Driving

[KATH2ME]

Hi all,
is driving on the same side as here in the states ? I know its a island, kind of hard to get lost ( although we can get lost going around the corner, sad to say ) but, how long is it from beginning to end ? '
I have been thinking about renting a car, just to explore a little. What about Sunday, does everything close that day, I mean like the town stores ?

[Arubalisa]

Yes, Aruba drives on the right hand side of the road as here in the US. International driver's license is NOT needed.
http://www.aruba.com/whattodo/traffictips.php

Stores in Oranjestad are closed on Sundays with the exception of when there is a cruise ship in town. In that case, some of the stores will open afternoon from approx. Noon to 5 p.m.

Use this schedule http://www.arubabycruise.com/stats/index.html to determine, if and when cruise ships will be in port while you are on the island. An important consideration when booking excursions as well. Those are usually the best days to just hang out at the beach.

[Liz - Aruba Lover]

Shopping on Sunday: Stores in the malls downtown are closed. You may find some jewelry & smaller shops open when cruise ships are in.

It's better to take the bus (stops outside Radisson) or taxi downtown as sometimes its hard to find a space. Though I do find parking at the Renaissance Ocean suites.


Things to know when driving in Aruba.

• There is no turn on red lights as is the custom in some parts of the U.S.
• Driving is on the same side as the U.S.
• Gas is expensive. The current price is http://www.arubalife.net/gasoline/
• A few times I got robbed when filling up. Whatever the total on the gas pump that I would pay in US $. Not realizing that the total was in Aruban florins (my brain was on vacation). Prices at gas stations are based 1.75 Afl to $1 US. Now when I gas up, I tell the attendant (say) $10. Then I know the pump should say 17.50.
• There are very few traffic lights. Several new traffic circles (roundabouts) have been added.
• Other general driving info http://www.visitaruba.com/facts/general/driving.html
• Traffic signs http://www.aruba.com/whattodo/traffictips.php

[Cosmo]

driving in Aruba is relatively easy just pay atention if you drive inland then turn towards beach things are easier. travel signs and meaning are available on line enjoy the ride

[danadog56]

you know.....I drive on hte island and still manage to forget what the road signs mean when I get in a pinch and have to make a slpit decision.....probably why I can't drive a quad either.....
But just wanted to thank Liz and Arubalisa for all of the info they seem to always have up their sleeves....

[curlylaura]

Its those darn roundabouts that freak me out. sometimes i just close my eyes and pray!!! other than that it is relatively very easy to get around and i get lost very easily also.

[karebear70]

Its cool that you can drive your four wheeler on the roads!
We rented a car too for three days, but the funnest is touring on a scooter, it was amazing!

[Andrea J.]

we new englanders are very familiar with roundabouts/rotarys.
the deal is................the car in the rotary has the right of way. (always yield to the car that is in the rotary as you are entering a rotary)

we have been driving in aruba for eeons and have no problem (usually) 'cept when i go right on red and get caught!

andrea

Originally Posted by curlylaura

Its those darn roundabouts that freak me out. sometimes i just close my eyes and pray!!! other than that it is relatively very easy to get around and i get lost very easily also.

[KATH2ME]

LIZ, you may be right, sticking with the buses and taxis might be the best. My husband gets antsy after awhile, I just thought maybe if we had a car , we could do a little escape. I was just trying to be thoughtful, but you are right.
Karebear, I heard driving those scooters on the main roads can be a little dangerous.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by KATH2ME

My husband gets antsy after awhile, I just thought maybe if we had a car , we could do a little escape.

Two cures for that :

• go to the casino and make a "donation" or
• go downtown to Oranjestad and shop in the heat until he begs you to take him back to the beach for a swim.