Practical Information

Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire are well out of the hurricane belt and, though storms can occur, warm temperatures and cool breezes can be found all year round. Summer and fall are the best time to visit the three islands, when many cultural events are held.

Getting There

Aruba and Curaçao have a daily direct air service from North America and Amsterdam. Bonaire has direct flights with American Airlines from Miami, United Airlines from Houston and Newark, Delta Airlines from Atlanta, from Toronto with Sunwing and from Amsterdam with KLM and TUI Airways. Flights land at the international airports of Queen Beatrix on Aruba, Flamingo on Bonaire, and Hato on Curaçao. Delta flies non-stop to all islands from Atlanta. American Airlines flies to Aruba and Curaçao from the US, and to Bonaire from Puerto Rico. JetBlue and United Airlines have flights to Aruba from the US. Flights from Amsterdam to all three islands are on KLM. From the UK, TUI Airways has weekly direct flights (May–Nov) from London Gatwick and Manchester to Aruba. Regional airlines such as Divi Divi fly within the islands, and and Aruba Airlines connects Curaçao with Jamaica.

Personal Security

Crime is rare on the three islands, with crimes against tourists among the lowest in the Caribbean. Still, precautions should be taken, especially against theft from rental cars. Visitors should also avoid leaving valuables unattended. Drug-related crimes occur occasionally, so avoid secluded roads and alleys after dark. Any crime must be reported and receive a written report.

Health

Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Aruba, San Francisco Hospital in Bonaire, and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Curaçao are the best hospitals.

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the EU nations as well as all other nationalities, including Canadians and Americans, must show a passport to enter the islands. Visits may extend to three months without a visa. In addition, immigration officials may ask for an onward or return ticket, proof of sufficient funds for the planned stay, and an address where travelers plan to reside on the islands. Visitors can also check with their concerned embassies.

LGBT+ Safety

The ABCs (and other former Dutch colonies) are LGBT+ friendly islands in a largely conservative, often hostile, Caribbean. Same-sex marriage is legal only in Bonaire, but recognised in Aruba and Curaçao. As these islands are generally socially tolerant, it’s not essential to seek out specifically gay bars or resorts, though these are easy to find especially on Curaçao, which even has an annual gay pride parade in September.

Money

The official currency on Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AF or Afl), which is divided into 100 cents, and Curaçao uses the Netherlands Antillean Florin (NAFl or Fl). The NAFl is also known as the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG). Bonaire uses the US dollar. US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted on the islands. Banks and ATMs are located throughout the islands. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 3:30pm.

Cell Phones and Wi-Fi

Visitors bringing cell phones should check with their service providers to determine if they will work on the islands and if they will be subject to roaming charges. The country codes for Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are 297, 599, and 599 respectively followed by the seven-digit local number. To call from outside the Caribbean, dial the international code (011 from the US) plus the area code, and the local number. For example, dial 011, then area code 297, and the seven-digit number for Aruba. Internet access is provided at major resorts and airports, and there are many Wi-Fi hot spots. Local SIM cards are available at Digicel offices.

Getting Around

Ferries are not practical for travelling between the islands due to the long distance between them and unpredictable sea conditions. Aruba has a good bus service that connects the airport, Oranjestad, and resorts along the west coast. Bonaire has no public transportation, and Curacao has limited bus and van service. Visitors must rely on tours or rental cars to explore the countryside. Taxis are easily found at the airports, cruise ship terminals, hotels, and major tourist attractions. The international airports have car rental agencies on-site. A valid driver’s license and major credit card are needed to hire a car. Driving is on the right side, and all the islands have a network of paved roads connecting the main towns. Dirt roads run through the countryside, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is practical for independent travelers touring out-side major tourist areas. AVIS, Hertz, AB Car rental, Amigo Rent-A-Car, and Michel Car Rental are popular car rental companies.

Visitor Information

Tourist information kiosks are located at the airports on Aruba and Curaçao. Government Tourist Boards including the Aruba Tourism Authority, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and Curaçao Tourist Board have offices oneach island as well as public relations agents overseas.

At a Glance