Quick answer. Before you fly, fill in Aruba's online ED card, which collects the $20 Sustainability Fee by card for visitors aged 8 and over. On arrival you do not need florins: US dollars are taken everywhere at about 1.75 to 1.80 florins to the dollar. Taxis charge set fares under the 2026 tariff, about $26 to Oranjestad, $37 to Eagle Beach and $41 to Palm Beach for up to four people, plus $5 at night and on Sundays, payable in cash. The Arubus costs $2.60 in cash. Aruba has no Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner.
Where to get Aruban florins at AUA
At AUA most Americans need no florins. A card with no foreign transaction fee, plus a few small US notes for the taxi and the bus, is the cheapest way through. Figures assume $100 worth of spending.
| Option | Where | Markup | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paying by a no-FX-fee card, in dollars or florins | Everywhere | Network rate | ~$100 |
| Paying in US cash, change in florins | Shops and taxis | 1-3% on the shop's change rate | ~$101-103 |
| Bank ATM, in florins | Arrivals hall | Operator fee plus your bank's fee | ~$103-106 |
| Accepting 'charge in USD' on a florin card terminal | Restaurants and shops | +3-7% conversion markup | ~$103-107 |
Bank machines at Aruba (AUA), the taxi stand and the bus stop
Queen Beatrix is a compact airport a few kilometres south-east of Oranjestad, and one of only two in the Caribbean with US preclearance: on the way home you clear US customs here, so leave plenty of time. Arrivals is small, with a bank branch and machines before the exit, car hire desks and the taxi dispatcher outside. Machines from Aruba Bank, CMB and RBC Royal Bank are found here and across the island; most dispense Aruban florins, and some offer US dollars. You rarely need either: hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tours all price in dollars and take cards. The catch is the change, which often comes back in florins at the shop's rate. The Aruba money guide covers the florin, tipping and the hotel taxes.
Arrivals hall
All international flights: American, United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, KLM, Avianca and the regional carriers
After immigration and customs, there is a bank in the hall and machines nearby. Choose florins or dollars on screen, and decline any offer to convert into your home currency. The taxi dispatcher and the car hire desks are just outside.
US departures and preclearance
Flights to the United States
Check in, then clear US customs and immigration before the gate. Airlines recommend arriving three hours ahead. Spend your florin coins first: they are not exchangeable at home.
Arubus stop
Public buses to Oranjestad and on to the hotel areas
On the main road just outside the terminal. Pay the driver $2.60 in cash, US dollars or florins, with small notes or exact change. A smartcard is available but needs ID and a deposit, so most visitors pay cash.
Do you actually need cash at Aruba (AUA)?
For the taxi and the bus, yes, in US dollars or florins. For almost everything else, no:
Taxi to Oranjestad (about $26 for up to four): About 10 minutes; official 2026 tariff, plus $5 at night, on Sundays and holidays.
Taxi to Eagle Beach (about $37 for up to four): About 15-20 minutes; $3 per extra bag.
Taxi to Palm Beach (about $41 for up to four): About 20-25 minutes; card payment only when booked through the official app.
Arubus ($2.60 one way): Change in Oranjestad for the hotel areas; cash on board.
⚠ DCC trap. When the ATM or terminal asks if you want to be charged in your home currency instead of the local currency, always decline and choose the local currency. Accepting locks in a 3-13 percent markup that your no-FX-fee card cannot undo. Full DCC explainer →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash to get from Aruba (AUA) to Oranjestad?
Yes, a little. Taxis from the airport are paid in cash, in US dollars or florins, at the government's set fares; the Arubus also takes cash only on board. After that, cards cover almost everything on the island.
Can I order Aruban florins before flying?
No. US dollars are accepted everywhere in Aruba, so there is no need to buy florins. Bring small US notes for the taxi, the bus and tips. CEI Currency Exchange ships US dollars in small denominations if you want them ready.
What is the Aruba Sustainability Fee?
A 20 dollar fee charged to visitors aged 8 and over who arrive by air, introduced in July 2024. It is paid by card as part of the online ED card, which every visitor must complete before travelling, and is charged once per calendar year. Cruise passengers do not pay it.
How much is a taxi from Aruba airport to Palm Beach?
About 41 dollars for up to four passengers under the tariff in force since May 2026, plus a 5 dollar surcharge at night, on Sundays and on public holidays, and 3 dollars per extra bag. Eagle Beach is about 37 dollars and Oranjestad about 26. Pay in cash unless you book through the official taxi app.
Should I pay in dollars or florins in Aruba?
By card, choose florins if the terminal asks, and let your own card convert: it is usually cheaper than the terminal's dollar rate. In cash, US dollars are fine, but expect change in florins at a rate of about 1.75 to 1.80, slightly worse than the bank rate.