Currency in Aruba: AWG Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Aruba with the Aruban florin
What's in this Aruba currency guide?
What currency is used in Aruba?
The official currency of Aruba (country code: AW) is the Aruban florin, with symbol ƒ and currency code AWG.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Aruba?
The domestic currency in Aruba is the Aruban florin.
What is the Aruban florin currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Aruban florin is AWG — symbol is ƒ.
What doe the Aruban florin look like?
Here is an example Aruban florin banknote:
Which countries use the Aruban florin?
It is the domestic currency in Aruba.
Is the Aruban florin a closed currency?
No, the Aruban florin is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and AWG?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to AWG (US dollar to Aruban florin)*.
*Converted at the current USDAWG interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Things to know about the Aruban florin
The currency code "AWG" refers to the Aruban florin, which is the official currency of Aruba. It is represented by the symbol "ƒ" and is abbreviated as AWG. The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents. The banknotes come in denominations of 5 florins, 10 florins, 25 florins, 50 florins, 100 florins, and 500 florins.
The banknotes feature images of famous Aruban historical figures, such as Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
Travel money for Aruba
Using Wise for Aruban florin travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Aruban florin otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Aruban florin cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the AWG cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Aruba is a Caribbean island located north of Venezuela. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is located outside the hurricane belt, making it a popular tourist destination known for its sunny weather and white sandy beaches. The island has a population of around 110,000 people and the official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, a Portuguese-based creole language.
What currency to use in Aruba?
The currency is the Aruban florin. The economy of Aruba is based largely on tourism, with the island attracting millions of visitors each year. It is also home to a number of natural attractions, including Arikok National Park, which covers about 20% of the island and features geological formations, caves, and wildlife.
Aruba is the most visited southern Caribbean Island.
Travel tips for Aruba.
Here are a few travel tips for visiting Aruba:
Pack light: Aruba has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging around 80-85°F (27-29°C) year-round. Light, breathable clothing is recommended.
Bring sunscreen and insect repellent: The sun is strong in Aruba, so be sure to bring sunscreen and reapply it frequently. Insect repellent can also be helpful to protect against mosquito bites.
Stay hydrated: It's important to stay hydrated in the warm, humid climate of Aruba. Bring a water bottle and refill it regularly to avoid dehydration.
Rent a car: Renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the island and visit attractions that are off the beaten path. Just be sure to drive on the right side of the road and observe local traffic laws.
Be prepared for the sun: The sun can be intense in Aruba, so be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing to shield yourself from the sun's rays.
Respect local customs: Aruba is a diverse island with a rich cultural heritage. It's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions during your visit.
Learn a few phrases in Papiamento: While most people in Aruba speak English, it's always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak the local language. Learning a few phrases in Papiamento can go a long way in showing your respect for the culture of Aruba.
If you are planning to visit Aruba, there are some things you should keep in mind in order to make the most of your trip. Here are some travel tips for Aruba:
1. Plan your trip in advance. Aruba is a very popular tourist destination, so it is advisable to book your hotel and flight well in advance.
2. Choose the right time to visit. Aruba has two main tourist seasons: the high season, from mid-December to mid-April, and the low season, from mid-April to mid-December. The high season is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Aruba, so if you want to save money, you should visit during the low season.
3. Know what to pack. Aruba has a tropical climate, so you should pack light, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the sun.
4. Bring cash. While most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, it is advisable to bring cash to pay for taxis and other incidentals.
5. Learn some basic words in Papiamento. Papiamento is the official language of Aruba, but English is also widely spoken. However, learning some basic words and phrases in Papiamento will help you to communicate with the locals.
USD/AWG Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/AWG change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Aruba - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Aruba you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Aruba
When sending money to Aruba it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Aruban florin amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted AWG amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Aruba.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Aruban florin deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Managing money while living and working in Aruba
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
Understand Aruban florin currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the AWG exchange rate and consider using a money transfer specialist or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Aruban florin bank account: A local AWG bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Aruba. It may also be more convenient to use a local AWG bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Aruba. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Aruba. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Aruba, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
We have put together some key points to help managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Aruba.
Laws in Aruba to be aware of
Here are a few laws to be aware of while visiting Aruba:
Drug possession is illegal: Possession of even small amounts of drugs can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. If you plan on drinking, be sure to arrange for a designated driver or use a taxi or other ride-sharing service.
Public displays of affection are not allowed: In Aruba, it is considered inappropriate to engage in public displays of affection, such as kissing or holding hands.
Photography of certain locations is prohibited: It is illegal to take photographs of certain government buildings, military installations, and airports in Aruba.
Respect local customs: Aruba is a diverse island with a rich cultural heritage. It's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions during your visit.
It's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs before traveling to a new destination. If you have any specific questions about laws in Aruba, it's best to consult with local authorities or your embassy.