Money, Budget, and Shopping for Aruba

Money

Currency

Currency: Aruban florin (100 cents).

Banknotes: 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 Awg.

Coins: 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents + 1 and 5 Awg.

Exchange:

The Aruban florin (Awg) was introduced in 1986 and replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder at par when the island separated from its neighbors (Bonaire and Curaçao) to form a new autonomous state within the Dutch Crown. Since its creation, the Aruban florin has had a (nearly) fixed exchange rate against the US dollar: 1 US$ = 1.79 Awg.

Exchange

You can exchange money upon arrival or use the few ATMs available on the island.

Which currency to bring

While the official currency is the florin, it’s still possible to pay almost everywhere in US dollars. In fact, prices are often listed in US dollars rather than Aruban florins.

As for which currency to bring, it’s best to keep it simple. Even though euros are accepted (not always at a good rate) or can be exchanged for florins, it’s better to come with US dollars. The advantage is that if you have any left at the end of your trip, you can always use them or exchange them easily elsewhere. Note that $50 and $100 bills are sometimes refused locally due to concerns about counterfeiting.

Payment methods

Card payments, just like US dollars, are widely accepted on the island. However, it’s a good idea to have some florins on hand for small expenses if you’re staying for a while, and be mindful of bank fees if you make too many small purchases or withdrawals.

Returning home

The simplest option is to end your trip with mostly US dollars, which you can easily use or exchange on another trip if you have any left.

Budget

What can be expensive

What can be affordable

Price range

Double room in a budget hotel:

Double room in a mid-range hotel:

Snacks, local restaurant meals:

Meals in tourist restaurants:

Budget car rental:

Bus fare: $2.30 one-way or $4 for a round trip.

Urban taxi: