Money matters
Aruba’s paper currency is the florin, written Afl. or Awg., also referred to in speech as the guilder. Aruba extends its visitors the courtesy of accepting U.S. dollars wherever they go, from the smallest gift shop to the largest hotel. Because of world-wide counterfeiting, however, some stores do not accept $ 50.00 or $ 100.00 bills. While there is no charge for using travelers checks, banks do charge a fee for changing dollars to local currency.
Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments; additional legal forms of identification may also be requested. If you run short, cash can be obtained with American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards at a credit card office, bank, and in some casinos. Credit card refunds are not given in cash but applied to your account. Do keep your charge slips in the event that you do not recognize the merchant name which may differ from that of the actual store or activity.
Personal checks are not accepted anywhere. ATMs are found at more than fifty locations around the island, including banks, hotels, shopping malls and gas stations. Bank cards from Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Instructions are given in English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento, varying according to location. Currency from machines may be requested in either U.S. dollars or Aruban florins.
