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Car Rentals
To rent a car you need a driver's license, and you must meet the minimum age requirements of the company (Budget, for example requires drivers to be over 25; Avis, between 23 and 70; and Hertz, over 21). A deposit of $500 (or a signed credit-card slip) is required. Rates are typically between $35 and $65 a day (local agencies generally have lower rates). Insurance is available typically starting at $10 per day; and all companies offer unlimited mileage.
Rules of the Road: As in the U.S. and Canada, driving is on the right side of the road. Traffic signs use international symbols; most are self-explanatory, but some aren't. Ask your car-rental agency for a sheet of the symbols, and take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with them. There are no right turns on red. Car speedometers and road signs are in kilometers. The speed limit in urban areas is 40kmph (about 25 mph); out of town it's 60kmph (about 37 mph), unless otherwise posted. Much of Oranjestad's traffic is one-way; at intersections where there are no road signs, traffic from your right has the right of way. An increase in the number of cars on the islands means traffic can become a little congested just before 9am and just after 5pm on weekdays. Saturday night in Oranjestad can rival Times Square.
Driving Hazards: Most of Aruba's roads are pretty good, but the traffic signs leave much to be desired. Few streets outside of Oranjestad are marked, and signs to major tourist attractions look as if they were made by neighborhood kids decades ago. Try to keep your eye on the road, though, because iguanas and goats pose unusual traffic hazards. Arubans are considerate, cautious drivers for the most part, although they seem to drive either too fast or too slowly. For a small town, Oranjestad has big-city traffic much of the day. Seatbelt laws exist but are often ignored, as are drunk driving laws. Helmets are required by law for all two-wheel vehicles, but be warned, scooter helmets at some rental places bear the following caveat: This helmet is a novelty item; and is not intended for use as protective headgear. (!)
Your travel agent can arrange cars with the usual assortment of rental companies. Open top jeeps are available. They sound great, but Aruba is a hot and sunny place. It's nice to get out of the sun when you are not on the beach, playing golf, tennis etc. You're the guest and it's your call; just our comment. Get a road map from the gas station. Worth the small cost.
A word of advice, check the tires when you pick up your car. Personally, I have gotten flat tires on multiple occassions... not a big deal, but annoying!
TRAC Car Rental
Phone: 297/8-34902
Fax: 297/8-24925
Email: toyota.rentacar@setarnet.aw
Avis
Kolibristraat 14, Oranjestad, Aruba., Phone: 297/582-8787
Airport, Phone: 297/582-5496
Budget
Kolibristraat 1, Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone: 297/582-8600 or 800/472-3325
Dollar
Grendeaweg 15, Oranjestad, Aruba. Phone: 297/582-2783
Airport, Phone: 297/582-5651
Manchebo Beach Resort, J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 55, Phone: 297/582-6696
Economy
Kolibristraat 5, Aruba. Phone: 297/582-5176
www.economyaruba.com
Hedwina Car Rental
Bubali 93A, Noord, Aruba. Phone: 297/587-6442
Airport, Phone: 297/583-0880
Hertz
Sabana Blanco 35, near the airport, Aruba. Phone: 297/582-1845
Airport, Phone: 297/582-9112
National
Tanki Leendert 170, Noord, Aruba. Phone: 297/587-1967
Airport, Phone: 297/582-5451
Thrifty
Balashi 65, Santa Cruz, Aruba. Phone: 297/585-5300
Airport, Phone: 297/583-5335
Ace Car Rental
Paradera 7, Aruba Dutch Caribbean
Cell: (297) 593-0575
Airport: (297) 583-0840
Fax: (297) 582-3898
Toll FREE : 1-866-978-5191
www.acearuba.com/
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