lyndacf

We're going to Aruba for the first time next week. Any feedback for the following would be greatly appreciated!

-we've been told there's no need to rent a car and that everything is easily accessible by car/bus. is this true? how much $ is average cabfare?
-how do you handle your phone calls back to the U.S.? pre-paid phone cards (suggestions?) or cell phone (international charges?)
-anyone ever stayed at the Divi Village Resort(Oraanjestad)?
-should we bring bug repellent?

Thanks every one!

amrdia

First and foremost RELAX! This is what is best done on Aruba. You do not need to rent a car. If you choose rent one for a day or so. The cabs are plentiful and generally upscale Benz lexus and nice clean cars. The drivers are very friendly. Fares from airport to resort and from resort to town are between $7-10 each way. We did not need bug repellant.
We did not call home we e-mailed from resort. Set times to be online. Better yet forget home exists and hjave fun.
Make sure you eat at Madamm Jeannettes, take the catamaran ride to Venezuala, take a jeep ride around the island. The short 4hr is best. If you are a partier there is a booze bus that picks you up at resort KooKu Kanuku. Takes you to lighthouse for sunset toast dinner at former prime minister house, local bars and disco`. About $50/ person for all night party. Drinks and dinner included. absolute ball. As a benchmark I am 43 and my wife is 42. If you have any further questions please ask.

lyndacf

Hi Amrdia,
Thank you so much for all your help! I also heard about the Kukoo Kunuku Party bus and will now make sure we don't miss it. Our flight for Aruba leaves first thing tomorrow morning and my husband and I have been so busy that we haven't really had a chance to research for our vacation. Thanks again for everything! Greatly appreciated!

TioGringo

While I would agree that there is no NEED to rent a car in Aruba, you might still want to do it...

Rental cars aren't that expensive (I can snag 'em right now for as little as $30/day for a Toyota compact). You'll save at least a day or two of the price just on taxis to/from the airport since all the hotels are on the opposite side of Oranjestad from the airport.

With the car, you can go where you want, when you want. There are buses, and they aren't very expensive. But they don't run real late (if you're planning to do night clubbing or casinos in Oranjestad til the wee hours), and they won't get you out to some of the places you might want to go.

For me, the few dollars I'd save by using buses and taxis wasn't worth the more limited flexibility. Getting around is SO easy, never a worry about getting too lost.

I will say this...rental cars might be cheap, but gas is EXPEN$IVE on Aruba.

Just my opinion...

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com/aruba.html

jacketwatch

You are going to have FUN! Relax and enjoy it. And get used to saying and hearing "bon dia" the Aruban Papiemento for good day or hello. Bon Dia!

TravelingSue

There is a set rate for taxis set by the government.

Please visit this site. http://www.aruba-bb.com/auxfiles/taxifares.html