Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for Aruba. Make sure you’re up to date with routine vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus. If you’re planning to stay longer or explore more remote areas, consider a typhoid vaccine. Always check the latest health advisories before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Aruba, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for ArubaCulture & Customs
Respect local customs in Aruba by greeting with a handshake. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; beachwear is fine on the beach, but cover up elsewhere. Tipping around 10-15% is appreciated for good service.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Aruba is generally welcoming, but public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Women should feel safe, but like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night. Respect local traditions during festivals and don’t interrupt ceremonies. Avoid discussing politics, as it can be a sensitive topic.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Aruba.
- Keshi Yena: This is a cheese-lover’s dream and a staple in Aruban cuisine. It’s basically a large ball of cheese stuffed with spiced meat, often chicken or beef, and baked until everything melts together. It’s popular because it combines Dutch and Caribbean flavors, reflecting Aruba’s history.
- Pan Bati: Think of this as the Aruban take on cornbread. It’s a slightly sweet, flat cornbread often served as a side. Locals love it for its versatility—pair it with stews or just enjoy it with butter.
- Sopi di Pampuna: This is a comforting pumpkin soup that’s both sweet and savory. It’s particularly enjoyed during the cooler months, and it highlights local ingredients, showing off the island’s agricultural influence.
- Pastechi: These are Aruban pastries often filled with cheese, meat, or fish. They’re the perfect snack on the go or a quick breakfast, beloved for their flaky crust and rich fillings.
- Funchi: A simple cornmeal side dish similar to polenta, funchi is often served alongside fish or stews. It’s a testament to Aruba’s resourcefulness, turning basic ingredients into something satisfying.
Yes, the tap water in Aruba is safe to drink as it comes from a desalination plant and is of high quality. Locals drink it regularly, and it’s perfectly fine for tourists to do the same. You can save your cash for other adventures instead of buying bottled water.
The main language in Aruba is
Papiamento. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Papiamento skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Aruba includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Aruba, making it an accessible destination for English-speaking travelers. The island has a diverse population, and many residents are multilingual, often fluent in Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento—the local language. English is commonly used in the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, where staff typically communicate effectively with visitors.
In addition to the hospitality industry, English is taught in schools, and most locals have a good command of the language. This linguistic proficiency enhances the overall travel experience, allowing tourists to navigate the island easily and engage with the local culture without significant language barriers.
While you may encounter some variations in fluency levels among older generations, younger Arubans are generally very comfortable speaking English. Overall, travelers can expect to communicate effectively and enjoy their time on this beautiful Caribbean island without worrying about language constraints.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Aruba is AWG (ƒ).
When backpacking in Aruba, you’ll find ATMs are pretty accessible in tourist areas and major towns, but they might charge withdrawal fees, so check with your bank before you go. It’s a good move to bring some cash, especially USD, as it’s widely accepted alongside the local currency, the Aruban Florin (AWG). Euros are not as commonly accepted, so stick to dollars if you want to keep it simple. Credit and debit cards are generally accepted in most places, but smaller vendors might prefer cash, so keep some handy. If you need to exchange money, banks and authorized exchange offices are your best bet, with banks usually offering better rates. Avoid exchanging at the airport unless you’re in a pinch, as the rates there are typically higher.
In Aruba, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Restaurants often include a service charge of 10-15% on the bill, so check before adding extra; if it’s not included, leaving 15-20% is common. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest dollar or adding a few bucks is generally sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.