminal is located across the street from the Cruise terminal. You can view the bus schedule here. Bus fares are US $2.30 each way. If you don't have exact change you will be given change in florins. The buses can be unreliable, so make sure you have a back-up plan to get back to the ship.
Streetcar
Orangestad has a fairly new streetcar system that serves the port and downtown. The system features 4 fuel-cell-powered electric trams, two trolley-style ones and two double-decker ones. The tracks run from the port past the museum and down Caya Betico Croes, ending at Plaza Nicky Habibe. The fare is $1/person. There has been a large revitalization effort along the route, including the construction of a number of new plazas featuring shops, restaurants, and fountains, although businesses have been slow to move in so far. You can view a map of the route here. Car Rental Rental cars area available near the port, and most rental agencies offer pick-up service. You can view a list at http://www.visitaruba.com/getting-around/aruba-car-rentals/. A valid driver's license held for two full years or an international driving permit (available from AAA) is required. Cars drive on the right, and no right-turns are permitted on red lights.
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