Aruba
Money in Aruba: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use the Aruban florin (AWG) for most transactions; US dollars are accepted everywhere, so carry both and tip 10 % in florins or dollars. Switch to cards for hotels and restaurants, but keep small cash for snack bars and tips.
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GuideAruba
Key facts
- Currency
- Aruban florin (AWG)
- US dollar acceptance
- Widely accepted, prices often quoted in USD
- ATM availabilitycheck
- ATMs in Oranjestad, Palm Beach and major resorts
- Card acceptance
- Hotels, restaurants and most shops accept Visa/Mastercard
- Typical tip
- 10 % of bill, cash or card
Quick answer
Aruba uses the Aruban florin (AWG); US dollars are accepted everywhere. Use cards for larger purchases and keep small florin notes for snack bars and tips. Tip about 10 %.
Details on money, cards and tipping
The official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG). Prices in shops, markets and taxis are usually shown in florins, but most establishments also display US‑dollar equivalents and will accept USD cash. Change may be given in florins, so it’s handy to have both.
ATMs are located in Oranjestad, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach and at the airport. They dispense florins; some also offer USD. Fees are typical for international cards – check with your bank before travel.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, restaurants, larger stores and car‑rental agencies. American Express is less common. For small snack bars, beach vendors and tipping, carry small florin notes (1‑5 AWG).
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A 10 % tip on restaurant bills is standard; you can leave cash in florins or add it on a card receipt. For hotel staff, a few florins per bag or per night is customary.
- Carry a mix of florins and USD for flexibility.
- Use cards for hotels, car rentals and larger restaurants.
- Keep 1‑5 AWG notes for tips and small purchases.
- Check ATM fees and card foreign‑transaction fees before you go.
Additional notes
Change given in USD may be returned in florins; exchange any leftover florins before you leave if possible.
Some remote beach bars only accept cash, so plan ahead.
Aruban banks close at 4 pm on weekdays; ATMs are available 24 h.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Aruba?
The Aruban florin (AWG) is the official currency; US dollars are widely accepted and often quoted alongside florin prices.
Should I use cash or a card in Aruba?
Use cards for hotels, restaurants and larger shops; keep small cash (florins or USD) for snack bars, beach vendors and tipping.
How much should I tip in Aruba?
Tip about 10 % of the bill in restaurants; a few florins per bag for hotel staff and a similar amount for taxi drivers is customary.
Are ATMs easy to find?
ATMs are located in Oranjestad, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach and at the airport, dispensing florins and sometimes USD.
Do US dollars work everywhere?
Yes, most businesses accept USD, but some small vendors only take florins, so carry both.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialAruba Tourism Authority
Ask about Aruba
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