I am going to Aruba for the first time March 17-26. I would like to know about renting a cell phone to call home to boston or is emailing on the internet (which all the resorts have for free) easier? I do want to keep in touch with home, but not too much. The other thought I have is clothing....what do people wear, jeans? shorts? sundresses? (especially in the casinos/restaraunts)...

Renting a phone is easy. We rented last year from http://arubafastphones.com/. We reserved on line and picked up the phone at the airport on arrival.

Email is (usually) cheaper.

Aruba is 'resort casual'. The dressiest anyone needs to get is long pants and a shirt with a collar - and that is only for a few restaurants.

Though the locals wear jeans few of the visitors do (especially not the ladies). Shorts are the common thing, sundresses also. Some folks take a sweater for the casinos because they find it cold there. I believe that to be the thin folks. . I have never needed a sweater in Aruba.

Take twice the bathing suits and none of the posh clothes.

Aruba Trip Reports

Hi I got to the store and purchase either a SETAR or a VENTAHA phone card for like 20-25 bucks you get a lot of minutes and can be used at any pay phone or even your hotel room for a charge.

Auntie mame is correct about the dress code or lack thereof.
"resort casual" is the theme and dress as auntie says and you will be perfect.

most resorts do not have FREE internet access. most have a charge. some have setarnet wifi for $35 week.
check with your resort re: the charge and availability of internet and if wifi is available.

i 2nd the recommendation fo renting from fastphones.
the owner/proprietor is a true gentleman and a good businessman.
i'd give him the business.
rates are reasonable and he will email you your phone number prior to arriving in aruba so you can leave it with the folks that are at home.
andrea

Kevin @ USS Constitution at his commissioning from Midshipman to Ensign 6/20/08

We have verizon cell phones and last year they activated international calling, it's free with your service, and used that. We found it to be very resonable and a lot cheaper than useing the land line phones there. Plus our kids could call us anytime!

as long as you have a tri banded phone you should be able to call home from aruba..check with your carrier and see if they offer calls to and from the caribbean..if they do and you have the proper phone ask them to activate that feature on your phone..it should be around $1.99 minute..but beware if your phone is on while your in aruba and you get a call you need not answer it just to be charged..you would think you would only be charged if you answered the phone but if your phone is turned on and you don't answer the call and let it go to voicemail you still will be charged a fee..so if you bring your phone to aruba keep it turned off and only turn it on when you want to make a call..

scott and tricia