RULES

We are at the LaCabana for the week. It’s our second time here (last time was 2017). We own a timeshare in Orlando. We come to Aruba on a trade or we purchase a getaway through Interval.

My husband noticed this week that people are reserving their pool spots as early as 5:30 a.m. He’s been getting up early this week. We had a conversation with a group of people next to us at the pool who are owners. He was telling us they come every year, how they actually get the unit they own, etc. He proceeded to tell us about the others that are here this week and how they have their “spots” by the pool. Maybe it’s me but I’m finding it a bit obnoxious. You own one week at this resort. What happens if someone takes their “spot”? They supposedly have a tag system here but security is definitely not utilizing it. I might add most of these people are boomers. I’m a boomer myself but in the tail end so I really don’t have that boomer mentality.

Anyone else come across this at some of the timeshares? We do not go parading around with this sense of entitlement at our home resort. 🤣

Even with multiple cruise ships in port, there's plenty of beach with no one around

I want to spend 4 months in Aruba. I would prefer to bike to avoid car rental for the whole time. Is it a bad idea? Is it safe?

Going to Aruba soon and coming from the US. Huge NFL fan and my team has a big game coming up. Just wondering if any bars in Aruba show NFL games or not.

Traveling to Aruba soon from the US and staying at the Divi Village. Should I bring an electrical adapter?

My fiancé and I are in the process of booking our wedding and are deciding between the Marriott Stellaris and the Renaissance Private Island. We’d love to hear from anyone who has had their wedding at either place or has been a guest of a wedding there! We're planning on 30-40 guests and want to make sure we are picking the best hotel for our guests to have an amazing time! We’re drawn to the Renaissance because of the privacy of the private island, but we’re curious about the hotel itself. How are the pools, bars, rooms, and overall location? Is it inconvenient to take a shuttle boat to the beach, or is it not a big deal? The Marriott Stellaris seems to have a better location since it’s directly on the beach and you can easily go from the pool to the beach, but we’re wondering how it was for anyone who had their wedding there. We want to have our ceremony and reception on the beach. Was the public beach crowded? Any issues with other hotel guests lingering around? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Is this just normal tropical storms that pop up here and there, or is our week in Aruba going to be rained out?

What events are happening for New Years Eve?

Hi local here,

To the tourist who are visiting aruba this weekend please keep in mind this friday we will have parliament elections. That will mean that the streets are busier and by law you can not buy alcohol from thursday 5 december 6:00 pm to saturday 7 december 6:00 am.

Take care

Traveling in March with a Saturday departure. Hearing horror stories about long lines. Do I really need three hours? Do the VIP services actually work?

Can't get enough of these moments. People are gone home. Just water, sand and sun.

I want to be able to cook as i will be on a long stay. A monthly rate less than $2000 usd ($2800 CAD). The arrival date can vary.

28-30 degC can be fine but not if super humid. Anyone can let me know? I intend to spend Jan to march there

I'm a type 1 diabetic and will need to buy some snacks to keep with me while away. Is there any convenience store or small market within walking distance of the Hilton Casino Beach resort?

Welcome to the r/Aruba weekly Discussion / Q&A thread.

This thread is a hub for general discussion and questions about Aruba, that don't need threads of their own.

You have a question regarding Aruba? This is the place for you. Ever wondered which sunscreen the locals use? Or when is the best time to go to Zeerovers? Or what is the best spicy sauce on the island? Ask any question you might have here, and the community will answer.

Also, you might may want to check the Wiki/FAQ to see if the information you're looking for is already available.

I am coming to Aruba this week for 8 nights and will be needing a data plan. I don't want to pay $10 a day travel pass to Verizon and I have a two lines on my phone so that would be $20 a day...I have my personal line and I am a travel agent and have clients traveling and I need to be reached on my business line.

I currently have an iPhone 15 Pro max, right now I show two esims. One for person and one for business. I know I can store over 8 esims. So if I purchase a esim with Digicel, I read I can only use two sims at one. So do I just turn off the other esim for my personal line? Then when get back to the USA turn it back on and off the Aruba esim?

When I have an Aruba esim in what/how do I turn off my Verizon plan on my business line so they don't charge me daily?

Sorry for so many questions lol.

TIA

Looking to propose to my girlfriend down there. Been a handful of times it’s our place! Anyone know any proposal planners ?

First timer to Aruba this January. So looking forward to it! I hear there is constant wind in Aruba so just wondering if I should even bring my pop up beach shade tent? Do they just blow away or are people still able to use these on the beach there? Thanks for the tips!

Hi I'll be arriving on Wednesday. How's Brickell Bay resort? I've been to the island a few times but never stayed here before.

This is a mental health trip for me. Any recommendations for calm, peace and healing would be fantastic.

TIA

We're planning on doing a half day trip to the park and I am looking for restaurants near here for lunch. I have two picky kids one of which has food allergies so I really need a place that has your standard chicken tenders and fries.

Also is it feasible to get sandwiches in the morning from Garden fresh Cafe next to our hotel and throw them in the cooler for lunch?

Curious to hear from this seasoned group of travelers to Aruba: What is the number one digital transformation you'd like to see at the hotel(s) you've stayed at (i.e., mobile keycard, virtual reality tours, digital concierge, etc.)?

Sometime there's a huge disconnect from management's ideas of what needs to happen, to what guests actually need and want. Thank you in advance!

Hi !

My debit card is not working on the 5 ATMs i tried next to palm beach. It always end up with an error on the screen saying there was an issue with the transaction. I tried in US and AWG, mutiple amounts, all fail.

My bank don t even see the transaction getting to there systems.

They told me to check for ATM using the Plus Network (see pictures). The last two i went dont have this symbol on it.

Let me know if you have any ATM near you that have this symbol, that would help me a lot. My last hope for cash is now to use my credit card and pay it right away, but still the charges are high...

Thx !

We went last year and I know I did the ED cards for all of us. Do not remember paying.

Just filled out an application and looks like they want $50 pp.? That’s sketchy. Now researching and it looks like and looks like we don’t need it.

“Aruba has different entry requirements for travelers based on their nationality. Some nationalities require an Aruba ED card, while others are exempt. If you're a citizen of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, the United States, and many other countries, you're exempt from the ED card requirement”

So IS it mandatory or not?

Hi! I’m traveling to Aruba in Jan and would like to go diving with a group/guide. I’m an advanced diver and can’t wait! Does anyone have recommendations for a good dive shop and particular dives you like?

Also, is it easy enough to rent an automatic car just for a day? Should we book it in advance?

Thank you!!

My family and I will be returning for our third year this December. We love Aruba but we're hoping to do something other than chill on the beach for a day to spice things up. We were thinking of going to Curacao for a day but it sounds like that's too big of a hassle. We'll be in the Palm Beach area. Any recommendations?

Hi everyone !

Me (M38) and my friend (F36) just arrived on the island yesterday with no specific plans for 2 weeks. We are both french, living in Canada since several years.

We speak french and english !

We stay in the Koyari district for now in an airbnb.

If you are around our ages (+-10 years) and if you want to hangout let me know ! It s always good to have some travel buddies.

Could be for an outdoor activity,a drink, a beach day, whatever works for us.

Cheers and relax !

We’ve never been to Aruba but that will change Feb 2025 with an 8 day visit. Love the beach and warm weather and are already considering coming back for the wife’s birthday in July 2025.

How many non residents go back time and time again?

Considering using the Black Friday discounts to schedule our second visit.

Where are the big wild parties at?

Hey everyone! Visiting Aruba in January for the first time and couldn’t be more excited. I was just wondering about the Loras on the island. I saw they began reintroduction early this year and was just wondering how common it is to see them and where your best chance is. Thanks!

Hi! I didn't pack enough baby formula (enfamil gentalese) for our full trip. I bought some HIPP from the local grocery shop, but she is refusing it.

Any leads in enfamil on the island? Thanks!