In the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is known as “One Happy Island”. It’s the perfect place to spend your next vacation, they have year-round sunshine, white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant local culture. Aruba is a paradise that blends natural beauty with warm hospitality. Whether you’re looking to unwind on Eagle Beach, explore colorful street art in San Nicolas, or dive into world-class snorkeling and water sports, Aruba offers something for every kind of traveler.
Now that you’re convinced to visit Aruba, one thing you’ll probably want to sort out is a reliable mobile internet connection. Whether you plan to spend most of your time offline soaking up the sun—or, who knows, staying connected to share every moment—having access to the internet is a must. From navigating the island and finding the best local spots to keeping in touch with friends and family, a good connection will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
What will you use the Internet for while you’re in Aruba?
While visiting Aruba, we quickly realized that mobile internet is especially essential for navigation. Although the island is small, it’s not particularly walkable, and the most popular way to get around is by renting a car. That means having access to maps and GPS is a must—whether you’re heading to a beach, exploring hidden gems, or finding the nearest restaurant. And to use maps reliably, you’ll need a steady mobile internet connection throughout your trip.
Besides navigation, you’ll likely need mobile internet to look up local restaurants, check reviews, and find nearby attractions. And let’s not forget social media, most travelers can’t resist sharing a photo while relaxing beneath a divi-divi tree on Baby Beach. Whether you’re staying connected with friends or just showing off Aruba’s stunning views, having reliable internet helps you make the most of your trip
TIP: People in Aruba are highly multilingual, English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento are commonly spoken, so you won’t need to worry about language barriers or using a translator. Most places, especially in tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards, but it’s smart to carry some cash for remote spots or small vendors. While the official currency is the Aruban Florin, US dollars are widely accepted everywhere, making transactions easier for visitors.
Public WiFi in Aruba: Is it really accesible?
In Aruba, you’ll likely find Wi-Fi available at most attractions, restaurants, hotels, and even some beaches, it’s common and generally easy to access. However, while public Wi-Fi can be convenient, it’s not always reliable or secure, and coverage can be spotty, especially in more remote areas. That’s why it’s best to treat public Wi-Fi as a backup option or a way to save on mobile data, rather than your primary internet source. For smoother travel and peace of mind, having your own mobile internet connection is the smarter choice. Avoid accessing sensitive information like bank accounts or entering passwords over public Wi-Fi unless you’re using a secure VPN, as these networks can be less secure and vulnerable to hackers. When possible, use your own mobile data or a trusted hotspot for safer browsing.
Mobile internet: SIM Cards and eSIMs
The main integer providers in Aruba are Setar (Government-owned, largest carrier) and Digicel Aruba (Privately owned, second-largest). To use a local SIM card in Aruba, your phone must be unlocked and compatible phone with the local network frequencies, most modern phones are, but it doesn’t hurt to check.
Local SIM Cards
You can purchase SIM cards at:
1. Airports
- Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA): Both Setar and Digicel have kiosks or representatives.
- Hours may vary, but typically aligned with flight schedules.
2. Carrier Retail Stores
- Located in Oranjestad, Palm Beach, and major towns.
- Open Monday–Saturday, typically 8 AM – 6 PM.
3. Supermarkets, gas stations, and convenience Stores
- Supermarkets and convenience stores in Aruba sometimes sell SIM cards, but they’re not the most reliable option. Stock can be inconsistent, and staff may not always be equipped to assist with activation. It’s best to check in advance if a specific location has SIM cards available or, better yet, plan to get yours from a carrier store, airport kiosk, or opt for an eSIM to avoid the uncertainty altogether.
Setar’s tourist SIM costs $30 for 7 days (5GB/day, local minutes, texts) and $50 for 14 days, while basic data-only plans start at $6.50 for 1GB/day. Digicel offers $30 for 35GB over 7 days or $50 for unlimited data and 60 minutes of international calls for 14 days.
PRO TIP: One important thing to keep in mind is that store opening hours in Aruba can be unreliable, carrier shops and even airport kiosks may not always be open as advertised. It’s best not to count on being able to buy a SIM card right when you arrive. If possible, check ahead with the specific store or consider alternatives like Digicel’s eSIM, which can be activated online without visiting a store.
eSIMs for Aruba
eSIMs are an excellent choice for travelers in Aruba, offering easy activation, reliable connections, and flexibility without the need for physical SIM cards. Among the available options, SimSolo stands out as a top choice for seamless connectivity. They have a user-friendly eSIM app that lets you purchase effortlessly. The app often features discounts and special deals, making it a great value option for travelers looking to stay connected in Aruba
eSIMs provide easy activation by simply scanning a QR code, no need to visit a store or swap physical SIM cards. This makes eSIMs highly convenient for travelers, allowing instant connectivity upon arrival with reliable 3G/4G service. SimSolo is especially popular for its straightforward online purchase, competitive prices starting around $39, and good data packages, making it a hassle-free option for tourists and digital
Mobile hotspots
Using a mobile hotspot in Aruba can be a good way to stay connected if you have multiple devices, but it does come with some downsides. Carrying a hotspot device around can be uncomfortable, especially when you’re out exploring or relaxing on the beach where you want to travel light. Plus, hotspots need to be charged regularly, which isn’t always convenient on the go. For these reasons, many travelers prefer local SIM cards or eSIMs directly on their phones for hassle-free, lightweight connectivity.
Daily rental rates for portable Wi-Fi devices typically range from $5 to $10 USD per day, depending on the provider and data allowance. For example, a 7-day rental could cost between $35 and $70 USD, with potential discounts for longer rental periods.
Data roaming for Aruba: How much does it cost?
Data roaming is an option to get mobile internet while you are in Aruba, but it can be quite expensive. Most major international providers offer roaming agreements with Aruba’s networks (Setar and Digicel), but rates for data, calls, and texts tend to be high compared to buying a local SIM or eSIM. If you only need light usage or short-term connectivity, roaming can be convenient, but for longer stays or heavier data use, local SIM cards or eSIM plans usually offer much better value and faster speeds. Always check your carrier’s roaming rates and packages before traveling to avoid surprise
Our recommendation
For the best mobile experience in Aruba, we recommend using a local SIM card or an eSIM rather than relying on roaming. Local SIMs from Setar or Digicel offer affordable data packages with reliable coverage, while eSIMs, especially from providers like SimSolo, provide easy, instant activation and great convenience without needing to visit a store. Avoid roaming to save on high costs, and be mindful that store hours can be unpredictable, so having an eSIM ready before you arrive is a smart move. This way, you’ll enjoy fast, affordable, and hassle-free connectivity throughout your trip.
