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US to Aruba Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

Aerial view of Aruba port
seen in: national geographic, cnn, travel + leisure, new york times
the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
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Aruba’s country slogan has long been “One Happy Island,” and even one visit to the postcard-perfect Caribbean Island will surely have you agreeing.
Whether you’re dreaming of lounging on dove-white sand beaches and snorkeling in iridescent blue waters, or want to explore Aruba’s colorful architecture, globally-inspired cuisine, laid-back yet exciting nightlife.

If you’re planning a trip and are a tad confused as to what outlet type and socket the country might have, you’re not alone. That’s where we aim to help! Read on for all the information you’ll need about the electrical setup of Aruba and what type of adapter you’ll need, plus amazing additions to your packing list and common FAQs.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Which power outlets do they use in Aruba?

Aruba power outlet
Here is an actual photo of an Aruba power outlet

Aruba has three electrical outlet types: the type A plug, common to North America, with two flat, parallel blades; the type B plug, with two blades and a grounding hole; and lastly, the type F plug, used in continental Europe, which has two round central pins. While that may sound like two plug types too many for one relatively small island, remember that Aruba is a blend of both European and Caribbean worlds, so electrical sockets to appease both are accommodated.

In terms of voltage and electrical output, the standard on Aruba is 127V, with a frequency of 60 Hz. If you’re coming from the United States, where the voltage is 110-120V, that sounds like a substantial enough of a difference, but it’s actually not, so no worries on that front: all of your regular appliances should have no issues connecting to the Aruban sockets. We’ll explain more below!

What kind of power adapter do I need for Aruba?

Aruba power adapter
Recommended Aruba power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

As mentioned above, Aruba has three different plug types. Since it’s a country that relies heavily on tourism, rest assured that nearly all places catering to tourists will have the two most common electrical sockets available, that is, the North American plug type and the European plug type. What that means is that if you’re traveling to Aruba from the United States, you generally won’t need a specific US-to-Aruba power adapter- however, we always like to err on the side of caution!

You never know if your hotel or guesthouse will be one plug type short than you need, so bringing a universal power adapter is smart. Especially when it offers the ability to charge multiple devices at once because of the two USB ports, and it has a built-in fuse protector to ensure your devices don’t get damaged due to a shotty outlet.

We always bring this adapter when traveling to a new country because it works in 100+ countries worldwide and has never failed us! And if we did experience any issues, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, so they’ll just send us another one!

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other Aruba Packing List Items

In addition to your US-to-Aruba power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Aruba packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

  • 1. Neck Wallet

    Here’s a hard fact: your passport and credit cards are your lifelines when traveling abroad. And so it goes without saying that you need to protect them from pickpockets or getting lost. This neck wallet does that and more, which is why it’s one of the first things we pack when heading abroad. It will not only keep your most important documents and cards safely concealed, but protect them from the ever-more-common threat of e-theft with built-in RFID-blocking material.

    neck wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    You’ll be hitting beaches like Boca Grandi, Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach, and more. Instead of luggage around a big, fluffy hotel towel – opt for this lightweight microfiber option instead. It dries 10x faster than cotton and is super absorbent. I find it perfect for travel, beach days, concerts, hikes, and more.

    Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Hopping online in Aruba could leave you vulnerable to potential hackers, phishing, and other online cybersecurity threats. I never travel without a VPN to protect my network and ensure no creepy onlookers are monitoring my activity while I’m in public places like hotels, airports, cafes, etc.

    A VPN helps prevent data theft and helps keep your browsing private, as it should be. It will also mitigate any censorship you may experience in the region, which commonly includes content-based apps like Netflix, HBO, and YouTube. For a few dollars a month, you can ensure a completely safe and unlimited browsing experience, which can make all the difference when you’re hopping from place to place.

    vpn

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Aruba offers a merry-go-round of activities, so chances are that you’ll be on the go more often than you think, and the last thing you want is to find out that your main photo-taking, navigation, and internet-searching device has drained its battery! This portable charger offers one of the most reliable size-to-power charges on the market. It’s also small enough to fit in your pocket and light enough to forget it’s even there!

    Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Jet Lag Relief

    Jet lag can really knock a person out, and even when not traveling the longest of distances. With layovers, busy flight days, and time changes, we swear by these homeopathic jet lag relief pills to minimize the effects of travel days. They help eliminate fatigue, help us sleep better, and ensure we’re focused and ready to charge upon arrival to a new country.

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Aruba

    The government formerly required travel insurance for Aruba, but now only strongly recommends it. Don’t risk your coverage since your domestic provider will not protect you overseas; you should safeguard your trip investment with travel insurance. It gives us peace of mind that if something were to disrupt our vacation, we’d not only be covered but also have a 24/7 support team on our side.

    We use Faye because they offer top-notch support with Claims Specialists who really care. They helped me connect with my doctor for a telehealth appointment and find a local clinic in the Caribbean when I needed support. They even have plans for extreme sports or ‘trip cancellation for any reason,’ which is necessary to have in these uncertain times.

    Travel Insurance for Aruba

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Bathrooms in Aruba are generally decent and while you may have to pay $1 for use of public ones, the hotels will generally lack countertops or storage space. Instead of stacking your moisturizer bottles or sprawling hair products on your bedside table – organize everything in this hanging toiletry bag that keeps everything at eye-level.

    With 7 pockets (4 internal and 3 external), you’ll find a perfect spot for all of your little items, from serums to Q-tips. The elastic bands hold bottles in place so they don’t slide everywhere, and the 360-swivel hook can be hung basically anywhere (a door, hook, shower, towel rack, etc.) You won’t have to dig for that tiny chapstick or clean up a shampoo explosion in your suitcase. Once you try it, you won’t go back!

    hanging toiletry bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Granted, Aruba only receives about 20 inches of rain a year, but if you’re traveling during the rainy season (any time October through January), you’ll want rain protection in case a surprise shower catches you by surprise. You can also use it as sun protection when you’re walking around on those super sunny days! This travel umbrella and shade generator is super sturdy, compact, and lightweight. What’s not to love?

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Waterproof Phone Pouch

    Let’s be honest, the main appeal of Aruba is the jaw-dropping blue waters and island lifestyle. As you enjoy surfing, boating, swimming, skyboarding, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and other water activities – keep your phone in this waterproof phone pouch. It will ensure no moisture or sand damages your lifeline. You can also film some pretty epic underwater videos (with sound!) to share your adventures on social media.

    Waterproof Phone Pouch

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Packing Cubes

    Staying organized while traveling is pretty critical for our adventurous family. And at the end of the day, it’s a comfort to know we can always find anything we’re looking for. These packing cubes come in several different sizes, and they’ll keep everything from your swimsuits and charging cables to children’s toys and nightlife garb tidy and easy to locate. You can label each cube (socks, tops, essentials, etc.), and nothing will go missing again! The bonus laundry bags are a treat and you can also opt for the 3-pack set for shorter getaways.

    packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Water Shoes

    Do yourself a favor and bring water shoes. The shores can get a little rocky away from the high-rise hotels. And if you go off the beaten path at any point, it will be wise to protect your feet with an option that works on-land and in-sea. You never know if you will run into a broken piece of coral underwater or something sharp, and it’s best to keep that barrier between you and the ocean floor.

    mesh water shoes maui

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Luggage locks are strangely something most travelers don’t prioritize, but we’re huge fans. Who wouldn’t want to keep their luggage and backpacks extra safe, after all? We learned the hard way after something was stolen out of our luggage after we checked it for an international flight. Now, we always secure our bags with these TSA-approved locks that have never let us down. When we’re not in transit, we’ll use them to protect the valuables in our rooms by locking up our bags!

    luggage locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Activated Charcoal

    If you’ve ever suffered from a tummy ache while exploring abroad, you know how common it is to feel unsettled by new cuisine and tap water. Anything from ice in a soda to gourmet meals can make you sick, and it’s fairly normal as your body adjusts to the new local fare. Ease the transition and mitigate any stomach pain by packing activated charcoal supplements. It acts as a magnet for unwanted pathogens and viruses so they don’t absorb into your tummy. At the first sign of trouble, take 1-2 tablets and you’ll feel better much quicker.

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Luggage Straps

    Once on vacation to Europe, my best friend’s luggage ended up wide open, approaching us on the baggage claim conveyor belt with ALL of his dirty laundry on display! Luckily, I had luggage straps on me, so we were able to tie his bag together for the next flight. But now, we always strap on these luggage belts to take the pressure off our zippers.

    Transits can be rough as baggage handlers are less-than-gentle in their approach. These straps will ensure your bag gets from point A to point B since they can endure 700+ pounds of force tension. They also make it way easier to spot your bag for pickup (and not accidentally grab someone else’s since so many bags end up looking identical and the wrong ones get taken all the time!)

    Luggage Straps

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Cooling Towels

    Aruba’s weather can get a little spicy. And there’s nothing more relaxing on a hot day than a cooling towel. Simply add water and this baby drops to 30-degrees colder than the outside temp for up to an hour! It’s kind of magical, especially since it’s chemical-free and made of a top-quality microfiber material. When you’re ready for more frosty relief, simply add more water and wring it out. We love bringing these to tropical destinations for tours, beach days, hikes, concerts, or any other time you need to simmer down!

    cooling towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Aruba?

What’s the electricity and power supply like in Aruba?

So by now, you already know that the voltage in Aruba is 127V, and the frequency is 60 Hz, and that while you don’t need a specific US to Aruba power adapter per se, a universal adapter to suit all plug types will certainly make your trip easier. Well, great! You’ve nearly learned it all when it comes to the outlet types of the country.

From a more macro standpoint, travelers should know that the power supply in Aruba is very reliable. The company N.V. Elmar is the sole provider of electricity, so there are no inconsistencies to note in different areas of the island; what you get in the capital of Oranjestad is what you get in the small village of Cery Colorado on the southeasternmost tip of the island.

Like most countries, Aruba currently relies mainly on imported fossil fuels for its energy, but the country is leaning more and more toward a future that integrates far more renewables. Especially as a super sunny island surrounded by water, there is amazing potential for ocean thermal energy conversion, geothermal power, and wind and solar energy to fuel its electricity.

Do I need a voltage converter for Aruba?

Although countries are often listed with specific voltage numbers for their sockets, in reality, voltage is not an exact science, and there is a buffer for appliances and electronic devices. So if Aruba’s voltage is listed as having a 127V supply voltage, what that really means is that anything designed to work in a 100-127V electrical socket – which is almost any computer, cell phone, camera, battery pack, etc- is in the clear.

In simplest terms: if you’re coming from the United States, no voltage converter is needed. However, it’s always a good idea to check the labels on your devices and ensure the input reads 120-240V and 50/60 Hz, just in case.

Other FAQs about traveling in Aruba

  • 1. What’s the weather and climate like in Aruba?

    What’s the weather and climate like in Aruba?

    Aruba is gifted with pretty reliable- and dare we say perfect- weather, and it basically always feels like the best of summer days; temperatures average in the low to mid-80s year-round. The climate is more desert-like than tropical, and the country is often considered one of the sunniest in the Caribbean, with typically no more than 20-inches of rain a year, most of that small number falling between December and February.

  • 2. When is the best time to travel to Aruba?

    Aruba’s high season is December to April, and during this period, you’ll find the highest prices and the largest crowds by far. Being that weather isn’t really a factor – because it’s pretty spectacular year round!- and the country is out of the hurricane belt, we’d say the best time to travel to Aruba is any time outside of high season: May through November.

  • 3. What are some must-see highlights of Aruba?

    What are some must-see highlights of Aruba?

    Aruba is known for its awe-inspiring beaches, so it goes without saying that the ocean is the country’s main draw. From snorkeling and sea kayaking, to wreck diving and kite-boarding, watersport enthusiasts will have endless options at their disposal. On land, you can go on exciting off-road tours, and horseback rides, visit butterfly farms, and even try out sand-dune surfing! Then there’s the charming capital of Oranjestad, which will surely impress visitors with its pastel-colored Dutch colonial architecture and a unique slice of city life; from museums and restaurants to funky local shops and nighttime entertainment, you’ll most likely have more to see and do than time to do it!

    We use Get Your Guide to book all of our global excursions since they offer discounted rates, skip-the-line, and flexible cancellations.

    See all Aruba attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 4. What language do people speak on Aruba?

    While there are two official languages on the island of Aruba – Dutch and Papiamento. Many residents also speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

  • 5. Do I need a car rental to visit Aruba?

    Do I need a car rental to visit Aruba?

    Whether you should rent a car for your Aruba vacation depends on what you’re looking to experience. If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort and plan to spend most of your time there, chances are you can rely on hotel shuttles, tours, local taxis, and buses to get around and sightsee. If you’re more of the adventurous type who likes to get out and really explore, renting a car allows you to see more without the constraints of public transport. Rental companies often offer affordable 2-3 day bundles too, so if it’s within your means, why not head off the beaten path and get a better taste of the island?