Things to know about Aruba
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Location
Aruba is the most western-located island of the Leeward Islands. The island is over 193 km2 in size. Its size can be compared to the island of Texel in The Netherlands.
The average temperature is 28o C and the north-east tradewind always blows. The warmest months of the year are August, September, and October. Most rain falls in the months of November, December, and January. The time difference with the Netherlands in summer is 6 hours and in winter 5 hours (earlier).
Population
In most Arubans their Indian descent can be observed. But Dutch and Spanish influences are also clearly present. The Indian features do not come from the original Indian population but from the Indians who came later, mainly from Venezuela and Colombia, and who were from descent.
With the arrival of the oil industry in 1920, people from all over the world went to Aruba, resulting in more than 40 nationalities living here at present. The number of residents nowadays (2006) is approximately 100,000.
Religion
With the arrival of the Spaniards, the roman-catholic faith was brought to Aruba. Almost all Indians very quickly converted to roman-catholicism. Also the Indians on the island from the South American continent later, had already met the roman-catholic faith there. At the moment, approximately 80% of the population is roman-catholic.
The language
Various languages are spoken in Aruba. Although Dutch is the official language, Papiamento is the language spoken most. Papiamento originates from Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French. The word Papiamento comes from the verb 'papia', which means 'to speak'. The basis of Papiamento comes mainly from Spain and Portugal. In addition to Papiamento and Dutch, most Arubans often also speak Spanish and English fluently.
Education
Education in Aruba is, from a Caribbean point of view, at a relatively high level. There are public schools and schools for special education. The educational system in Aruba is based on the Dutch educational system. In addition to the regular subjects, children are also taught Papiamento. After elementary school, one can choose from secondary education and vocational training. In Aruba one can choose from three different studies at a university level, for other studies students mainly have to go abroad.
Water and electricity
It is not necessary to buy bottled water in Aruba, tap water is pure and has been distilled at a desalination plant. Oil is refined in the south-western corner of the island; a by-product of which process is an abundance of drinking water and electricity. There are hardly any power failures, and the island uses the American standard voltage of 110 A.C. as in the US and Canada.
Traffic
As in the Netherlands, people drive on the right side of the road in Aruba. In general, the same traffic rules are used, but for a few exceptions. These exceptions are:
Speed
The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 kilometers per hour. Outside built-up areas the speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour. On several roads this speed limit varies, which is indicated with signs.
The Aruban police have so-called speed guns. This manual device can measure the speed of passing vehicles. The device can be used without attracting attention, this is done regularly. In general, speed limits apply for clear reasons and are attuned to braking distance, a clear view, the (bad) condition of the road surface, etc..
There is a mandatory distance of 4 meters between motor vehicles in a built-up area.
Driver's license
The Dutch driver's license is valid in Aruba as well as most other driver's licenses. This Bureau is located opposite the police station in Oranjestad. Registration is free of charge. You have to take your driver's license, an extract from the Registry Office of Aruba and a recent passport picture. Your address in Aruba is then printed on your driver's license. If the driver's license is registered in Aruba, you can apply for a new one here in case of loss or theft. If your driver's license is not registered here, you have to apply for a new one in your own country in case of loss.
Documents
During traffic surveillance, the driver of a vehicle might have to show the following documents:
- Valid driver's license
- Valid inspection card
- Valid insurance certificate
- Receipt of road tax
You also have to watch out during and after a tropical rain shower. The roads will be as slippery as glass due to loosening dirt.
Permits
On order to intern legally in Aruba, you need a intership permit. Thir permit can be aquired by visiting several official institutions and handing important documents. This is a very time consuming operation and therefore JobCare offers the service to apply for your internship permit. For more information about this permit and the documents needed to apply for one, please contact JobCare at contact@jobcareworks.com.
Hotels & Beach
Aruba's economy is, for the greater part, based on tourism. Although they do not seem to be, all beaches, also those in front of the hotels, are freely accessible. The beach huts, lounge chairs and the like, are rented out by the hotels. If you use the beach at a hotel, please take into account that the hotel will do anything to keep their residents happy.
Pets
Bringing a cat or a dog from abroad is no problem at all. Taking them back is not a problem either, except when animals fall under the Endangered Exotic Animal Species Act. A large part of the parrots in Aruba fall under this Act and the penalties for 'smuggling' are high. So: do not buy a parrot (leave them comfortably in their own surroundings), or make sure that you are allowed to import the animal in your country.
Important telephone numbers
| JobCare | 583 0282 |
| Alarm number Police | 100 |
| Ambulance |
115 |
| Hospital | 587 4300 |
| Taxi centre |
582 2116 |
| Information | 118 |
| Airport | 582 4800 |
| Service pharmacy | 587 4300 |
