Last Updated on December 1, 2022 by Rachel

car-rental-Aruba
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Renting a car in Aruba gives you the flexibility to be able to leave your resort and explore the island. Here are some special considerations you should keep in mind.

Essential Tips for Renting a Car in Aruba

Book from home.

Don’t wait until you get off the plane to rent a vehicle. It will be cheaper to book your car before leaving home.

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You can use your U.S. license.

You don’t need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Aruba. The island’s official languages are Papiamento and Dutch, but most Arubans speak a minimum of four languages, including English and Spanish. You can drive with your state-issued license without worry.

Check your insurance coverage.

All car rentals in Aruba include basic third-party liability insurance. Check to see if your credit card benefits include car rental insurance before opting for the over-the-counter CDW/LDW option, which can run $10-$20 per day.

Ask to pay in florins.

When you book your rental, stipulate that you will pay in local currency. The car rental agency will likely offer to convert the price into US dollars using Dynamic Currency Conversion if you use a credit card to pay for your rental, but that will result in a higher rate and an extra administrative fee.

Distances are in kilometers, not miles.

One notable difference between Aruba and the U.S. is that driving speeds are measured in kilometers instead of miles. The signs will also be in Spanish, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with some basic vocabulary before you go.

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Be prepared for a few driving differences.

In Aruba, they drive on the right, like in the U.S. Be aware that most streets in Oranjestad are one-way. Aruba has a lot of traffic circles; always remember that cars already in the roundabout have the right of way.

Inspect the car carefully before driving it off the lot.

Make sure to protect yourself from potential false damage claims by carefully look over your car before taking it for a spin. Document every nick, scratch or dent. Your smartphone will come in handy for taking photos of any imperfections to ensure you won’t have to pay for them later.

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