So you’re heading to Aruba. You’ve probably seen the photos of flamingos on the beach and those leaning Divi-Divi trees. But then you start looking at your wallet and wondering: do I actually need to swap my greenbacks for that colorful local cash? If you search for aruba florin to us dollar, you’ll get a bunch of dry currency converters telling you that $1 is worth about 1.79 florin.
That’s true, but it’s also not the whole story.
I’ve spent enough time wandering around Oranjestad and the "low-rise" hotel area to tell you that money in Aruba is weirdly simple but also kinda confusing if you aren’t prepared. It isn’t like going to Europe where you’re basically forced to use Euros. In Aruba, the US dollar is like the popular guest that never left the party.
The Peg: Why the Aruba Florin to US Dollar Rate Never Actually Changes
Most currencies dance around every day. The Euro goes up, the Yen goes down, and travelers get a headache trying to time their bank withdrawals. Aruba doesn’t play that game. Since 1986, the Aruba florin to US dollar exchange rate has been officially pegged by the Centrale Bank van Aruba.
The official rate is $1.00 USD to 1.79 AWG.
It hasn’t budged in decades. This stability is the backbone of the island’s economy. Because so much of Aruba’s business comes from American tourists, they decided a long time ago that fighting over exchange rates was bad for vibes (and business).
Honestly, it’s a relief. You don’t have to check a ticker every morning to see if your lunch just got 5% more expensive. However—and this is a big "however"—while the official rate is 1.79, you will almost never see that number at a cash register.
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The "Street" Rate vs. The "Bank" Rate
If you go to a supermarket like Super Food or Ling & Sons, or if you’re filling up a rental car at a gas station, they usually use a simplified rate of 1.75.
Why? Because math is hard when you’re standing in a humid checkout line.
- Official Bank Rate: 1.79
- Most Shops/Gas Stations: 1.75
- Some Restaurants/High-end Shops: 1.80
You’ve gotta realize that by paying in dollars at a shop using the 1.75 rate, you’re technically losing a few pennies on the dollar. For a $10 souvenir, who cares? But if you’re paying for a $400 dinner for the whole family in cash, that small discrepancy starts to look like a lost cocktail.
Do You Actually Need Florins?
The short answer? No. Not really.
You can walk off the plane at Queen Beatrix International Airport with nothing but US twenties and a credit card and have a perfectly fine vacation. Taxis, hotels, and almost every restaurant in the high-rise district (Palm Beach) list prices in US dollars.
But there’s a catch that catches people off guard.
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Even if you pay in US dollars, you will very likely get your change back in Aruban florins. It’s the "Aruba Surprise." You hand over a $20 bill for a $12 burger, and instead of getting $8 back, you get a handful of florins and maybe a square coin.
Yes, a square coin. It's called a yotin, it's worth 50 cents, and it’s actually pretty cool. Most tourists end up keeping them as souvenirs because they look so distinct.
When Cash is King
Don't rely entirely on plastic. While Aruba is very modern, some things still require "paper."
- Taxis: Most Aruban cab drivers are cash only. They’ll take your dollars happily, but don't expect to swipe a Visa in the back of a van.
- Local Food Trucks: If you’re hitting up the late-night "sneki" spots or a pastechi stand in San Nicolas, cash makes life easier.
- Small Tips: Porters and housekeeping usually prefer US dollars, actually. It’s easier for them to save.
Dealing with the 1.3% Surprise
Here is something the brochures don't always mention: the government transaction tax. If you decide to go into an Aruba Bank or RBC branch to officially exchange aruba florin to us dollar, the government slaps on a 1.3% foreign exchange tax.
This is why many locals and savvy travelers prefer using ATMs. Aruban ATMs are everywhere, and most of them give you a choice: do you want Florins or US Dollars?
If you take out dollars, your home bank handles the conversion. If you take out florins, you’re locked into that local rate. Usually, it’s best to just stick to your home currency (USD) to avoid double-conversion fees—especially if you're Canadian or European and already dealt with one exchange to get into dollars.
Practical Spending Tips for the "One Happy Island"
- Avoid $50 and $100 bills. Many smaller shops and even some restaurants are terrified of counterfeit large US bills. They might flat-out refuse them. Stick to $5s, $10s, and $20s.
- Check your credit card's "Foreign Transaction Fee." Even though you're paying in USD, the transaction is processed in Aruba. If your card doesn't have "No Foreign Transaction Fees," you’ll get hit with a 3% charge on every swipe. That adds up fast.
- The "Florin Dump." On your last day, try to spend your remaining florins at the airport or a gift shop. Aruban florins are basically worthless once you leave the island. No bank in the US is going to exchange them for you. They’ll just become colorful bookmarks.
- Tipping is different. Many restaurants automatically add a 10% or 15% "service charge." This is not always the tip for the server; sometimes it goes to the house. Look at the bill closely. If it says service charge, ask if it goes to the waiter. If not, add a little extra in cash.
The Verdict on the Aruba Florin
At the end of the day, the aruba florin to us dollar relationship is one of the most stable in the world. You don’t need to stress about it. Think of the florin as a local specialty, like gouda cheese or keshi yena. It’s there, it’s fun to look at, and it’s useful for small things, but the US dollar runs the show.
If you’re worried about being "ripped off" on the exchange, just use a credit card that doesn't have foreign fees for your big purchases. For everything else, keep a stack of small US bills in your pocket and enjoy the sunshine.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check your wallet for any $50s or $100s and swap them for $20s at your local bank before you fly. Also, call your credit card company to ensure they won't freeze your account when they see a charge from an Aruban beach bar.