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Local Flavours
- Pan Bati – On the side of your Aruban meal, you have to have a Pan Bati. A fluffy, slightly sweet flatbread that just melts in your mouth.
- Seafood – As an island in the Caribbean Sea, Aruba has access to fresh fish and seafood daily. In many restaurants you are going to see a menu item “Catch of the day” and sometimes the fish is literally caught on the day, it’s that fresh. The most common fish that can be found in Aruba are mahi-mahi, red snapper and grouper.
- Keshi Yena – Keshi yena is a very traditional Aruban meal, which is a must-try while on the island. Imagine a large round ball of cheese, stuffed with spicy meat (normally chicken). This meal was influenced by the Dutch so it’s often covered in Gouda. “Keshi” stands for cheese.
- Ayaca – Ayaca is another meal that deserves some special attention. Steamed meat in a banana leaf, with cashews and different dried fruits. This impressive dish has Venezuelan roots as many Venezuelans call Aruba their home and over the years the island adopted its own version of it. The meal is prepared with a large number of ingredients, resulting in a very unique blend of flavours and it typically brings together families at Christmas, but you can find it in restaurants all year around.
- Pastechi – The star of the Aruban street food scene is Pastechi! Shops around the island are fighting over who makes the best pastechi. Most places serve a similar version of the same thing so you are unlikely to be disappointed. It’s basically a fried Gouda cheese-filled pastry!
Getting Around
Public Bus
Across from the Aruba Cruise Terminal on L.G. Smith Boulevard is where you will find the public bus station. The bus service is pretty extensive and it is suitable to take to one to Aruba’s beaches for example. Just head to the small kiosk to purchase your ticket before boarding. The round-fare is 2,30 dollar. One way is 1,30 dollar. Have exact change with you to pay for the bus. Bus route L10 will take you past all the most popular beaches along Aruba’s west coast.
Taxis
In Aruba Taxis don’t have a meter. Every driver should have an official rate table established by the government. From cruise terminal to Palm beach is about 11 dollar, to Eagle beach 10 dollars.
Good to Know
- Aruba is one of the safest islands in the caribbean
- Gambling is legal – The Crystal Casino at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is one of the classiest places to gamble in Aruba—it sparkles with Austrian crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf columns, Spanish mirrors, and Italian marble and brass
- The tap water is safe to drink
- Tipping – In Aruba it’s not mandatory to tip, but it’s your choice if you do so. However, some restaurants and bars add service charge to your bill. Usually, this adds up to about 10 to 15 percent on food and beverages. If you really like the service, you can still tip, of course!
Quick Facts
Currency: Arubin Florin. US Dollar accepted
Language: English, Spanish, Dutch, Papiamento
Money: ATM’s at the cruise terminal
Visas: Not required for citizens of the US, EU or Australia
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