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ArubaHouse:
Currency, ATMs & Banking |
Currency
Aruba's currency is the florin denoted by the letters 'Awg.'
but also widely known as 'Afl.' The official rate at which banks accept
U.S. dollar banknotes is Awg. 1,77 and checks at Awg. 1,78. The rate of exchange granted
by shops and hotels ranges from Awg. 1,75 to Awg. 1,80 per U.S. dollar. U.S. Dollars are
widely accepted in Aruba, and banks may exchange other foreign currency.
Traveler's Checks
Traveler's checks are widely accepted and there is no
charge for using them in hotels, restaurants and stores. Major credit cards
are accepted at most establishments while personal checks are normally not accepted.
The Aruban florin is divided into 100 cents and
there are coins of 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, 1 florin (100 cents) as well as the 5 florin coin. The square shaped 50 cent "yotin" coin is probably Aruba's best-known coin.
Banknotes are issued in denominations of
10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 florins. Many souvenirs are made with the square 50 cent coin
while the coin itself makes a unique gift for numismatic friends.
Cash may be obtained with MasterCard,
Visa and American Express cards at credit card offices, banks,
in some casinos and via Western Union. ATM cards and credit cards are accepted by
ATMs of Aruba Bank, Banco di Caribe, RBTT Bank, and Caribbean Mercantile Bank.
The card must have either a Cirrus or Visa Plus logo.
ATM instructions are normally given in Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento. Cash is normally dispensed in local currency.
ATM Machines
Travelers with ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS, MAESTRO or Plus
System network logos can withdraw cash in Aruban florins. Home bank accounts will
be debited in dollars at a favorable exchange rate, and a service charge will apply.
Before departing for Aruba, it's important to verify whether your PIN number will work in
Aruba by calling 1-800-4-CIRRUS
Banking
You may open a bank account on the island but some restrictions may apply. Normally a
recommendation from your bank at home and/or a letter from a recognized professional such
as an accountant or lawyer is required. It is also possible for foreigners to buy a house or property
in Aruba and in such a case it is recommended that a lawyer or a notary, who under Dutch
Law is a Doctor of Civil Law, (not merely a person authorized to witness documents),
advises you so as to protect your interests and supply you with the correct information
regarding your purchase.
Banking hours: Typically weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some banks close during lunchtime (12:00 - 1:30
p.m.). Some are open longer on Fridays (until 5 or 6 p.m.).
Equity Trust (formerly ABN AMRO
Trust Company (Curaçao) N.V.)
Provides a full range of corporate management, administration and fiduciary
services.
Aruba Bank
Aruba Bank offers commercial and retail banking services.
Also offers offshore banking services. The bank has international ties
with prominent financial institutions, ensuring complete and global services
to its customers.
Aruba International Trust Company N.V.
Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard 162, P.O. Box 1321
Oranjestad, Aruba
Tel: +297 8 25266
Fax: +297 8 31946
Aruban Investment Bank
Wilhelminastraat 38
P.O. Box 1011, Oranjestad, Aruba,
Phone: (297) 582-7327
Fax: (297) 582-7461
Banco di Caribe
The first onshore bank in the Netherlands Antilles to introduce on-line/real
time banking administration.
Caribbean Mercantile Bank N.V.
Caribbean Mercantile Bank N.V. offers the latest banking products to the
private individual.
RBTT Bank Aruba N.V. (formerly First National Bank of Aruba NV)
RBTT Bank Aruba N.V. is a dynamic and growing Bank that offers
a comprehensive range of Banking Services.
Maduro & Curiel's Bank N.V.
Private Banking Department offers a range of services, including the incorporation,
management and administration of offshore companies through its trust
companies, certificates of deposit as well as checking and savings accounts
in all major currencies, insurance, and international credit cards
Credit Card & Traveler's Check Representatives
American Express
S.E.L. Maduro & Sons, Rockefellerstr, 1, Oranjestad, Tel. 23888, office hours
8:00 - 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed on official
holidays. Services include personal check cashing, refunds, exchange and replacement of American Express Traveler checks, American Express Card replacement
service, report of lost or stolen American Express Cards.
Visa/Master Card
Aruba Bank, Caribbean Mercantile Bank and Interbank. Services available to
cardholders include cash advance, report of lost or stolen Visa/Master Card. Either your
passport or two other valid identifications are required.
The Aruba Banks listed above can also dispense US currency.
Bank at the Airport
Caribbean Merchantile Bank is located at the Queen Beatrix International Airport.
It is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 6
p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
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