Aruba is probably best known for the beautiful weather and the stunning Caribbean beaches that beckon you to sit on the sand and let your worries melt away. However, the island has a number of other wonderful attractions and sites to see. You might want to visit Philip’s Animal Garden, the Butterfly Farm, Arashi Beach, or take a dive down to the Antilla wreck.
See beautiful Aruba in a rental car
Rental cars are a very popular option for those who are going to visit Aruba and who want to set their own pace rather than rely on public transportation and taxis. It makes reaching all of your destinations much easier. Even better, you will not have to rely others to take you back to your hotel at the end of the day.
Aruba is a small island, so you have the potential to see everything you would like when you have a rental car at your disposal. Something to keep in mind is that the gas stations are a bit different in Aruba. Instead of pumping your own gas, it is customary to have the attendants pump the gas for you. Some stations will have lanes for self-service if you prefer. If you use one of the self-service pumps, you will have to pay inside of the gas station before you can start pumping gas.
The road conditions and safety
The main roads in the urban areas and the highways are in very excellent condition. They are well paved, and you should not encounter too many potholes or large issues. Even the smaller roads that are paved tend to be in good condition, although in some of the inland areas away from the larger resorts, there could be more potholes and cracks in the road.
In Aruba, you drive on the right side of the road, and those who are at least 21 years old and who have a valid driver’s license will be allowed to rent vehicles and drive on the roads. The local laws require that the drivers and the passengers in the vehicle wear seatbelts. Children who are under five years old need to be in a child safety seat, which you may need to rent as well. You will find that all of the rules of the road in Aruba are the same as in the United States, except for the fact that making right turns on red is illegal in Aruba.
Roundabouts are common in Aruba, so you need to know the rules of using them. The traffic approaching the roundabout needs to yield to the traffic that is already in the roundabout, as it legally has the right of way. One the major roads, you will find traffic lights.
When it rains, the roads can become very slippery. The fact that there is not a lot of rain here means that oil and dust build up on the roadway, and it becomes extremely slick with the rain starts falling. Also, keep an eye out for animals crossing the road regardless of the weather.
The speed limit
The speed limits in Aruba, unless otherwise noted by the signs, are as follows.
- Urban areas – 30 km/h
- Out of town – 60km/h
All of the road signs are in kilometers. Make sure you are careful and slow down when you are in residential areas and around schools.
Aruba is a perfect vacation spot, so make the most of your trip with a rental car.
