ISLAND BASICS

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Dutch is the official language, although English is widely spoken. The native language is Papiamento, a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect that reflects the European influences on the island since it was claimed by the Spanish in 1499.

The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin; the square 50-cent "yotin" is Aruba's best-known coin. The exchange rate is about AF1.77 to the US dollar.

Banking hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on official holidays. Travelers with CIRRUS or Plus System ATM cards can withdraw cash in Aruban florins, and some machines now dispense U.S. dollars.

Aruba has pure water, distilled in the world's second largest saltwater purification plant. The electrical voltage is 110 A.C. and the outlets are the same as in the U.S, so no adaptors are required.

There is an 17.66% service and government tax on room rates. The service charge on food and beverages is 10% to 15% in lieu of gratuities at hotels and other restaurants. Since this is split between your waiter and other restaurant staff, tipping is appropriate for good service.

Casual, informal summer clothing is the rule in Aruba. Women may want to bring along a scarf or hat: the constant trade wind, while refreshing, wrecks havoc on carefully arranged hairdos. If you plan to visit some of the island's elegant restaurants, night clubs or casinos, bring along one or two dressier outfits. Jackets and ties for men are not required except at a very few restaurants. Bathing suits are acceptable only on the beach, not on the streets.