Travel Tips

Aruba has its own time zone, which currently aligns with US Eastern Time. Click here to see the current local time.

 

Resort wear is a good choice for Edmentum-hosted events (sundresses, linen pants, button-down/collared shirts, khaki shorts, etc.). Casual attire is recommended for the meeting. For the Giveback activity, please bring your VTO shirt, closed-toe shoes, and lightweight shorts or pants that may get a little dirty.  And don’t forget a hat and sunscreen!

 

Rental cars may be picked up from the airport. They drive on the right side of the road in Aruba (just like the US).

 

Despite its deceiving area code (297), Aruba is an international destination, so data used on the island or calls made to or from the island are considered international. Please check with your cell phone service carrier about their international cell phone and data packages. Free wifi is available throughout the entire resort.

 

All electrical plugs are the same as the US, so no adapters or converters are necessary.

 

The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florin (Afl or AWG). The exchange rate is approximately US$0.56 to AWG1.00. US currency is accepted everywhere on the island, including taxis, shops, and restaurants, and credit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere. There’s no need to bring or exchange currency before you arrive.

 

Taxis are fairly plentiful on the island, especially at hotels. And restaurants will gladly call you a taxi if you can’t find one easily for a trip back to the hotel. Taxi rates are set by the government—a taxi from the airport to the Ritz will cost approximately $30.

 

Many restaurants automatically add a 15 service charge to the check, which is pooled among all of the restaurant employees. You are welcome to leave an additional amount for great service.

 

One of the great features of Aruba is that you clear US Customs and Immigration in Aruba, so when you arrive home, you just step off the plane and head home. It does take a little extra time at the airport, since you clear Immigration twice on departure (Aruba out and US in).