Money

[LindaBoston]

My husband wants to know how much money to bring, and if he should get travelerschecks or use credit or debit. Is it easier to use debit or credit in Aruba, is there that extra international fee (in Mexico we had to pay some international fee when we used our debit card). He doesn't want to bring cash, though we will bring some. I expect that we will be spending a reasonable amount of money, probably a few thousand??, because we will be there for 10 days and eating out every day. I would like a few thoughts on this, can't seem to find any.

[cindyo]

Debit cards/ATM machines are all over the island. Check with your credit card company to verify you can use your card out of the country. Many need to know in advance. We usually bring both travelers checks and our credit cards. Hotel lobbeys will cash your travelers checks for you. On average, for 4 of us, 2 teens and 2 adults, we spend approx $200-225.00 a day for food, drinks, ice cream etc.

[sagman17]

i'd bring some cash..most nicer hotels have safes in the rooms so you can lock up your valuables..also the island is safe so you don't have to worry about carrying around some cash..some of the smaller places if you're stopping for a quick drink you want to have cash available..also if you go to the flea market or the boutiques by the marina you will need some cash to barter with to get your gifts for a cheaper price..plus if you go to an atm i believe it's a $5 transaction fee even if you're taking out $20..enjoy and have fun...

[TomFrederick]

>>> "We usually bring both travelers checks and our credit cards. Hotel lobbeys will cash your travelers checks for you."
----- Ditto. Would not use a Dedit Card at restaurants and shops. Ok at a bank ATM to get $$$. Every few months on one of the many Aruban BB's you hear where someone's card number is used after they use it. Sure you protest and you get your $$$ back but how long does that take. And with a Debit Card that $$$ comes right out of your checking. Have always brought American Express Travel Checks and your resort front desk and casinos will cash them. Restaurants will accept them for payment.
Bring the new 50$$ bills. Don't be surprised to see some places hold the bills up to a light to see the watermarks.
>>> "in Aruba, is there that extra international fee"
----- This depends on your Bank. Some banks charge, some don't.
My wife and I have different Chase Visa Credit Cards(different rewards) and in the past never a foreign transaction fee in Aruba. Other banks do charge that fee. So it just depends what credit card you have.

[Arubalisa]

Before traveling with an ATM card, please check with your bank's policies regarding lost and stolen cards. Rules and policies are not necessarily the same as they are with credit cards where you are normally liable for only the first $50 in charges.

http://www.pirg.org/consumer/banks/debit/debitcards1.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/atmcard.shtm

http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/fitness/archive/2001/ff20010808.htm
"Debit cards. The rules are similar for debit cards, but there are a few restrictions. For example, your liability under federal law is limited to $50, but only if you notify the issuer within two business days of discovering the card's loss or theft. [this would probably be easy if you travel and access the internet daily to check your account balances.] Your liability could jump to $500 if you put it off. And even this cap is lifted if you wait more than 60 calendar days from the time your bank statement is mailed."

Credit cards are widely accepted all over the island.

[henne822]

Hello,
I have seen several suggestions about money and how to deal with the form. I think I've settled on bringing Travler's cheques. I was wondering with the exchange is it better to have American or Aruba currency (sorry not sure what it is called)? I have seen some say that places have prices for both, but is it more advantageous to have one than the other? Also staying at the Hyatt? Anyone hear if I can bring liqour into the room...I know I cant use their mini fridge to store it, I was thinking of buying a cheap cooler.

Thanks in advance,
Bill

[Shnyda]

I think I've settled on bringing Travler's cheques.
Always a good plan - just don't forget to bring some cash as well.

I was wondering with the exchange is it better to have American or Aruba currency (sorry not sure what it is called)? I have seen some say that places have prices for both, but is it more advantageous to have one than the other?


Aruban currency is the Florin. The rate is pegged to the US Dollar. 1 AFL = 1.79 USD. I think it has been like that since the mid eighties or early nineties.

In the tourist areas you will pay with USD and typically get your paper money change in USD and coins in AFL. Out of the tourist areas - they will always take your USD, but wont always have change. When this happens - keep an eye on the amount of change they give you. I typically keep a small amount of AFL on me when in Aruba just in case. I have never really had a problem when using USD. All the casinos I have been to use USD.



Also staying at the Hyatt? Anyone hear if I can bring liqour into the room...I know I cant use their mini fridge to store it, I was thinking of buying a cheap cooler.

A hotel isn't like a cruise (I am very anti-cruise) - you are free to bring food and booze in as much as you like. A few years back we stayed at the Marriott. I brought down one of the cheap collapsable Coors Light coolers that you sometimes get with a case of beer and filled it with ice daily and brough it down to the pool filled with beer. We saved a ton of money $1.50 beers vs. $6 beers. We made a lot of friends this way by giving away beers to people sitting near us!

Don't mess with the mini-bars in the rooms. They have sensors that charge you when things move. Buy a cheap cooler at the supermarket or bring a collapsable one with you.



Have a great trip!!!

[Liz - Aruba Lover]

There is no reason to exchange money. You will find everthing in the hotels, restaurants, shops, casinos in the tourists areas in U.S. currency. A few Dutch owned restaurants such as Bingo! Cafe, Cafe Remembrandt, Que Pasa will have their menus prices in Aruban currency but also U.S. $'s. At the major supermarkets prices are in Afl. At the cashier register, they will convert into U.S. $. Taxi's and the bus are also in U.S.

[henne822]

Appreciate the quick response. You guys are great. US it is....

[sunnysmiles]

We always paid in US but towards the end of our trip we had enough Florin change we started to use it so we wouldn't have to bring it home.