Currency
Aruba's currency is the florin denoted by the letters 'Awg.'but also widely known as 'Afl.' The official rate at which banks acceptU.S. dollar banknotes is Awg. 1,77 and checks at Awg. 1,78. The rate of exchange grantedby shops and hotels ranges from Awg. 1,75 to Awg. 1,80 per U.S. dollar. U.S. Dollars arewidely accepted in Aruba, and banks may exchange other foreign currency.Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are widely accepted and there is nocharge for using them in hotels, restaurants and stores. Major credit cardsare accepted at most establishments while personal checks are normally not accepted.The Aruban florin is divided into 100 cents andthere are coins of 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, 1 florin (100 cents) as well as the 5 florin coin. The square shaped 50 cent "yotin" coin is probably Aruba's best-known coin.
Banknotes are issued in denominations of10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 florins. Many souvenirs are made with the square 50 cent coinwhile the coin itself makes a unique gift for numismatic friends.
Cash may be obtained with MasterCard,Visa and American Express cards at credit card offices, banks,in some casinos and via Western Union. ATM cards and credit cards are accepted byATMs of Aruba Bank, Banco di Caribe, RBTT Bank, and Caribbean Mercantile Bank.The card must have either a Cirrus or Visa Plus logo.ATM instructions are normally given in Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento. Cash is normally dispensed in local currency.
ATM Machines
Travelers with ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS, MAESTRO or PlusSystem network logos can withdraw cash in Aruban florins. Home bank accounts willbe debited in dollars at a favorable exchange rate, and a service charge will apply.Before departing for Aruba, it's important to verify whether your PIN number will work inAruba by calling 1-800-4-CIRRUSBanking
You may open a bank account on the island but some restrictions may apply. Normally arecommendation from your bank at home and/or a letter from a recognized professional suchas an accountant or lawyer is required. It is also possible for foreigners to buy a house or propertyin Aruba and in such a case it is recommended that a lawyer or a notary, who under DutchLaw is a Doctor of Civil Law, (not merely a person authorized to witness documents),advises you so as to protect your interests and supply you with the correct informationregarding your purchase.Banking hours: Typically weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some banks close during lunchtime (12:00 - 1:30p.m.). Some are open longer on Fridays (until 5 or 6 p.m.).
Equity Trust (formerly ABN AMRO Trust Company (Curaçao) N.V.)
Provides a full range of corporate management, administration and fiduciary services.
Aruba Bank
Aruba Bank offers commercial and retail banking services. Also offers offshore banking services. The bank has international ties with prominent financial institutions, ensuring complete and global services to its customers.
Aruba International Trust Company N.V.
Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard 162, P.O. Box 1321
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: +297 8 25266
Fax: +297 8 31946
Aruban Investment Bank
Wilhelminastraat 38
P.O. Box 1011, Oranjestad, Aruba,
Phone: (297) 582-7327
Fax: (297) 582-7461
Banco di Caribe
The first onshore bank in the Netherlands Antilles to introduce on-line/real time banking administration.
Caribbean Mercantile Bank N.V.
Caribbean Mercantile Bank N.V. offers the latest banking products to the private individual.
RBTT Bank Aruba N.V. (formerly First National Bank of Aruba NV)
RBTT Bank Aruba N.V. is a dynamic and growing Bank that offers a comprehensive range of Banking Services.
Maduro & Curiel's Bank N.V.
Private Banking Department offers a range of services, including the incorporation, management and administration of offshore companies through its trust companies, certificates of deposit as well as checking and savings accounts in all major currencies, insurance, and international credit cards
Credit Card & Traveler's Check Representatives
American ExpressS.E.L. Maduro & Sons, Rockefellerstr, 1, Oranjestad, Tel. 23888, office hours8:00 - 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed on officialholidays. Services include personal check cashing, refunds, exchange and replacement of American Express Traveler checks, American Express Card replacementservice, report of lost or stolen American Express Cards.
Visa/Master Card
Aruba Bank, Caribbean Mercantile Bank and Interbank. Services available tocardholders include cash advance, report of lost or stolen Visa/Master Card. Either yourpassport or two other valid identifications are required.
The Aruba Banks listed above can also dispense US currency.