Food & Drink: Not much food is grown locally, but the variety in the local cuisine is extensive. Aruban specialities include stobà (lamb or goat stew), cala (bean fritters), pastechi (meat- or cheese-stuffed turnovers), ayacas (leaf-wrapped meat roll) and sopi di pisca (fish chowder). There is a very wide range of international cuisine and several of the more famous fast-food chains have premises on the island.

Nightlife: There is one drive-in and one indoor cinema screening current American, European and Latin American films. The highlight of Aruba’s nightlife, however, is the casinos, of which there are ten, open from 1100 until the early morning. There are several bars and discotheques in Oranjestad, as well as nightclubs offering revues and live music.Themed nights and limbo dancing are a local speciality.

Shopping: As a ‘free zone’, duty on most items in Aruba is so low that shopping here can have obvious advantages. Stores carry goods from all parts of the world and there are some excellent buys, including perfume, linens, jewellery, watches, cameras, crystal, china and other luxury items plus a range of locally made handicrafts. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1200 and 1400-1800.

Special Events: For a full list of special events contact the Aruba Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section). The following are a selection of events taking place in 2003:
Jan-Feb 2003 Carnival 2003, countrywide. Jan 26 Cocoyoco Jam, (street party), Noord. Feb 2 Lighting Parade, (floats, costumes and lights). Feb 10 Grand 48th Carnival Parade (culmination of the annual carnival), Oranjestad. Feb 12 Old Mask Parade and Burning of King Momo. Mar 17 Aruba International Half-Marathon. Apr 30 Queen’s Birthday (including official ceremony, kite contests and sporting events). Jun 24 St John’s Day (Dera Gai). Jun 28-29 Aruba Jazz and Latin Music Festival. Jun 28-Jul 4 Aruba Hi-Winds Windsurfing Pro-Am World Challenge. Jun 30 Aruba’s 17th International Triathlon. Jul 5 13th Heineken Music Festival. Jul 6-7 9th Aruba Perrier Reef Care Project (annual awareness campaign to educate the public on the importance of protecting the island’s marine environment). Aug 18-20 Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Sep 1-7 Latin American Tennis Club Challenge Cup. Sep 18-22 International Paintball Competition.Oct 2-5 Festival de las Americas (annual music festival). Oct 20-Nov 3 International Theatre Festival. Oct 25-26 Deep-Sea Fishing Tournaments, Aruba Nautical Club. Oct 25-27 International Tour of Arbua (annual cycling event). Nov 2-3 Aruba Super Nationals 2002 (drag-racing championships). Nov 14-17 Central American and Caribbean Cross Country Championship. Nov 16-23 Aruba International Catamaran Regatta. Dec 5 St Nicolas Day.

Social Conventions: Much of the social activity will take place in hotels where the atmosphere will be informal, often American in feel. The islanders do not wear shorts in town though it is acceptable for visitors to do so. Bathing suits are strictly for beach or poolside. In the evenings people tend to dress up, especially when visiting the casinos. Jackets are not required for men, except for official government functions. Tipping: Hotels add a 15 per cent service charge to any food or beverage bill. Restaurants may add 15 per cent service to the bill; if not, ten to 15 per cent is normal. Taxi fares do not include tips, but there may be charges for luggage and tips are well appreciated.