Aruba travel tips you'll wish you knew sooner 🇦🇼✈️
1. Don't forget your ED card!
Make sure you fill out Aruba's online Embarkation/ Disembarkation card within 7 days before your trip.
It's required before arrival and saves you time at the airport.
2. Money talk💵
Aruba's official currency is the florin, but USD is accepted pretty much everywhere so no stress about exchanging cash.
3. Skip the resort
More travelers are choosing Airbnbs over resorts and honestly, it makes sense. Renting a car is easy, the island is super safe, and getting around is simple.
@airbnb
4. Beach essentials 🏖️
Bring your own beach chairs and towels! Most loungers you see belong to hotels and are usually reserved for guests.
... Read moreOkay, let's talk about the Aruba ED Card – seriously, it's one of the most crucial things to tick off your list before jetting off to the One Happy Island! I can’t stress this enough. When I first planned my trip, I vaguely knew about it, but actually going through the process made me realize just how important it is for a smooth arrival.
So, what exactly is the Aruba ED Card? It stands for Embarkation/Disembarkation Card, and it's a mandatory online form for all visitors to Aruba. Think of it as your digital entry permit and health declaration combined. It helps the Aruban authorities streamline immigration, manage visitor data, and, especially in recent times, monitor public health. Skipping this step can lead to significant delays at the airport, or even worse, being denied boarding your flight!
The official website is where you'll complete the form. Make sure you're using the official government portal to avoid any third-party sites that might try to charge you a fee. And here’s a massive tip from my own experience: you should fill out the Aruba Online ED Card within 7 days before your scheduled arrival. Not too early, not too late. I personally did mine about 3-4 days out, just to be safe and ensure all my flight details were finalized.
When you’re filling it out, have your passport handy, along with your confirmed flight details (arrival and departure), and your accommodation information. You'll also need to complete a health declaration, which usually involves answering a few questions about your well-being. It’s pretty straightforward, but it’s best to be prepared with all your documents to avoid interruptions. Once completed, you'll receive a confirmation email with a barcode or QR code. Make sure to either print this out or have it easily accessible on your phone, as you'll need to present it upon arrival in Aruba. It’s a lifesaver for speeding through immigration.
Now, about that 'cost' mention some people see or hear – let's clear that up. The official Aruba ED Card online form is completely free to complete. If you encounter any website asking for $20 or any other fee to fill out the ED card, you’re likely on a third-party site. Always stick to the official Aruban government website to complete this form. Don't fall for scams or unnecessary charges; the process is designed to be free and accessible to all visitors.
Trust me, spending a few minutes on this essential online form beforehand will save you so much stress and time when you land on the island. You want to start your Aruba vacation feeling relaxed, not bogged down by paperwork. So, add 'Aruba ED Card Online Form' to the very top of your pre-travel checklist and enjoy your trip to paradise!