ARUBA – Located about 12 degrees north of the equator, approximately 18 miles off the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela. The island, one of the Lesser Antilles islands, is about 19 miles long and has about 5 miles wide and has a population of some 89,000.

ACCOMMODATIONS – Aruba offers you a very large and varied choice of hotels, both low-rise and high-rise, apartments and guesthouses. There are also numerous timeshare (Aruba is a red time location all year round) and real estate opportunities.

CALLING ARUBA – The international dialing code for Aruba is 297. Area codes do not exist in Aruba. All numbers start with 8 except for cellular telephone numbers which start with 9.

COMMUNICATIONS – Aruba has a modern telecommunications network. Long distance calls can be placed from any telephone or from SETAR (Aruba's Telecommunications organization) locations around Aruba. AT&T customers can dial 800-8000 from special phones located at the airport and at the cruise ship docking area. From other phones dial 121 to contact the SETAR international operator to place a collect or AT&T calling card call. Cellular phone rental is also available (Call 297 820005)

CREDIT CARDS – All major credit cards are accepted and there are Credit Card & Traveller's checks representatives (American Express/VISA/Mastercard/Discover) who will help you should you have any problems. ATM machines are also available for cards compatible with the Cirrus system.

CURRENCY – Aruba's currency is the florin, denoted by the letters 'Afl.' , divided into 100 cents. The rate of exchange with the US dollar is Afls 1.77 for cash and Afls. 1.79 for checks. Traveller's checks are widely accepted.

DRINKING WATER – Aruba has the world's second largest desalination plant which supplies the island with pure, refreshing water.

ELECTRICITY – Same as in North America, i.e. 110Volts AC at 60 cycles.

TIME – The time in Aruba is Atlantic Standard Time. It is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings time all year 'round.

WHAT TO WEAR – With Aruba's tropical climate, you will be comfortable in casual summerwear plus some light evening wear for restaurants, nightclubs and casinos (men might need a light jacket for some of these). Bathing suits are not permitted in shopping and business areas.