A very easy island
to get around on your own.

Area: Aruba is 70.9 square miles, 19.6 miles long and 6 miles at the widest point.

Language: Officially Dutch but Papiamento, Spanish and English are widely spoken.

Population: 67,000

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Rainy Season: This is an arid land. Most showers occur from September to December. They usually are short, quickly pushed away by the trade winds.

Currency: Aruba has its own currency, called the Arubian florin. The U.S. dollar is worth 1.77 florin. Prices are often quoted in both currencies. Dollars are readily accepted everywhere and the Antilleans are usually scrupulously honest at working out the exchange rate. Banks generally are open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Taxes & Tipping: A 6% government tax and a 15-20% service charge on rooms and food are standard. The departure tax is US$20. Some hotels also charge an extra US$3-5 a day energy surcharge.

Electrical Current: The same as in the U.S., 110 volts, 60 cycles.

Documents: Americans and Canadians need only valid proof of citizenship. All others need passports. A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds may also be required.

Getting There: Flying to Aruba are American Airlines ( www.aa.com ), Continental (www.continental.com) US Airways (www.usairways.com). KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flies in from Amsterdam.

Getting Around: Rental cars are easily available on all the islands and most of the large name companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz) are represented. Cost is reasonable, around $200 per week for a small car. Driving is on the right.

Where to Stay: Aruba is mostly large resorts and hotels, with prices averaging US$125-US$174 a day; however, the tourism authority has a list of guesthouses and apartments as low as US$30 per day. Considerthis selection of properties from Hotels.com.

Safety/Health Warnings: Because of the constant cooling trade winds, many people do not realize just how hot the sun is in the ABCs. They are among the southernmost islands in the Caribbean and precautions are necessary the first few days to avoid burning to the color of a robust rose wine. Because the islands are so dry, the drinking water is actually desalinated sea water.

Snakes & Other Venomous Creatures: Aruba is home to a venomous rattlesnake, the Colebra (Crotalus durissus), though they are seldom seen. They normally inhabit the most sparsely populated areas of Aruba between Jamanota, Fontein and San Nicolas. All other snakes are harmless. Locals say that possession of a snake rattle is good luck, perhaps because they are so rare.

Calendar of Events: What's happening every day of the year.

For More Information: Web site: www.aruba.com.

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